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        <title>LA ROSA REALTY - CELEBRATION</title>
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        <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com</link>
        <description>Orlando FL Real Estate Agent I Your Orlando Vacation Home Specialist</description>
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	<title>Orlando Vacation Homes &#8211; LA ROSA REALTY &#8211; CELEBRATION</title>
	<link>https://mikechenrealtor.com</link>
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                    <item>
                <title>Orlando Housing Market 2026: Mid-Year Update &amp;amp; Forecast</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/orlando-housing-market-2026-mid-year-update-forecast/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=18623</guid>
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                    <![CDATA[The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Rent vs Buy Properties in Orlando FL: The Real Math for Buyers in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-properties-orlando-fl-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=18622</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando renters spend an average of $1,926 per month on a two-bedroom apartment. That is $23,112 per year going to...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13033800/Rent-vs-Buy-Properties-in-Orlando-FL-The-Real-Math-for-Buyers-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Living in Horizon West FL: 2026 Guide to Neighborhoods</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/living-in-horizon-west-fl-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=18475</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Horizon West at a Glance Horizon West grew from 14,000 residents in 2010 to over 73,000 in 2026. That 5x...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/01182334/Living-in-Horizon-West-FL-2026-Guide-to-Neighborhoods.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>10 Best Neighborhoods in Windermere FL: Where to Buy in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/best-neighborhoods-in-windermere-fl-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=18476</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Ten Windermere FL neighborhoods compared by price, HOA fees, school zones, and lifestyle. From lakefront estates on the Butler Chain...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>How Epic Universe Is Reshaping Home Values in Horizon West and Windermere</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-epic-universe-is-reshaping-home-values-in-horizon-west-and-windermere/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=18360</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A ~$7 billion theme park just changed the math for homeowners in Southwest Orlando. Here is what the numbers actually...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/06/14190703/Epic-Universe-Home-Values-Horizon-West-Windermere-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>10 Best Neighborhoods in Kissimmee FL: Where to Buy in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/10-best-neighborhoods-in-kissimmee-fl-where-to-buy-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=18337</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Kissimmee sits at one of the best intersections in Central Florida. You are 10 to 30 minutes from Disney World,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Game Room ROI: Foosball, Pool Table, Arcade — Which Amenity Pays Back Fastest in Your Orlando Vacation Home?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/game-room-roi-for-orlando-vacation-rentals-2026-guide/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17978</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Every week, I get the same question from a buyer who just closed on a 6-bedroom near Disney: &#8220;What should...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>New Construction Build Times &amp;amp; Your First-Year Tax Strategy: Pulte vs. D.R. Horton vs. Lennar (2026)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/new-construction-build-times-and-str-tax-strategy-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17985</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[How long does it really take to go from contract to listed Airbnb, and why can the gap cost you...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/05/25014701/New-Construction-Build-Times-Your-First-Year-Tax-Strategy-Pulte-vs.-D.R.-Horton-vs.-Lennar-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Best Vacation Rental Communities Near Epic Universe in 2026: The Definitive Investor&amp;#8217;s Guide</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-blog-best-vacation-rental-communities-near-epic-universe-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17937</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Universal&#8217;s Epic Universe changed the math on Orlando vacation rentals the moment it opened in May 2025. A $6.95 billion...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/05/17081953/Best-Vacation-Rental-Communities-Near-Epic-Universe-in-2026-The-Definitive-Investors-Guide.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Tax Benefits of Owning an Orlando Vacation Rental: Depreciation, the 14-Day Rule, and the STR Loophole</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/tax-benefits-orlando-vacation-rental-depreciation-14-day-rule/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17936</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Most investors buy an Orlando vacation rental for the cash flow. But the tax benefits can be just as powerful,...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>New Construction vs. Resale Vacation Rental in Orlando: Which Is the Better Investment in 2026?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/new-construction-vs-resale-vacation-rental-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17893</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[I bought my first vacation rental in 2017. It was a resale in the Regal Palms Resort. Since then, I...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/05/10113041/New-Construction-vs.-Resale-Vacation-Rental-in-Orlando-Which-Is-the-Better-Investment-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>What to Do After Buying a Vacation Rental in Orlando: Your First 60 Days</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/first-60-days-after-buying-orlando-vacation-rental/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17891</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Every blog on the internet tells you how to buy an Orlando vacation rental. Almost none of them tell you...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/05/10114312/What-to-Do-After-Buying-a-Vacation-Rental-in-Orlando.png"></media:content>
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                <title>How to Sell an Underperforming Orlando Vacation Rental Without Taking a Loss</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/sell-underperforming-orlando-vacation-rental/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17769</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Your nightly rate keeps dropping. Occupancy is sliding. The HOA bill is creeping up. And you&#8217;re starting to think the...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Should You Sell Your Orlando Vacation Rental Furnished or Unfurnished in 2026? The Real Math</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/orlando-vacation-rental-furnished-vs-unfurnished/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17768</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Every&nbsp;furnished vacation rental&nbsp;seller in Orlando hits this fork in the road: list it as a&nbsp;turnkey vacation rental&nbsp;with all the furniture...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/05/03183921/Should-You-Sell-Your-Orlando-Vacation-Rental-Furnished-or-Unfurnished-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Turnkey vs unfurnished Orlando vacation homes what&amp;#8217;s actually worth paying for?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/turnkey-vs-unfurnished-orlando-vacation-homes/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17733</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Turnkey Orlando vacation homes sell for 15 to 25 percent more than comparable unfurnished properties. Sometimes that premium is the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                    <item>
                <title>Should I sell my Orlando Airbnb, STR, or vacation home in 2026?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/should-i-sell-my-orlando-airbnb-str-or-vacation-home-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17578</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[&#8220;Sell my Orlando Airbnb&#8221; is one of the most-searched owner questions in 2026 — and the honest answer depends on...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>I don&amp;#8217;t just sell vacation homes — I own and operate them.</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/i-dont-just-sell-vacation-homes-i-own-and-operate-them/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17515</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Most Orlando vacation home Realtors hand you a key at closing and disappear. I hand you a guest a week...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/20085536/I-dont-just-sell-vacation-homes-I-own-and-operate-them.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Why Some Windermere Homes Sit on the Market (and Others Sell Fast)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-some-windermere-homes-sit-on-the-market-and-others-sell-fast/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17094</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you have been wondering why some Windermere homes sit on the market, the answer usually comes down to strategy,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/03170934/Why-Some-Windermere-Homes-Sit-on-the-Market-and-Others-Sell-Fast.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>What Upgrades Increase Home Value in Windermere?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/what-upgrades-increase-home-value-in-windermere/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17095</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A seller-focused guide for homeowners who want stronger offers, faster sales, and better ROI. If you’re asking what upgrades increase...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Reunion Resort: Is It Still Worth Investing in 2026?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/reunion-resort-is-it-still-worth-investing-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17025</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Reunion Resort has long been considered one of the most recognizable vacation rental communities in Central Florida. But in 2026,...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/03/22201823/Reunion-Resort-Investment-Orlando-Is-It-Worth-It-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Why Working with an Airbnb Real Estate Agent in Orlando Pays Off</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-work-with-an-airbnb-real-estate-agent-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17026</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Buying a property in Orlando is easy. Buying a profitable Airbnb investment in Orlando is not. And that distinction is...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/03/22201425/Why-Working-with-an-Airbnb-Real-Estate-Agent-in-Orlando-Pays-Off.png"></media:content>
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                <title>How to Use a 1031 Exchange for Short-Term Rental Investing in Orlando</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-use-a-1031-exchange-for-short-term-rental-investing-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=17024</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Most real estate investors don’t lose money when they sell a property. They lose it when they pay taxes too...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Orlando Airbnb Property Values: Here&amp;#8217;s What Sellers Need to Know &amp;amp; What Drives Value</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/orlando-airbnb-property-values-heres-what-sellers-need-to-know-what-drives-value/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16973</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando consistently ranks among the top Airbnb markets in the U.S. and for good reason. With millions of visitors every...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/03/14073608/Orlando-Airbnb-Property-Values-What-Sellers-Must-Know-1.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Short-Term Rental Success in Orlando: What Top Investors Do Differently</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/short-term-rental-success-in-orlando-what-top-investors-do-differently/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16979</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Short-term rental success in Orlando attracts investors because Disney tourism continues to drive strong demand for vacation accommodations. However, many...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/03/14080006/Short-Term-Rental-Success-in-Orlando-What-Top-Investors-Do-Differently.png"></media:content>
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                <title>What Is My Vacation Rental Worth in Windsor Hills? (2026 Market Value Guide)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/vacation-rental-worth-in-windsor-hills-2026-market-value-guide/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16885</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Windsor Hills Resort in Kissimmee, Florida remains one of the most recognized vacation rental communities near Walt Disney World. Located...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Top Factors That Affect the Value of a Disney Vacation Home &amp;#8211; 2026 Guide</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/top-factors-that-affect-the-value-of-a-disney-vacation-home-2026-guide/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16926</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Vacation homes near Walt Disney World attract buyers from across the U.S. and internationally. Families seek spacious accommodations close to...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/03/08091622/Top-Factors-That-Affect-the-Value-of-a-Disney-Vacation-Home-2026-Guide.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>How Much Is My Orlando Airbnb Worth Near Disney in 2026?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-much-is-my-orlando-airbnb-worth-near-disney-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16925</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando welcomed 75.3 million visitors in 2024, making it the most visited destination in the United States. That number isn&#8217;t...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/03/08085411/How-Much-Is-My-Orlando-Airbnb-Worth-Near-Disney-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Selling a Home in Windsor Hills: What Owners Need to Know (2026 Guide)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/selling-a-home-in-windsor-hills-what-owners-need-to-know-2026-guide/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16881</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Windsor Hills is one of the most recognized vacation home communities near Walt Disney World. Located in Kissimmee, just minutes...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>When to Sell an Airbnb Investment in Orlando (And When to Hold)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/when-to-sell-and-hold-airbnb-investment-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16786</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’re asking when to sell an Airbnb investment in Orlando, you’re not alone. The Orlando short-term rental market has...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/27234543/When-to-Sell-and-Hold-Airbnb-Investment-in-Orlando-.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Posner Reserve Resort – Amenities, Location &amp;amp; Investment Vacation Homes</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/posner-reserve-resort-amenities-location-investment-vacation-homes/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16741</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you&#8217;re exploring new short-term rental communities in Davenport, Posner Reserve Resort is one development you should absolutely have on...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/27132013/Posner-Reserve-Resort-Amenities-Location-Investment-Vacation-Homes-1.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Best New Short-Term Rental Community Near Disney? A Look at Posner Reserve</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/best-new-short-term-rental-community-near-disney-a-look-at-posner-reserve/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16719</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The Orlando short-term rental market continues to evolve. New resort-style communities are being developed every year, but not all are...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Orlando STR Financial Statements Don’t Tell the Full Investment Story</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-orlando-str-financial-statements-dont-tell-the-full-investment-story/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16643</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As an Orlando STR Realtor, I’ve sold hundreds of vacation homes through both the highs and lows of the short-term...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/21185455/Why-Orlando-STR-Financial-Statements-Dont-Tell-the-Full-Investment-Story.png"></media:content>
                                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Is a Storey Lake Short-Term Rental Investment Worth It? Revenue, HOA Fees &amp;amp; Risk Analysis</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-a-storey-lake-short-term-rental-investment-worth-it-revenue-hoa-fees-risk-analysis/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16633</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Storey Lake has become one of the most talked-about vacation rental communities near Orlando. Its resort amenities, location close to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/21190211/Is-a-Storey-Lake-Short-Term-Rental-Investment-Worth-It-Revenue-HOA-Fees-Risk-Analysis.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Pulte Pays $51.8M for Davenport Site for Next Resort-Style Vacation Home Community</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/pulte-pays-51-8m-for-davenport-site-for-next-resort-style-vacation-home-community/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16599</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In a landmark transaction for Polk County, national homebuilder PulteGroup has finalized a $51.8 million cash purchase of a 288-acre...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>What Successful Orlando Airbnb Investors Do Differently in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/what-successful-orlando-airbnb-investors-do-differently-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16565</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando has long attracted real estate investors thanks to tourism, major attractions, and steady year-round travel demand that supports short-term...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/13030512/What-Successful-Orlando-Airbnb-Investors-Do-in-2026.png"></media:content>
                                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Airbnb Investors Fail by Treating STRs Like Passive Income</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-airbnb-investors-fail-by-treating-strs-like-passive-income/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16540</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Short-term rentals (STRs) attract thousands of new investors every year. Social media stories, YouTube case studies, and online forums often...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/11060536/Why-Airbnb-Investors-Fail-by-Treating-STRs-Like-Passive-Income-2.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>10 Common Mistakes Orlando STR Investors Make in Their First 24 Months</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/10-common-mistakes-orlando-str-investors-make/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16537</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, drawing over 75 million visitors annually. For real estate investors, the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Airbnb Investment Risks in Orlando Every New STR Investor Should Know (And How to Avoid Them)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/airbnb-investment-risks-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16480</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, welcoming over 75 million visitors annually. For real estate investors, those...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/07120137/Airbnb-Investment-Risks-in-Orlando-A-Guide-for-New-Investors-1.png"></media:content>
                                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Your Airbnb Listing Isn’t Ranking (And How to Fix It in 2026)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-your-airbnb-listing-isnt-ranking-and-how-to-fix-it-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16477</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Many Airbnb hosts feel stuck. You invest in décor, take great photos, and write a detailed description, yet your listing...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/07115236/Why-Your-Airbnb-Listing-Isnt-Ranking-And-How-to-Fix-It-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Why Many Orlando STR Investors Sell After 2 Years</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-many-orlando-str-investors-sell-after-2-years/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16475</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando attracts a large number of STR investors each year due to strong tourism, year-round demand, and the potential for...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Smaller 3–5 Bedroom Homes Often Outperform Large Airbnb Properties in Orlando</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-smaller-3-5-bedroom-homes-often-outperform-large-airbnb-properties-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16468</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A larger home isn’t always a better investment, especially in today’s Orlando short-term rental market. When first-time investors shop for...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/02/07113617/Why-3-5-Bedroom-Airbnbs-Outperform-Large-Homes-in-Orlando.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Is Lake Nona a Good Place to Buy a Home in 2026? What Buyers Need to Know</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-lake-nona-a-good-place-to-buy-a-home-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16432</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Is Lake Nona still the &#8220;smart&#8221; buy in Orlando for 2026? For years, this master-planned community has been the poster...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/30110648/Is-Lake-Nona-a-Good-Place-to-Buy-a-Home-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>How Mike Chen Sells Luxury Vacation Homes Faster in Orlando — Without Overpricing</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-mike-chen-sells-luxury-vacation-homes-faster-in-orlando-without-overpricing/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16339</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’re selling a luxury vacation home in Orlando, Florida, the goal is simple: move the property quickly while still...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>How to Buy a Legal Short-Term Rental Near Disney in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-buy-a-legal-short-term-rental-near-disney-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16338</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Buying a short-term rental near Disney can be a powerful investment decision. Orlando remains one of the strongest vacation rental...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/25091011/How-to-Buy-a-Legal-Short-Term-Rental-Near-Disney-in-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Why Selling Orlando Luxury Vacation Homes for Sale Needs a Different Marketing Strategy</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-selling-orlando-luxury-vacation-homes-for-sale-needs-a-different-marketing-strategy/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16337</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Successfully marketing Orlando luxury vacation homes requires a fundamentally different approach than traditional residential or investment property marketing. These homes...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/25084241/Why-Selling-Orlando-Luxury-Vacation-Homes-Needs-a-Strategy.png"></media:content>
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                <title>What Out-of-State STR Investors Need to Know Before Buying an Airbnb in Orlando, Florida (2026)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/what-out-of-state-str-investors-need-to-know-before-buying-an-airbnb-in-orlando-florida-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16336</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[You are sitting in California, New York, or maybe Texas, scrolling through listings and dreaming of Mickey Mouse-fueled cash flow....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>How Mike Chen Gets Your Orlando, Kissimmee, &amp;amp; Davenport Vacation Home Sold Fast for Top Dollar</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-mike-chen-gets-your-orlando-kissimmee-davenport-vacation-home-sold-fast-for-top-dollar/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16217</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Selling a vacation home in Orlando is a completely different ballgame than selling a primary residence. You aren’t just selling...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/09185926/Sell-Your-Orlando-Vacation-Home-Fast-For-Top-Dollar.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Investing in Orlando Vacation Rental Communities – 2026 Update</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/investing-in-orlando-vacation-rental-communities-2026-update/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16208</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando’s vacation rental market remains a global hotspot in 2026, but let’s be honest: the &#8220;build it and they will...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/09125646/Investing-in-Orlando-Vacation-Rental-Communities-2026-Update.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Where to Invest in Short-Term Rentals Near Orlando: Communities That Still Work in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/where-to-invest-in-short-term-rentals-near-orlando-communities-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16160</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The Orlando short-term rental market is evolving fast, but for savvy investors, the opportunity remains massive. With over 80 million...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>How Much Is a Vacation Home for Sale in Orlando, Florida?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-much-is-a-vacation-home-for-sale-in-orlando-florida/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16154</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[You’re driving down I-4, the Florida sun warming the dashboard, and you see those iconic mouse ears rising in the...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/04221057/Orlando-Vacation-Home-Prices-2026-Kissimmee-vs-Davenport.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Selling a Home in Solterra Resort: What Owners Need to Know in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/selling-a-home-in-solterra-resort-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16153</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Is it time to cash in on your Solterra investment? With the Orlando real estate market evolving rapidly, 2026 presents...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/01/04092940/Selling-a-Home-in-Solterra-Resort-Owners-Guide-for-2026.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>ChampionsGate vs. Reunion Resort: Which Disney-Area Community Is Right for You?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/championsgate-vs-reunion-resort-which-disney-area-community-is-right-for-you/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16068</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A Complete Buyer &amp; Vacation Rental Comparison Near Disney World (2026 Guide) If you’re considering buying a vacation home or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Homes in Storey Lake, Kissimmee Sell Faster Than Other Communities</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-homes-in-storey-lake-kissimmee-sell-faster-than-other-communities/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16067</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A Market Analysis by Mike Chen, Florida Real Estate &amp; STR Specialist As a real estate professional who works closely...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/28195608/Why-Homes-in-Storey-Lake-Kissimmee-Sell-Faster-Than-Other-Communities-scaled.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Is Now the Best Time to Sell a Home in Windsor Hills, FL? (2026 Market Update)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-now-the-best-time-to-sell-a-home-in-windsor-hills-fl-2026-market-update/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16065</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A Data-Driven Guide for Windsor Hills Homeowners Considering a Sale If you own a home in Windsor Hills, Florida, you...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/28200118/Windsor-Hills-Home-Values-2026-Should-You-Sell-Now-1-scaled.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>The Ultimate Guide to Selling a Short-Term Rental in ChampionsGate, Florida (2025)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-selling-a-short-term-rental-in-championsgate-florida-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16066</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[How to Maximize Value When Selling Your Airbnb or Vacation Rental If you own a short-term rental property in ChampionsGate,...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Is Seven Park Residences a Good Short-Term Rental Investment in Miami? Let’s Answer This.</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/seven-park-residences-str-investment/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16044</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A Complete STR Investment Breakdown for Smart Buyers Miami continues to rank among the strongest short-term rental (STR) markets in...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/22101606/Is-Seven-Park-Residences-a-Good-Short-Term-Rental-Investment-in-Miami.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Thinking of Selling Your Unit at The Crosby Miami Downtown? Here’s Why Now May Be the Best Time</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/selling-the-crosby-miami/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16028</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The Crosby Miami Worldcenter and the 2025 Downtown Miami Condo Market If you’re an owner at The Crosby Miami Worldcenter,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/22072721/Sell-My-Crosby-Miami-Unit-2025-Resale-Airbnb-Market-Guide.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Top Airbnb Selling Mistakes Owners Make — and Why STR Expertise Changes Everything</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/airbnb-selling-mistakes/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=16027</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When Selling an Airbnb Starts Costing You Money (Quietly) Most Airbnb owners don’t lose money because the market turns or...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Hiring a Short-Term Rental Specialist Is Critical When Selling an Airbnb Property in Orlando</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/selling-airbnb-orlando-why-you-need-a-short-term-rental-specialist/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15927</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Selling an Airbnb or vacation rental in Orlando is nothing like selling a primary residence. The Orlando short-term rental (STR)...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/13210357/Why-Hiring-a-Short-Term-Rental-Specialist-Is-Critical-When-Selling-an-Airbnb-Property-in-Orlando-1.png"></media:content>
                                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How a Top Orlando Airbnb Listing Agent Maximizes Sale Price for Vacation Homes</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-a-top-orlando-airbnb-listing-agent-maximizes-sale-price-for-vacation-homes/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15926</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Selling a vacation home in Orlando is not the same as selling a primary residence. And selling an active Airbnb?...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/13212708/How-a-Top-Orlando-Airbnb-Listing-Agent-Maximizes-Sale-Price-for-Vacation-Homes-4.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Thinking of Selling Your Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee Vacation Home? Let’s Write Your Success Story.</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/thinking-of-selling-your-orlando-davenport-kissimmee-vacation-home-lets-write-your-success-story/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15928</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Owning a vacation home in Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee has always been more than a real estate investment. It’s been...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Is Okan Tower Miami Airbnb-Friendly?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-okan-tower-miami-airbnb-friendly/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15908</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The short answer is a resounding yes, but with a crucial caveat. While Okan Tower is poised to become one...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/12/06161019/Is-Okan-Tower-Miami-Airbnb-Friendly-1-scaled.png"></media:content>
                                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Sell Your Downtown Miami Airbnb or STR Condo for Top Dollar in 2026</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-sell-your-downtown-miami-airbnb-or-str-condo-for-top-dollar-in-2026/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15692</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Are you thinking about selling your Downtown Miami Airbnb or short-term rental (STR) condo? The 2026 market presents a fascinating...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                    <item>
                <title>Is Orlando Overbuilt? A Look at the 2025 Housing Market</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15678</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The Orlando housing market, a long-standing indicator of Sun Belt prosperity, has been a hot topic for real estate investors...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Some Orlando Homes Sell Fast (And Others Don&amp;#8217;t)</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-some-orlando-homes-sell-fast/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15668</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Selling a home in the Orlando housing market can feel like a tale of two cities. In late 2025, some...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/11/20174641/Why-Some-Orlando-Homes-Sell-Fast-And-Others-Dont.png"></media:content>
                                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Sunset Walk vs. ChampionsGate vs. Reunion: Which Offers the Best ROI?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/sunset-walk-vs-championsgate-vs-reunion-which-offers-the-best-roi/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15649</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For real estate investors eyeing the booming Orlando vacation market, the choices can feel overwhelming. The Orlando-Kissimmee corridor is packed...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/11/13164835/Sunset-Walk-vs.-ChampionsGate-vs.-Reunion-Which-Offers-the-Best-ROI.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Is Windermere, FL, Right for You? 7 Reasons Buyers Love It</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-windermere-fl-right-for-you-7-reasons-buyers-love-it/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15622</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Searching for your perfect home in Central Florida? Windermere might be exactly what you&#8217;re looking for. This charming town of...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Top 8 Reasons Investors Choose Mike Chen for Solara Resort Properties</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/top-8-reasons-investors-choose-mike-chen-for-solara-resort-properties/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15604</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When it comes to vacation rental investments in Solara Resort, one name consistently rises above the rest: Mike Chen. With...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/10/19162300/Top-8-Reasons-Investors-Choose-Mike-Chen-for-Solara-Resort-Properties.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Orlando Real Estate Market Update – August 2025</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/orlando-real-estate-market-update-august-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15595</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The Orlando housing market in August 2025 revealed a cooling trend. Homes are sitting on the market longer, fewer properties...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/10/11204549/Orlando-Real-Estate-Market-Update-August-2025.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>The Rise of Workcation&amp;#8217; Florida Vacation Rentals: How It’s Changing the Market Near Disney</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/the-rise-of-workcation-florida-vacation-rentals-how-its-changing-the-market-near-disney/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15312</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The vacation rental landscape around Walt Disney World is transforming dramatically. What started as a traditional leisure market has evolved...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Who Is the Best Realtor in Lake Nona?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/who-is-the-best-realtor-in-lake-nona/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15297</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Lake Nona stands as one of Orlando&#8217;s most desirable neighborhoods, combining modern luxury with strategic investment potential. For savvy investors...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/09/27234959/Best-Realtor-in-Lake-Nona-Mike-Chen-Orlando-Expert.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>STR Laws &amp;amp; Regulations in Osceola County: What Every Airbnb Owner Needs to Know</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/osceola-county-str-laws-airbnb-regulations/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15283</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Getting into the short-term rental game in Osceola County? Smart move! This Orlando-area hotspot attracts millions of Disney-bound visitors each...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}}},"fontSize":"small"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/09/21133955/Osceola-County-STR-Laws-A-Guide-for-Airbnb-Owners.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Top 4 Short-Term Rental Communities Near Disney: Your Complete Investment Guide</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/top-4-short-term-rental-communities-near-disney/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15272</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando is one of the hottest short-term rental (STR) markets in the country. Millions of tourists visit every year, creating...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Who Is the Best Realtor for ChampionsGate Resort?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/who-is-the-best-realtor-for-championsgate-resort/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15265</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[ChampionsGate Resort stands as one of Orlando&#8217;s premier vacation home destinations. Located just minutes from Disney World, this stunning community...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/09/21104933/Best-ChampionsGate-Realtor-Mike-Chen.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Windsor Cay vs. Island vs. Westside: Which Is Best for 5-7BR Homes?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/windsor-cay-vs-island-vs-westside-best-for-5-7br-homes/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15243</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Choosing the right Orlando resort for a large group vacation or a short-term rental (STR) investment can feel overwhelming. The...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/09/14083929/Windsor-Cay-vs.-Island-vs.-Westside-Which-Is-Best-for-5-7BR-Homes.png"></media:content>
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                <title>Best Short-Term Vacation Rental Management Company in Orlando, Kissimmee &amp;amp; Davenport</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/best-short-term-vacation-rental-management-company-in-orlando-kissimmee-davenport/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15214</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Finding a short-term rental management company that actually gets it? That&#8217;s like finding a unicorn riding a rollercoaster at Disney...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Orlando vs. Kissimmee vs. Davenport: Which Market Delivers the Best ROI for Investors?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/orlando-vs-kissimmee-vs-davenport-which-market-delivers-the-best-roi-for-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15189</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Choosing the right investment market near Disney World can make or break your vacation rental portfolio. With Orlando&#8217;s median home...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/08/03085727/Orlando-vs-Kissimmee-vs-Davenport-Best-ROI-for-Investors-1.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Who is the Best Short-Term Rental Realtor in Orlando?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/who-is-the-best-short-term-rental-realtor-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15183</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Finding the right real estate agent for your short-term rental investment can make the difference between a profitable venture and...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/08/31131446/Best-Short-Term-Rental-Realtor-in-Orlando.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Airbnb vs. Long-Term Rental: Which Strategy Wins in Orlando?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/airbnb-vs-long-term-rental-which-strategy-wins-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15159</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando&#8217;s vacation rental market presents a compelling dilemma for property investors: should you capitalize on the city&#8217;s massive tourism industry...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Orlando Is Still One of the Best Places to Buy a Vacation Rental in 2025</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-orlando-is-still-one-of-the-best-places-to-buy-a-vacation-rental-in-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15140</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Orlando isn&#8217;t just surviving the 2025 real estate market. It&#8217;s thriving. While other vacation rental markets face uncertainty, Orlando continues...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2025/08/17082750/Why-Orlando-Is-a-Top-Spot-for-Vacation-Rentals-in-2025.png"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>Best Short-Term (Vacation/Airbnb) Rental Property Management Companies in the Orlando area</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/best-short-term-rental-property-management-companies-in-the-orlando-area/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=15103</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Funstay Florida &#8211; Full-Service Airbnb Property Management in Orlando, Kissimmee &amp; Davenport &#8211; Best in the Orlando 100+ vacation rentals...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Universal Epic Universe Orlando: Five Worlds, Endless Adventures &amp;#8211; Everything You Need to Know.</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/universal-epic-universe-orlando-five-worlds-endless-adventures-everything-you-need-to-know/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=14862</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Universal Epic Universe is set to redefine the theme park experience, transporting visitors to five extraordinary worlds where imagination ignites,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>How to Apply for Short-Term Rental Licenses in Orlando</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-apply-for-short-term-rental-licenses-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=14126</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Florida&nbsp;law requires owners of new public lodging establishments including short-term rentals such as Airbnb and new owners of existing establishments...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"15px","right":"15px","bottom":"15px","left":"15px"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"}},"gradient":"midnight","borderColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                    <item>
                <title>4 things to do if your Orlando vacation home isn’t selling</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/4-things-to-do-if-your-orlando-vacation-home-isnt-selling/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13749</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[  Are you selling your Orlando vacation home?  I&#8217;m a local Orlando vacation home specialist focusing on buying and selling...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                    <item>
                <title>Why Every Vacation Homeowner Should  Consider Short-Term Rental Insurance From Proper Insurance</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-every-vacation-homeowner-should-use-short-term-rental-insurance-from-proper-insurance/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=14050</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[All vacation homeowners who are part of Airbnb and Vrbo, among other platforms, must take out short-term rental insurance to...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>&lt;strong&gt;在佛罗里达州奥兰多迪士尼世界附近购买度假屋的顶级度假社区（房地产行业）。奥兰多迪士尼世界区域房地产适用于AirBnb&lt;/strong&gt;</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/%e5%9c%a8%e4%bd%9b%e7%bd%97%e9%87%8c%e8%be%be%e5%b7%9e%e5%a5%a5%e5%85%b0%e5%a4%9a%e8%bf%aa%e5%a3%ab%e5%b0%bc%e4%b8%96%e7%95%8c%e9%99%84%e8%bf%91%e8%b4%ad%e4%b9%b0%e5%ba%a6%e5%81%87%e5%b1%8b%e7%9a%84/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=14019</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[迪士尼世界房屋出售： 迪士尼房地产 位于佛罗里达州奥兰多市的迪士尼世界附近的度假屋租赁是一项难以置信的投资机会。 我们之所以了解这一点，是因为我们自己就是这个美好地区拥有8处AirBnb房产的投资者。随着需求的增长和价格的亲民，这些度假屋表现出了可观的回报。盈利投资的关键是了解最佳的度假社区和购买迪士尼世界附近度假屋的最佳地点，以及与一位不仅熟悉奥兰多度假屋租赁的房地产经纪人合作，还要参与投资。 为什么游客选择奥兰多作为他们的度假胜地？ 奥兰多是一座与众不同的城市，与美国其他城市无法比拟。凭借宜人的气候、四季如春的阳光、非凡的娱乐和餐饮选择，它已经远远超出了家庭度假的目的地。越来越多的美国人搬到奥兰多寻求更好的工作生活平衡。这里有丰富的职业机会，没有所得税，让人们可以享受更多的辛勤赚来的钱。在奥兰多，花钱的方式多得数不胜数！ 凭借高尔夫球场、游乐园、湖泊和餐馆，个人和家庭可以在享受温暖气温的同时，尽情玩乐和做自己喜欢的事情。奥兰多的美食场景是世界上最好的之一，世界知名的大厨纷纷前来这座城市开设新颖刺激的餐厅。当你生活在像奥兰多这样的城市，拥有一座位于美丽的封闭式社区中、令人惊叹的湖滨住宅时，你根本不需要去别处度假——你每天都在度假胜地生活，而大多数人只梦想在这里度过一个星期。 为什么投资者会在奥兰多迪士尼世界附近购买度假投资房？ 投资房是赚取被动收入最赚钱且可靠的方式之一。在佛罗里达州奥兰多购买和出租投资房非常容易。2018年，超过8200万游客来到奥兰多，且这个数字每年都在增长。这些游客中有很多人来自世界各地，停留时间较长。因此，度假租赁的需求非常大。 不仅是游客纷至沓来，许多人也选择在这座城市定居，将奥兰多称为家。事实上，有250万居民每天享受着佛罗里达的阳光和奥兰多的各种景点。游客和居民的数量稳步攀升，而且在未来几年内还将有新的主题公园开业，预计需求将飙升。迪士尼世界最近推出了《玩具总动员》乐园和《星球大战》乐园，备受期待的银河星舰酒店计划于2021年开业。环球影城也在筹划一个全新的公园，名为环球史诗公园，预计将于2023年开业。这座城市在不断发展壮大，每年都在变得越来越好！ 在迪士尼世界附近出售的别墅和度假屋 在迪士尼世界附近购买度假屋无疑是改变人生的举措。您可以在奥兰多度假时留下美好的回忆，当您不在这里时，可以将房子出租给其他家庭。租金收入不仅可以支付您的度假费用，还是一笔未来的稳健投资。 购买别墅或度假屋的过程相对简单，但您需要了解一些事情。一位了解奥兰多短期度假租赁的经验丰富的房地产经纪人，比如 La Rosa Realty Celebration 的值得信赖的房地产经纪人 Mike Chen...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Why Every Orlando Vacation Home Needs to Be Professionally Designed, Furnished, and Themed?</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/why-every-orlando-vacation-home-needs-to-be-professionally-designed-furnished-and-themed/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13958</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[You have bought the ideal Orlando vacation home you dreamed of to enjoy your vacation with your family or rent...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"right":"5px","left":"5px"}},"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2020/04/17125703/Orlando-Vacation-Design-by-Hudson.jpg"></media:content>
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                    <item>
                <title>The BRIX at The Packing District Orlando Homes For Sale</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/the-brix-at-the-packing-district-orlando-homes-for-sale/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13781</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The Brix Community Information by Toll Brothers Learn more about this massive 202-acre redevelopment known as The Packing District by...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Millenia Park Orlando &amp;#8211; One of the Best Condos to Purchase in Orlando</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/millenia-park-orlando-one-of-the-best-condos-to-purchase-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13709</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Condos at Millendia Park are selling fast. Contact me for pricing and details or call 503-888-8070 Introducing Millenia Park, a...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Visions Resort Condos- One of the Best Vacation Condotel Resorts to Invest Near Disney World</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/visions-resort-condos-one-of-the-best-vacation-condotel-resorts-to-invest-near-disney-world/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=7997</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Why invest in Condotels?Condos within lifestyle resorts, or condotels, are one of the latest trends in vacation living – for...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<ul class="wp-block-list has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>CDD Fee in Orlando, Florida—Everything You Need to Know About</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13646</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you&#8217;re interested in buying a home in Orlando, Florida, the CDD fee should be among the first few things...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Buying a New Construction Home Without an Agent in Orlando is a Buyer&amp;#8217;s Biggest Mistake</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13650</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Like everywhere, Orlando is exploding with new construction homes, making it the ideal place for home buyers. While buying a...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>A Guide to Buying an Investment Home in Orlando from Canada</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/a-guide-to-buying-an-investment-home-in-orlando-from-canada/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13578</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Whether you’re looking to build a hedge against inflation or want to diversify your investments overseas, buying a home in...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Everything You Need to Know About Sunbridge, FL – The New Master Planned Community in Orlando</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sunbridge-fl-the-new-master-planned-community-in-orlando/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13542</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Thinking about moving to Orlando but not sure where? Orlando doesn’t just attract millions of visitors every year; the city’s...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Storey Lake Resort Homes For Sale &amp;#8211; One of the Best Resorts for Airbnb Near Disney World</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/storey-lake-resort-homes-for-sale-one-of-the-best-resorts-for-airbnb-near-disney-world/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13470</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Storey Lake Clubhouse Unparalleled Amenities with 2 Clubhouses Our Residents fall in love with where they vacation.&nbsp; And how they...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>The Top Orlando Vacation Home Communities Near Disney World with Little to No HOA Fees</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/the-top-orlando-vacation-home-communities-near-disney-world-with-little-to-no-hoa-fees/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13337</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Are you looking for an Orlando vacation home community near Disney World with little to no monthly HOA fees? I&#8217;m...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>The Top New Resorts Coming to Orlando in 2023 and Beyond that You Can Buy Now</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/the-top-new-resorts-coming-to-orlando-in-2023-and-beyond-that-you-can-buy-now/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13124</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Here are The Top 5 Resorts to Buy a Vacation Home Near Disney World and Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida:...]]>
                </description>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Vacation Homes for Sale in Davenport, Florida</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/vacation-homes-for-sale-in-davenport-florida/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13110</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Looking for an experienced Real Estate Agent In Davenport, FL, to help you find the perfect vacation home? Are you...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>Vacation Homes for Sale in Kissimmee, Florida</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/vacation-homes-for-sale-in-kissimmee-florida/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=13096</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Looking for an experienced Real Estate Agent In Kissimmee, FL, to help you find the perfect vacation home? Are you...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#ff6a0014"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/04/19055400/Mike-Chen-Realtor-2.png" alt="Mike Chen, Short term rental realtor in Orlando area" class="wp-image-17325" /></figure>
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                <title>The smart way to shop for a mortgage lender</title>
                <link>https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/the-smart-way-to-shop-for-a-mortgage-lender/</link>
                <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Michael Chen PA, Realtor at La Rosa Realty Celebration Serving Orlando and Miami</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mikechenrealtor.com/?p=10840</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[There is a huge misconception among homebuyers that the best lender is the one who offers a product with the...]]>
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<p>The Orlando housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Median prices are down 2 to 4 percent from their peak, and inventory has climbed 18 to 25 percent year over year. Homes are taking longer to sell.</p>
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<p>But look closer and the picture shifts. Months of supply dropped from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, meaning buyers are absorbing inventory faster than sellers are listing it. Distressed sales account for just 1.3 percent of all transactions.</p>
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<p>And Orlando just pulled off something no other major U.S. metro has done: leading the nation in job growth, population growth, and GDP growth simultaneously.</p>
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<p>This is not 2008. This is not a crash. This is a market finding its balance after two years of overheated prices.</p>
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<p>I track these numbers daily across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. This Orlando housing market update covers exactly where things stand right now, and where the data says we are headed.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Snapshot: July 2026 Numbers</strong></h2>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$395K</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median home price (metro)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>6.49%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">30-year mortgage rate</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>4.26</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Months of supply (May)</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>48</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Median days on market</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>97.4%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Sale-to-list price ratio</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>+18-25%</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Active listings (YoY)</p>
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<p>The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) reported 2,360 closed sales in March 2026, down 2 percent year over year. In February, Florida statewide single-family sales rose 5.9 percent, marking the seventh consecutive month of gains.</p>
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<p>Sellers are adjusting expectations. About 22 to 26 percent of Orlando listings have price cuts, up from 15 percent a year ago. Only 10.5 percent of homes sell above asking price, down from 11.1 percent last year.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Key insight:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The market is softening on the surface, but tightening underneath. January's 7.19 months of supply scared sellers off the market. By May, that dropped to 4.26, and fewer listings plus steady demand equals a floor under prices.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026: The Wild Ride Nobody Expected</strong></h2>
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<p>If you have been waiting for lower mortgage rates to buy in the Orlando housing market, 2026 has been a roller coaster. Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February, the lowest since 2022, and buyers rushed in. Then geopolitical tensions sent oil prices surging, CPI spiked to 4.2 percent in May, and rates reversed hard.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Month</th><th>30-Year Rate</th><th>What Happened&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January</td><td>~6.20%</td><td>Declining toward sub-6% territory</td></tr><tr><td>February</td><td>5.87 - 5.98%</td><td>Hit 5.98% on Feb 26: first sub-6% reading since 2022</td></tr><tr><td>March</td><td>6.00 - 6.38%</td><td>Reversed sharply as geopolitical tensions escalated</td></tr><tr><td>April</td><td>5.99 - 6.37%</td><td>Volatile swings, brief dip to 5.99% mid-month</td></tr><tr><td>May</td><td>6.49 - 6.62%</td><td>CPI hit 4.2%. Peaked at 6.62% on May 20</td></tr><tr><td>June - July</td><td>6.43 - 6.64%</td><td>Settled. Freddie Mac: 6.49% (July 9)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>In June, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. Nine of 18 officials now anticipate at least one rate <em>hike</em> before year-end. Do not expect rate cuts in 2026.</p>
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<p>Forecasters have adjusted accordingly. Fannie Mae expects rates to average 6.4 percent through year-end, MBA projects 6.5 percent, and NAR revised its outlook upward to 6.5 to 6.7 percent.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>When rates dipped below 6% in late February, I saw buyers come off the sidelines within 48 hours. That brief window proved something: demand is there, just waiting for affordability to improve. When rates eventually drop toward 6% expect a surge, so if you can buy now at softer prices and refinance later, you get both advantages.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13072136/Orlando-mortgage-rates-2026-cycle.png" alt="Orlando Mortgage Rates in 2026" class="wp-image-18675" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Orlando Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Monthly Payment</strong></h3>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>$400K Home</th><th>At 6.0%</th><th>At 6.5%</th><th>At 7.0%&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>5% down ($20K)</strong></td><td>$2,278/mo</td><td>$2,402/mo</td><td>$2,528/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10% down ($40K)</strong></td><td>$2,158/mo</td><td>$2,275/mo</td><td>$2,395/mo</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20% down ($80K)</strong></td><td>$1,919/mo</td><td>$2,023/mo</td><td>$2,129/mo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>These are principal and interest only. Add roughly $340 for property taxes, $178 for insurance, and $200 to $350 for HOA if applicable. One trend worth watching: adjustable-rate mortgages peaked at 21 percent of originations in 2025, the highest share in three years, as buyers locked in lower initial rates.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Home Prices by Neighborhood: Where Values Are Holding</strong></h2>
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<p>Averages hide the real story. The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/orlando-housing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando housing market</a> is actually several micro-markets moving in different directions. Here is how eight popular Central Florida real estate markets performed through mid-2026.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Neighborhood</th><th>Median Price</th><th>YoY Change</th><th>DOM</th><th>Why It Matters&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/winter-park-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Park</a></strong></td><td>$595K - $800K</td><td><strong>+7.3%</strong></td><td>27 - 63 days</td><td>39% cash buyers. Top schools pipeline. Only 2.46 months supply.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a></strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>-0.89%</strong></td><td>40 days</td><td>New construction hub. 53% of listings have price cuts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a></strong></td><td>$485K - $675K</td><td><strong>Mixed</strong></td><td>31 - 78 days</td><td>Fast-growing. New $423M hospital opening Nov 2026.</td></tr><tr><td><strong><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a></strong></td><td>$359K</td><td><strong>-0.8% to -4%</strong></td><td>64 - 89 days</td><td>Most affordable. 8,849 STR listings. NeoCity $470M investment.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windermere</strong></td><td>$713K - $1.04M</td><td><strong>-1.9% to -6%</strong></td><td>41 - 46 days</td><td>Luxury softening. 9.3 months supply. Isleworth $3.7M median.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Dr. Phillips</strong></td><td>$513K</td><td><strong>+1.4%</strong></td><td>9 days</td><td>Epic Universe proximity. 2 offers per home on average.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Winter Garden</strong></td><td>$569K</td><td><strong>+0.6%</strong></td><td>25 - 48 days</td><td>$40M+ in downtown acquisitions. Boutique destination.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Celebration</strong></td><td>$596K</td><td><strong>-10.1%</strong></td><td>155 days</td><td>Sharpest decline. DOM tripled. HOA $300-$600/mo.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>The pattern across the Orlando real estate market is clear: established walkable communities with strong schools (Winter Park, Dr. Phillips) are holding or gaining value. Newer construction zones and investor-heavy markets (Celebration, outer Kissimmee) are softening fastest.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>I am telling buyers to watch <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/lake-nona-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Nona</a> closely. The new AdventHealth hospital opening in November 2026 and the 405,000 sq ft retail center that just opened in May are bringing hundreds of high-paying medical and professional jobs. That is the kind of demand catalyst that lifts an entire zip code.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando Housing Market Crashing? (No, and Here's the Data)</strong></h2>
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<p>Google searches for "Orlando housing market crash" have tripled this year. Fair enough: prices are down, homes sit longer, and headlines love the word "crash." But the data tells a completely different story.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|50","right":"var:preset|spacing|50"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-link","width":"5px"}},"color":{"background":"#fee2e2"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-link);border-left-width:5px;background-color:#fee2e2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"0","bottom":"0"},"margin":{"top":"-1px","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-red"}}},"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}},"textColor":"vivid-red"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:-1px;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:18px"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>2008 Crisis</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>50%+ in Florida</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>~25% of Loans</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>25% Underwater</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>100,000+ (2008–2010)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>~20 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>Dominated the Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"top":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"right":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"bottom":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"color":"#63625e3d","width":"1px"},"left":{"color":"var:preset|color|c-button-lighter","width":"8px"}},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc38"}}} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#8dd2fc38;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue","fontSize":"medium"} -->
<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>2026 Today</strong></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Price Decline</td><td><strong>-2% to -4%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Subprime Share</td><td><strong>Negligible (QM Rules)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Homeowner Equity</td><td><strong>Median Above 50%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Florida Foreclosures per Quarter</td><td><strong>~10,099 (16× Lower)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory</td><td><strong>4.26 Months</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Distressed Sales</td><td><strong>1.3% of Market</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>A correction is 5 to 10 percent, a crash is 20 percent or more, and Orlando is at 2 to 4 percent. We analyzed <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/is-orlando-overbuilt-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether Orlando is overbuilt</a> last year, and the data showed a cyclical reset, not structural oversupply.</p>
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<p>Foreclosure filings in Florida rose 16.6 percent year over year in Q1 2026, which sounds alarming until you realize they are still 16 times lower than crisis-era levels. The drivers are insurance costs and HOA assessments, not subprime defaults.</p>
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<p>Florida's foreclosure rate ranks among the highest nationally, but Orlando specifically ranks only #17 among metros with 1 million+ residents. Orlando's mix of tourism, tech, and healthcare jobs gives it a safety net that Tampa and Miami lack.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13074715/Orlando-housing-market-2008-vs-2026.png" alt="Orlando housing market: 2008 vs 2026" class="wp-image-18681" /></figure>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-background" style="border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;border-top-color:#63625e3d;border-top-width:1px;border-right-color:#63625e3d;border-right-width:1px;border-bottom-color:#63625e3d;border-bottom-width:1px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--c-button-lighter);border-left-width:8px;background-color:#ff6a0014;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|luminous-vivid-orange"}}}},"textColor":"luminous-vivid-orange"} -->
<p class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Bottom line:</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></p>
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<p>The conditions that caused the 2008 crash (toxic mortgages, negative equity, mass speculation) simply do not exist today. Qualified Mortgage rules prevent NINJA loans, median homeowner equity exceeds 50 percent, and cash buyers make up roughly 30 percent of all Orlando transactions.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic Drivers Fueling Orlando Real Estate in 2026</strong></h2>
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<p>Orlando has a price floor most Sun Belt cities lack, and it comes down to three things: tourism, jobs, and population.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>76.7M</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Visitors in 2025 (record)</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Up 1.8% YoY. Domestic visitors alone: 70.3 million.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$2B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Epic Universe 1st-year impact</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">17,500 new permanent jobs. 10 million annual visitors projected.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-columns"><!-- wp:column {"style":{"spacing":{"padding":{"top":"var:preset|spacing|50","bottom":"var:preset|spacing|50","left":"var:preset|spacing|40","right":"var:preset|spacing|40"}},"border":{"radius":{"topLeft":"10px","topRight":"10px","bottomLeft":"10px","bottomRight":"10px"},"width":"2px"},"color":{"background":"#8dd2fc30"}},"borderColor":"cyan-bluish-gray"} -->
<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>37,690</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">New residents in 2025</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">That is 725 people per week. 6th fastest among top 30 metros.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;background-color:#8dd2fc30;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"center","fontSize":"22px"},"spacing":{"margin":{"top":"0","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0"}},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|vivid-cyan-blue"}}}},"textColor":"vivid-cyan-blue"} -->
<p class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;font-size:22px"><strong>$233B</strong></p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">Orlando GDP</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-small-font-size" style="margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0">8th fastest-growing large economy. Real GDP growth: 3.5% vs. 2.8% national.</p>
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<p>Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, has been the single largest economic catalyst. Beyond tourism dollars, it created 65,000 construction jobs during development and 17,500 permanent positions after opening. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/horizon-west-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizon West</a> are drawing more buyers.</p>
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<p>And the pipeline keeps growing. Disney's Tropical Americas opens in late 2027, while AdventHealth is breaking ground on a $423 million hospital in Lake Nona. Kissimmee's NeoCity landed a $470 million semiconductor investment bringing 600 jobs at an average salary of $85,000.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando's Insurance Advantage Nobody Talks About</strong></h3>
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<p>Florida's insurance crisis dominates headlines, and for good reason. The statewide average is $8,292 to $8,458 per year. But inland Central Florida tells a different story.</p>
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<p>Orlando homeowners pay roughly $2,300 to $3,500 annually for <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/homeowners-insurance-in-basics-in-orlando-florida-every-first-time-homebuyer-should-understand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homeowners insurance in Orlando</a>. Compare that to Tampa ($5,200), Sebastian ($8,900), or Miami ($13,000). If you are relocating to Florida, Orlando's inland location means dramatically lower costs than coastal metros.</p>
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<p>Insurance across the Orlando real estate market is improving, too. Citizens Property Insurance policies dropped from 1.4 million to roughly 385,000, seventeen new carriers entered the state, and Citizens rates dropped 8.7 percent for 2026 renewals.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What This Orlando Housing Market Means for You</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Buying</strong></h3>
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<p>Mid-2026 is a rare window. Prices are 2 to 4 percent off peak, and inventory is up 18 to 25 percent, giving you more choices than at any point since 2019. Sellers are negotiating, with about one in four listings carrying a price cut.</p>
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<p>The risk of waiting? When rates eventually drop, the demand surge will erase today's negotiating leverage overnight. I saw it happen in late February when rates briefly dipped below 6 percent.</p>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/first-time-home-buyer-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First-time buyers</a> should explore <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/florida-hometown-heroes-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Hometown Heroes</a>, which offers up to $35,000 in down payment assistance at 0 percent interest. If you are considering <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-construction-home-without-an-agent-in-orlando-is-a-buyers-biggest-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new construction homes in Orlando</a>, especially in Horizon West where 53 percent of listings carry price cuts, having buyer representation is critical for negotiating builder incentives.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Selling</strong></h3>
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<p>Price right from day one. Overpriced homes are sitting 2 to 3 times longer than correctly priced ones. The days of listing 10 percent above comps and getting multiple offers are over in most neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Your best advantage right now is low competition. Many would-be sellers are locked into sub-4 percent mortgage rates and are not listing. If you need to sell, you face fewer competing listings than the raw inventory numbers suggest.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Are Investing in Vacation Rentals</strong></h3>
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<p><a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> remains Central Florida's top short-term rental market. The numbers: 8,849 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, 57 percent occupancy (above the Florida average of 54 percent), $192 average daily rate, and annual revenue of $37,000 to $41,000 per listing.</p>
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<p>I manage roughly 100 vacation rentals through <a href="https://funstayflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FunStay Florida</a> and personally own 10 investment properties in the area. The best opportunities right now are in the $250,000 to $400,000 range, where cap rates run 7 to 9 percent. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/top-vacation-home-communities-in-orlando/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Hills, Reunion Resort, and ChampionsGate</a> keep pulling strong bookings thanks to Epic Universe and Disney proximity.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Not Sure If You Should Buy, Sell, or Wait?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">I will pull the latest comps for your target neighborhood, run the numbers at today's rates, and give you a straight answer. No obligation, no pressure.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-border-color wp-element-button" href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/contact" style="border-color:#212529;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:34px;border-top-right-radius:34px;border-bottom-left-radius:34px;border-bottom-right-radius:34px" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Get Mike's Take on Your Situation</strong></a></div>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Forecast: Late 2026 and 2027</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Forecaster</th><th>2026 Prediction</th><th>Notes&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Zillow</strong></td><td>+1.2%</td><td>Orlando MSA year-end</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Norada</strong></td><td>+2% to +5%</td><td>+3-6% in 2027</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Realtor.com</strong></td><td>-1.6%</td><td>Most bearish outlook</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Houzeo</strong></td><td>+2% to +4%</td><td>Mid-range estimate</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Florida Realtors</strong></td><td>"No reason to be pessimistic"</td><td>Statewide SF sales up 7 months straight</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
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<p>Across the board, the consensus for the Orlando real estate market is flat to slightly positive for the rest of 2026, with stronger appreciation returning in 2027 if rates drop. Orlando's combination of job growth, population growth, and tourism spending gives it a more resilient floor than most Florida markets.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/eap02files.easyagentpro.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/734/2026/07/13073941/Orlando-housing-market-2026-overview.png" alt="Orlando housing market 2026 overview" class="wp-image-18678" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orlando Housing Market Risks to Watch</strong></h3>
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<p>No forecast is complete without the downside. Insurance costs continue climbing statewide, HOA fees are rising 8 to 17 percent annually, and <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/cdd-fee-in-orlando-florida-everything-you-need-to-know-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDD fees in Orlando</a> add another layer of ongoing cost in newer communities.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/real-estate-blog/rent-vs-buy-in-orlando-fl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condo market</a> faces post-Surfside reserve requirements that have pushed some buildings into special assessments of $50,000 to $400,000 per unit. Condo supply statewide sits at 13.2 months versus 5.2 for single-family.</p>
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<p>Domestic migration into Florida has also slowed sharply, dropping 93 percent from the 2022 peak. International migration is filling the gap, but the relocation boom that defined 2021 to 2023 has clearly cooled.</p>
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<p class="has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color"><strong><strong>MIKE'S TAKE</strong></strong></p>
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<p>The buyers winning in the Orlando real estate market right now all share three habits: they pick the right neighborhood (not just the cheapest), they negotiate hard on closing costs and repairs, and they plan to refinance when rates drop. If your timeline is five years or more, mid-2026 prices will look like a steal by 2028.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions: Orlando Housing Market 2026</strong></h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is the Orlando housing market crashing in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>No, prices have dipped 2 to 4 percent from their peak, which qualifies as a correction, not a crash. Foreclosure filings are 16 times lower than 2008, and distressed sales account for only 1.3 percent of transactions. Months of supply tightened from 7.19 in January to 4.26 by May, showing demand is absorbing inventory.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What is the median home price in Orlando in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>The Orlando metro median ranges from $395,000 to $410,000 depending on the source and time period. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood: from roughly $270,000 in Poinciana to over $1 million in Windermere and Isleworth.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are mortgage rates in Orlando right now?</strong></h3>
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<p>The 30-year fixed rate is 6.49 percent as of July 9, 2026 (Freddie Mac). Rates briefly dipped to 5.98 percent in late February before reversing. Most forecasters expect rates to stay between 6.4 and 6.7 percent through year-end.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What are the best Orlando neighborhoods to buy in 2026?</strong></h3>
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<p>It depends on your goals. Winter Park leads in appreciation (+7.3% YoY) with top schools, while Lake Nona is the growth play with a new hospital and retail center. <a href="https://mikechenrealtor.com/kissimmee-homes-for-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kissimmee</a> is most affordable at $359,000 and ideal for vacation rentals, and Dr. Phillips benefits from Epic Universe proximity.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Is it a good time to buy a house in Orlando?</strong></h3>
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<p>For buyers with a 5-plus year timeline, yes. Prices are off peak, inventory is the highest since 2019, and sellers are negotiating. The trade-off is higher monthly payments at 6.49 percent rates, but the strategy is clear: lock in today's price, plan to refinance later.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How is Epic Universe affecting Orlando real estate?</strong></h3>
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<p>Epic Universe generated $2 billion in economic impact in its first year, created 17,500 permanent jobs, and draws an estimated 10 million annual visitors. Nearby neighborhoods like Dr. Phillips and Horizon West are seeing increased demand, especially from vacation rental investors.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Orlando home prices go up or down in 2027?</strong></h3>
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<p>Most forecasters predict modest appreciation, with Norada expecting 3 to 6 percent growth and Zillow forecasting 1.2 percent. The consensus is flat to slightly positive for 2026, with stronger growth returning in 2027 if mortgage rates decline. Orlando's job market and tourism economy provide a price floor.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-column has-border-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color has-midnight-gradient-background has-background" style="border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px"><!-- wp:heading {"className":"has-text-align-center","style":{"typography":{"textAlign":"left"},"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|white"}}}},"textColor":"white"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color">Thinking About Selling Your Vacation Home?</h2>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">Partner with Mike Chen Realtor, an Orlando vacation home specialist with real-world experience buying, selling, and managing short-term rental properties.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="padding-right:5px;padding-left:5px">As the owner of FunStay Homes, a successful vacation rental management company, Mike has direct access to a network of vacation rental owners and investors who are actively looking to purchase additional properties. These buyers understand the value of income-producing homes and are often the most qualified and motivated purchasers.</p>
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<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size">When you list with Mike, you'll benefit from:</h6>
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<li>Exposure to a built-in network of vacation rental investors</li>
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<li>Strategic pricing and marketing to attract the right buyers</li>
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<li>Expert negotiation to maximize your sale price and terms</li>
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<li>A smooth, personalized selling experience from start to finish</li>
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<p class="has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color"><em><strong>Sell your vacation home with a Realtor who not only markets properties—but also connects them with buyers actively looking to invest.</strong></em></p>
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