- Blog Archive: February, 2026

 

Thinking of Selling Your Residence at Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Sunset Walk? Here’s How to Maximize Your Return

The Embassy Suites at Sunset Walk has quickly become one of Orlando’s most sought-after condo-hotel destinations. With its prime location steps from world-class dining and minutes from Disney, these residences are "lifestyle investments" that offer a unique blend of Hilton-branded luxury and high-demand vacation rental potential.

However, selling a specialized property like a condo-hotel requires more than just a "For Sale" sign. It requires a strategic partner who understands the nuances of the Sunset Walk market and knows how to reach a global audience of investors.

Why Now is the Time to Review Your Investment

Whether…


International Sellers & Orlando Short Sales: How to Navigate FIRPTA and IRS Hardship

Selling a vacation home in the Orlando area is a big decision, especially when market conditions or personal financial changes lead you toward a short sale. For our international clients—whether you are located in Canada, the UK, Europe, or beyond—this process comes with an added layer of complexity: FIRPTA.

At Team Donovan, we specialize in helping non-U.S. residents navigate the "perfect storm" of a short sale combined with foreign seller tax requirements. Here is what you need to know to ensure your sale doesn’t just get approved by the bank, but actually makes it to the closing table.

The FIRPTA Hurdle in a Short Sale

The Foreign Investment in Real…

Is Your Reunion Resort Vacation Home “Underwater”? How a Strategic Short Sale Can Save Your Financial Future

If you own an investment property in Reunion Resort, you likely bought it with a clear vision: a world-class vacation rental in a community featuring three championship golf courses—the Palmer, Nicklaus, and Watson—and high-end luxury living just six miles from Disney.

But sometimes, even in a premier resort like Reunion, the market shifts.

If your mortgage balance is now higher than the current value of your home, you are what the industry calls "underwater." Whether you own a luxury condo in Seven Eagles, a spacious townhome in Carriage Pointe, or a grand estate home in Liberty Bluff, it is important to remember: You haven’t failed—the…

If you own an investment property in the Orlando resort area, you likely bought it with a clear vision: a thriving vacation rental that pays for itself. But sometimes, the market shifts.

If your mortgage balance is now higher than the current value of your home, you are what the industry calls "underwater." It is a stressful position to be in, but it is important to remember: You haven’t failed—the market has simply changed.

In the world of professional investing, the smartest move isn't always to "hold on at all costs." Often, the savvy move is to pivot. This is where a Strategic Short Sale becomes your most powerful exit tool.

Why Choose a Short Sale Over Foreclosure?

Many owners consider walking away and letting the bank foreclose. However,…

Published on 1st February 2026

January "Journal" from the Resort Area Market

January's resort-area median price was unchanged from December at $385,000 and down 4.3% from January 2025, when it stood at $399,000. The average number of days it took for a home to sell and close in January was 138, up 2 days from December and 18 days higher than a year ago. The average number of days a home spent on the market over the last 30 days was 114, which compares to a 96-day average over the past 12-month period.

The overall resort area saw 227 closings in January, down from 362 in December and 326 in November 2025. The number of homes recorded as Pending—under offer/contract—totaled 448, up from 434 last month and 227  in January 2025. A home that changed hands…