Orlando Real Estate Blog | Sellers Education Library | Team Donovan - Team Donovan's Blog | Page #3

 

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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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Owning a vacation home in Central Florida is the ultimate lifestyle investment. It is about more than just square footage and swimming pools; it is about securing your own private retreat in the world’s most visited destination. Whether you dream of a condo near Disney World or a luxury villa in a golf community, the Orlando market offers incredible opportunities for buyers.

However, navigating the specific nuances of the Orlando short-term rental market can be complex. From zoning laws and HOA requirements to understanding income potential, you need a partner who sees beyond the glossy photos. You need an advocate who puts your interests first.

Meet Dan Palmer: Your Dedicated Buyer’s Agent

At Team Donovan, we believe that buying a home should be…

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Selling Your Florida Vacation Home Due to Medical Reasons: The Care You Deserve

Life is unpredictable. Many of our clients purchased their piece of the "Florida Dream" with visions of family holidays in Orlando or winters spent golfing in Reunion and Champions Gate. You likely planned to hold onto this home for years to come.

However, we understand that life doesn't always go according to plan.

At Team Donovan, we recognize a hard truth: You may not want to sell this home.

We know that selling due to medical reasons is often a necessary sale rather than a wanted one. It is a decision driven by health and necessity, not by a desire to leave. We approach this reality with deep compassion, understanding that you are not just closing a…

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Selling Your Orlando Airbnb? Why a "Regular" Agent Could Cost You Thousands

By James Donovan

If you own a vacation home in Reunion, ChampionsGate, Windsor Hills, or Storey Lake, you aren't just a homeowner. You are a business owner.

Yet, when it comes time to sell, most owners make a critical mistake: they hire a standard residential real estate agent.

While a standard agent might be great at selling a single-family home in the suburbs, they often lack the specific expertise required to sell an operating short-term rental (STR). The result? Blocked calendars, lost revenue, and a final sale price that fails to capture the true value of your business.

At Team Donovan, we approach Airbnb sales differently. We treat your property as an…

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Published January 1st 2026

December "data" from the Resort Area Market...

The final Team Donovan sales activity report for 2025 reveals that the median Price of a resort area home fell by 4% over the last 12 months, from $399,000 in December 2024 to $385,000 twelve months later. The overall resort area inventory was up by % from January 2024, from 3,306 listings to 3,430 available in December 2025. The average number of days a home was on the market to close in December was 136, compared to 120 days a year ago.   A home closing during the Month sold for an average of 97.9% of its listed Price, up from 97.3% at the start of the year.  During the month, the market saw 299 homes withdrawn after failing to sell, up from 275 in the first month of…

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Discover your ideal Central Florida lifestyle with this stunning, never-rented, fully furnished 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom single-family home in the highly sought-after gated community of Bellavida! This is a truly turnkey opportunity and an excellent choice for any buyer, whether you're looking for a cozy residential home, a charming vacation retreat, or an immediate executive rental with strong income potential. As a home that has never been rented, it boasts classic designer-styled rooms with high-end designer furniture and bespoke window dressings. The lucky buyers will lack for nothing, as the sale includes an extensive inventory of household goods, meaning no trip to the stores is necessary! Everything is covered, from bed linen and pillows for the…

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