Short Term Rental (STR)

Short Term Rental (STR)

Published August 5, 2026 • Financing & Mortgage News

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Condo Loan Changes 2026: What Orlando Vacation Home Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

If you're buying or selling a condo in the Orlando vacation home market, the rules for conventional financing just changed — in a big way. On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae (Lender Letter LL-2026-03) and Freddie Mac (Bulletin 2026-C) announced coordinated updates to how condominium projects are approved for conventional loans. The biggest of those changes took full effect on August 3, 2026.

Some of these changes are genuinely good news for buyers of resort condos near Disney. Others mean more paperwork and more scrutiny of the condo association itself. Here's everything explained in plain…

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July "numbers" from the Resort Area Market...

A home that closed in July achieved an average of 97.2% of its listed price, marginally up from June but down from the 97.9% level achieved 12 months ago. The resort market registered 373 closings in July, up from 369 in June and 342 in July 2025. The July resort-area median price was $380,000, unchanged from June and below the July 2025 median price of $395,000. The average number of days a home spent on the market during July was 104, compared to an 84-day average 12 months ago, while the average days to close stood at 146. The total number of homes recorded as pending — under offer/contract — stood at 522, down from 581 last month but little changed from the 519-home pipeline recorded 12 months ago.…

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Legislation & Ownership Costs

What Amendment 3 Actually Means for Your Orlando Vacation Home

Published 29 July 2026  ·  Team Donovan

Half a dozen owners have forwarded me the same article this month, usually with some version of the same question attached: is my tax bill about to be cut in half?

The short answer is no. The longer answer is more interesting, and there is one part of it that genuinely matters if you are buying or selling in the resort communities this year — though it isn’t the part being written about.

What is on the ballot

In a special session at the start of June, the Florida Legislature put a property tax amendment in front of voters for 3 November. It needs sixty per cent to pass. The headline provision raises…

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Are Orlando Vacation Homes Still a Good Investment in 2026?

If you’re considering buying a vacation home near Disney in Orlando, you’ve likely seen very different opinions online.

Some say these properties generate strong rental income and pay for themselves. Others warn that rising costs and increased competition have made it much harder to turn a profit.

So what’s the truth?

The reality sits somewhere in the middle — and understanding it properly is the difference between making a smart purchase and making a costly mistake.

The Honest Reality of Vacation Home Investments

Let’s start with what most buyers aren’t told:

Many vacation homes in Orlando do not produce strong positive cash flow.

That doesn’t mean they are bad…

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The Truth About the Spring Market for Vacation Homes

Unlike primary residential homes, most buyers in communities like Reunion, Margaritaville, and Windsor Hills are not relocating locally.

They’re coming from:

  • Other parts of the United States
  • The UK, Canada, and international markets
  • Investor groups focused on short-term rental returns

That means their timing isn’t driven by school schedules or job moves. Instead, it’s influenced by travel plans, currency exchange rates, financing conditions, and confidence in the investment.

As a result, the traditional “spring surge” is often less aggressive in the vacation home market.

There is still demand—but it is more selective, more analytical, and far more price-sensitive than…

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Looking to Sell Your Airbnb or Vacation Home in the Orlando Area? We Can Help!

The magic of owning a vacation home near Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport is undeniable. Whether it's the thrill of Disney just minutes away, the world-class golf courses, or the year-round sunshine, these properties offer incredible opportunities. Many of you have successfully turned these homes into popular Airbnbs, creating fantastic experiences for countless visitors.

But what happens when it's time to move on? Selling an Airbnb or vacation home isn't quite the same as selling a traditional residence. It requires a nuanced approach, understanding the unique market, and knowing how to highlight the features that truly attract buyers in this specific niche.

That's…

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The Team Donovan Difference: Why Your Reunion Resort Home Deserves a Specialist

Selling your home in Reunion Resort isn't just a transaction; it's the carefully managed transition of a premier lifestyle asset. Reunion is a world unto itself—a 2,300-acre oasis of luxury living, where every detail is curated for an exceptional experience. From its three signature golf courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Jack Nicklaus to its five-acre water park and seven community pools, this is a destination that promises a life of unparalleled leisure and recreation.

When you decide to sell your property in this exclusive enclave, you're not just selling a house; you're selling a piece of this extraordinary lifestyle. That's a task that…

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Selling Your Orlando, Florida Home from New York? It's Easier Than You Think

As a New Yorker, you operate in a world of efficiency, professionalism, and high expectations. Juggling a demanding career and a fast-paced life leaves little room for error—or for distractions. So when it comes time to sell your Florida property, the thought of managing the process from over a thousand miles away can seem like an impossible addition to your schedule.

You need a "boots-on-the-ground" team in Florida that operates with the same professionalism you demand. For countless non-local owners, including many from the New York area, Team Donovan has become that trusted partner, ensuring a seamless, profitable, and stress-free sale.

Don't…

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What Our Clients Are Saying About James Donovan: Real Stories, Real Results in Central Florida Real Estate!

When it comes to buying or selling property in Central Florida, you want a real estate agent who truly goes the extra mile. Here at Team Donovan, we hear it time and again: our clients are consistently impressed with James Donovan's dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to their success. Don't just take our word for it—let's dive into what people are saying about their experience with the top Orlando real estate agent!

Going Above and Beyond for Your Property Sale

One of the most common themes in our client testimonials is James's willingness to push past challenges and deliver results, no matter what. Imagine this: an…

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Why James Donovan is Central Florida’s Top Real Estate Broker for Selling Vacation Homes

When it comes to selling vacation homes in Central Florida, James Donovan stands out as the premier choice. As the leading broker and agent at Team Donovan, James has sold over 2,500 properties valued at more than half a billion dollars since starting his career in 2004. His extensive experience, international perspective, and unparalleled customer service have made him the most successful broker in the region for vacation home sales. Unlike a typical real estate agent, James’s status as a licensed broker offers distinct advantages that ensure a seamless, stress-free, and transparent selling process. Backed by glowing testimonials from.com and Google, here’s why…

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