- Disney World

Why Orlando Apartments Make Great Vacation Homes

Many people who decide to buy a vacation home in Orlando start their search by focusing on single family homes. But there is another option you should consider: apartment homes, otherwise known as condominiums. 

If you plan to purchase property near Disney World so you can rent it out to holiday travelers, a condo will generally cost less than a single family home. Generally, these apartment homes are smaller in overall area and by the number of rooms they contain, compared to a single family home. But that’s not always the case. Some condos can be as large as a home, but the beauty of these properties is that there is a lot less maintenance that you have to personally perform. 

Another option you may want to consider is a condo hotel, or…

How to Search for Vacation Homes Next to Disney

There are a wide variety of vacation homes for sale next to Disney. Some are single family homes, some are condominiums, others townhomes. It can be confusing trying to find a property that fits both your needs and budget. That’s especially true if you live outside of Florida and only have the internet as your guide. 

Team Donovan’s new website aims to take some of the guess work out of finding an Orlando vacation home. Our map search feature allows you to see at a glance all of the homes for sale in the Disney World area. When you hover your mouse over one of the house icons, a window pops up and gives you the following information on that property:

• Property Address
• MLS number
• Listing Price
• # Bedrooms
• # Baths 
• Square Footage
• …

How to Find Short Term Rental Vacation Homes in Orlando

Are you considering buying a vacation home in Orlando that can be used as a short-term rental? Many holiday travelers find it less expensive to rent properties for a week or more, rather than stay in a hotel. This is particularly true for people who come to the Orlando area to visit the area theme parks. Purchasing a short-term rental property provides you with cash flow which can cover the cost of ownership and maintenance expenses.   

If you wish to purchase a single family home to use as a short-term rental, you will find a variety of homes to choose from next to Disney World in Lake, Polk and Osceola counties. But when it comes to Orange County and the City of Orlando, only condominiums and townhomes can be purchased for use as short-term rentals.…

What You Should Know about Buying Short Term Rentals

For years now, Europeans and Canadians have invested in Orlando vacation homes near Disney for use as a short-term rental to holiday visitors. Vacation homes have become a popular option for tourists who spend longer than a week in Central Florida, as well as large families on vacation, since the rental cost is cheaper than a hotel stay. Many vacation homes are located in resort communities too, so they offer hotel-like amenities such as luxury pools, spas and fitness facilities.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a vacation home in Orlando to use as a short-term rental, there are a few key points to keep in mind. 

#1 – Check to see if the home is located in a gated community. These properties are usually more desirable to tourists because they…

Community Profile: Encantada Resort

It’s easy to see why so many vacation home buyers become enchanted with Encantada Resort in Kissimmee. Imagine coming home to a tranquil, tree-lined community, stepping into a hot Jacuzzi after a long, exciting day at the Magic Kingdom, and finally, curling up in a comfortable bed inside your very own spacious town home. 

You can turn those vacation home dreams into reality when you purchase one of the two, three or four bedroom town homes at Encantada Resort. Conveniently located just 5-1/2 miles from Disney World, this popular vacation home resort is perfect for the buyer who wants a second home or an investment property that can be rented out on a short-term basis. 

The beautiful two-story town homes include nine-foot ceilings on the first floor, a…

5 Ways to Save on the Bills for Your Orlando Holiday Home

Are you thinking about buying a second home in the Disney area to spend holidays with family and friends? An Orlando holiday home can be a great investment, especially when you purchase a property that’s zoned for short-term rentals. Then you can rent the home out to other vacationers when you are away. 

Buying a vacation home next to Disney means you will be responsible for expenses like taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance fees. These bills can add up, but there are ways you can save money on the monthly expenses and put that cash back into your pocket. Here are a few examples: 

1. Lighting – When you’re renting out your holiday home, be aware that your guests may leave the lights on all the time, even when they’re busy spending the day at…

Why Buy an Orlando Vacation Home at Encore Club

Are you interested in buying an Orlando vacation home at the Encore Club? If you're interested in purchasing a luxury home in a community with amazing resort amenities, this is the perfect place for you. The 350-acre vacation rental community is located within the larger Reunion Resort complex, just five minutes from Walt Disney World. Encore Club will eventually feature 742 homes, of which 225 have already been completed or are under construction. The complex offers five to 13 bedroom luxury pool homes – all zoned for daily rentals, priced from the mid-$300’s. The community's developer recently announced that home owners will be able to start renting out their properties to vacationers, beginning at the end of February, 2016. 

Encore Club Amenities

Why It’s Smart to Invest in a Vacation Home in Orlando

Thinking about buying a vacation home in Orlando?  You’re not alone. An estimated 1.13 million vacation homes were sold in the U.S. in 2014 – nearly a quarter of all residential transactions. That’s the highest number since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) began collecting data in 2003.

Why are people buying vacation homes instead of renting them? On the face of it, renting seems like it would be more cost-effective for vacationers. But buying a vacation home can be a smart investment.

Some people buying vacation homes are baby boomers who have sold their family homes for cash, and now choose to invest some of that money in a winter home in a warm climate or other future retirement destination. On the other hand, the NAR has found that half…

For Sale - Sun Lake - 3127 Sun Lake Court Unit B, Kissimmee

This 3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom second floor end unit at Sun Lake will not last long!!! The property has new carpets and a stunning lake view from the large private balcony area. Located walking distance from Restaurants, Bars, Shops and attractions make this the perfect Florida vacation home. The community is gated and features a large pool, spa, tennis court, fitness center and clubhouse. Hurry before you are too late!!!!

Asking Price $249,950

Price Reduced - Caribe Cove - 9051 Treasure Trove Ln Unit 104, Kissimmee

You have to see this amazing ground floor 3 Bed unit at the tranquil Caribe Cove Resort. Located only seconds from the US 192 and minutes from Disney World make this an easy choice when purchasing a vacation home. The property has new carpets and is now ready for you to purchase your own furniture package and then enjoy the resort from the first day of ownership.
Asking Price $99,950 (From $109,950)