Winter Park continues to draw luxury buyers from across the country—but even in a high-demand market, not all homes are selling. And it’s not because of location. It’s because too many sellers are missing what matters most to today’s buyer.
Here’s What Today’s Buyers Expect (And What’s Being Missed)
Sellers often assume that location alone will sell their home. But luxury buyers today are smarter, more selective, and fully aware of the cost to make a home livable by their standards. They’re not just walking through homes — they’re calculating renovation costs on the spot.
And with construction and labor costs skyrocketing, homes that need major updates must be priced accordingly. Many aren’t — and that’s where sellers are losing valuable time and money.
Why Some Luxury Listings Are Sitting:
- ❌ Homes are outdated, and not move-in ready
- ❌ Sellers overprice based solely on location, not actual condition
- ❌ The homes are not thoroughly cleaned or maintained
- ❌ Renovation costs have risen sharply, but pricing hasn’t adjusted
- ❌ There are signs of neglect that scare buyers off
What We’re Seeing:
The homes that are lingering on the market all tend to share similar issues:
– Broken windows
– Visible wood rot around doors, windows, and garage frames
– Outdated or failing HVAC and plumbing systems
– Water-damaged ceilings or bubbling drywall
– General lack of cleanliness or prep
These aren’t just minor cosmetic flaws — they’re signs that the home hasn’t been properly cared for, and buyers are interpreting them as red flags.
What Sellers Must Understand Now
You don’t have to do a full renovation to compete. But you do need to meet a baseline of maintenance and market-aligned pricing.
✅ Clean the property top to bottom
✅ Repair visible damage that signals neglect
✅ Get a pre-listing inspection if unsure
✅ Price realistically, knowing buyers are factoring in updates
Your Next Move Deserves a Smarter Strategy
I offer a complimentary walkthrough and strategy session to help you position your home to sell faster, for more money, with less effort. Let’s meet to review what’s working, what’s hurting your home’s value, and what small changes can help it stand out.
You can keep guessing what your Winter Park home is worth—or get a custom, expert valuation that gives you clarity, confidence, and a strategy that works.
Which feels right for you? Click the button to request your home valuation, or schedule a time to meet and discuss a personal strategy for your home.
