Happy New Year, Central Florida!
As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but glance out the window. It’s early January 2026, the sky is that piercing, perfect blue, and the thermometer is hovering in the mid-70s. This — right now — is hands down my favorite weather of the year.
If you are reading this from up north, where you’re likely battling ice scrapers and grey skies, I have a question for you: Why are you still there?
As the real estate reporter for Central Florida Lifestyle and operating on the ground every day with Team Donovan, I’m seeing a major shift in the market this year. If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, wondering when the right time to make a move is, let me tell you — the window has opened.
The “Holdout” is Over
For the last few years, we saw a standoff. Sellers were holding firm, hoping to capture the skyrocketing equity of the early 2020s, while buyers were exhausted by high competition and rising rates.
But as we kick off 2026, the tide has turned.
We are finally seeing inventory levels rise, giving you something we haven’t had in a long time: legitimate options. You aren’t just fighting for scraps anymore; you can actually be selective.
More importantly, sellers are waking up to the new reality. Those who were holding onto yesterday’s prices are now making the necessary adjustments to motivate buyers. We are seeing more price corrections and, crucially, a willingness to offer concessions — whether that’s helping with closing costs or buying down interest rates. The sellers who are serious are ready to deal.
A Strategic Window for Relocation
There is a unique opportunity right now for relocation buyers. The combination of increased inventory and motivated sellers creates a “buyer’s plateau” — a moment of stability where you can negotiate rather than just react.
For those of you looking to escape the colder states, this is your green light. The frenetic bidding wars have cooled, allowing you to secure a beautiful home or vacation property in the Disney/Universal corridor without the stress of years past.
The Bottom Line
This January isn’t just about enjoying the best weather in the country (though, let’s be honest, that’s a huge perk). It’s about leveraging a market that has finally tipped back in favor of the savvy buyer.
If you are ready to trade the snow shovel for a pool screen and want to navigate these new price adjustments effectively, let’s talk.
James Donovan Broker, Team Donovan Specializing in Vacation & Investment Homes in the Orlando Area