The Key Components to Finding, Buying and Managing a Vacation Home
1. Finding the right vacation home
Getting a basic overview is the first step to understanding the Orlando vacation home property market and how to find the right vacation home.
2. What makes a great investment?
With so many choices available, getting a clear understanding of what is important will make finding the right property much easier.
3. Owning and managing a vacation home in Orlando
Understand everything you need to know about buying, owning and managing an Orlando vacation home
4. Research locations
Review the top 50 locations for short term rentals including small & large homes, condos and townhouses in both resorts and communities.
5. Running the numbers
Easily estimate the annual costs and returns with our custom short term rental calculator and instructional video.
6. Find the perfect property
Our unique vacation home search program has helped hundreds of buyers successfully find the perfect home.
Search All Vacation Homes
View Vacation Homes for Sale by Price
TOWNHOUSES
$150k to $350k
Bella Vida Townhouses
Encantada Townhouses
Emerald Island Townhouses
Enclaves Townhouses
Margaritaville Cottages *
Paradise Palms Townhouses *
Regal Oaks Townhouses
Regal Palms Townhouses
Terra Verde Townhouses
The Fountains at Championsgate
Tranquility Townhouses
Windsor Hills Townhouses
Windsor Palms Townhouses
HOUSES
$300k to $600k
Aviana Resort
Balmoral
Bella Vida Houses
Calabria & Tuscany
Emerald Island Houses
Formosa Gardens
High Grove
Highlands Reserve Houses (Golf)
Lake Berkley Houses
Margaritaville
Paradise Palms Homes *
Providence (Golf)
Solana Houses
Southern Dunes Houses (Golf)
Tuscan Hills
Windsor Palms Houses
Veranda Palms Houses
Watersong Houses *
West Haven Houses
LUXURY HOMES
$900k + (STR Approved)
LUXURY HOMES
$900k + (No Rental)
Will a vacation home make money?
The answer varies based on the specific vacation home, the identity of the owners, and the management company involved. Additionally, it is influenced by whether the home was bought outright or financed through a mortgage.
We offer an interactive calculator designed to help you understand the financial aspects and how to analyze them effectively.
We have also included a tutorial video that guides you in identifying the figures necessary to accurately estimate potential revenue.
This is likely one of the most misunderstood aspects of the vacation home industry. Not everyone is focused solely on maximizing their profits. Many individuals are quite satisfied with having access to a wonderful property whenever they desire, with someone else shouldering the bulk of the costs and fees.
For owners seeking to increase their revenue significantly, it is essential to develop a competitive offering that includes enhancements to the property, making it appealing to prospective guests.
If you wish to learn how to improve a vacation home for profitability, be sure to read this article.
What is the difference between a resort and a community?
Resorts
A resort is a secured, gated area staffed with security personnel, offering a comprehensive range of amenities, beautifully landscaped grounds, a clubhouse, and facilities such as a swimming pool and possibly a restaurant.
It is highly appealing to renters since they can take advantage of the resort’s amenities on days when they are not visiting attractions like Disney, Universal Studios, LEGO LAND, or heading to the warm Gulf Coast beaches along the Space Coast.
Communities
While some communities feature electronic gated security and limited amenities, the majority are open communities without gates, lacking facilities, yet still available for use as a short-term rental investment.
Thus, we have resorts, communities, and a few options that fall in between.d we’ll get right back to you with answers!
Where should I buy?
If you want to fast track your search and get property options that fit exactly what you are looking for, try out our custom vacation home property finding program that was developed specifically for Orlando vacation home buyers. It’s the quickest way to find the ideal home!
Try out the vacation home finder here.
If I buy a property already in a management program does the management and bookings come with it?
By default, yes.
Generally, when you purchase a vacation home you are buying everything with it. The house, the furniture, the business, and the bookings. We classify this “as-is”. The more important question is if you should keep the current management company and the bookings. That’s where having advice from experienced representation is very important.
We find many of the homes for sale are not run well and that’s why they are being sold. Getting your vacation home into a great program to be able to generate solid occupancy with great rates is one of the most important aspects of ownership, so it may well be that the current set up is incompatible with those goals.
That would possibly mean a change of management, and that then brings in The Conveyance of Bookings and what is retained by the current management, and what would have the option to be conveyed.
What is the buying process like?
The first, most important stage is securing representation. Be sure to find someone who understands the Orlando short-term rental market.
There are a lot of communities and locations, each with their own rules and regulations. You also need to find someone who understands the vacation home business so they can advise you on everything from mortgages, property insurance, management, interior design, and theming.
Negotiating short term rental property acquisition, making an offer, conducting virtual tours, home inspections, setting up an LLC if needed, and organizing remote closings are just some of the specialized skills needed to ensure a smooth process and a successful purchase.
When you have found suitable representation, they can discuss the buying process road map.
If you would like to review the Jerry Barker Group buying process, you can review it here.
What are the Closest Resorts to Disney World?
If it’s purely “as the crow flies”, Windsor Hills or Margaritaville Resort.
If it’s easiest to get to Disney, Storey Lake, Encore Club Resort or Reunion Resort.
For condos, The Grove Resort & Spa.
For Townhouses: Encantada or Windsor Hills.
All of the locations we work with are within 20 minutes of Disney World Parks.
Have a question?
There are many questions vacation home buyers might ask that we are happy to help with. Reach out anytime, and we’ll get right back to you with answers!
The Orlando Vacation Home Buyers Guide – The Book
“The Guide” is available at no cost for anyone interested in buying a vacation home in Orlando.
Written by vacation home Specialist Jerry Barker, he guides you through the buying process, detailing what to expect during the process of researching and purchasing a vacation home, allowing you to to focus more on finding the most suitable locations and properties that fit your criteria.



