Older Florida homes, a Winter Park classic, and a good weekend to be outside
A little about homes, something worth doing around town, and a good excuse to get outside this weekend.
Before you fall for an older Florida home, ask these three things
Older homes around Winter Park and Maitland can have a ton of charm, but there are a few things worth checking early before you’re already emotionally committed.
What’s been updated, and when?
Roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and windows can all affect what you’ll need to budget for after closing.
Have there been any water or drainage issues?
Look beyond the fresh paint. Ask about past leaks, water intrusion, and how water moves around the property after heavy rain.
What will it actually cost to insure?
Don’t wait until the end of the process to find out. Getting an insurance quote early can give you a much clearer picture of the real monthly cost of the home.
An older house doesn’t need to be completely updated to be a great buy. You just want to know which parts are charm, and which parts may eventually need your checkbook.
Local shoutout: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
One of the best ways to see Winter Park is from the water.
The Scenic Boat Tour winds through the lakes and narrow canals, past beautiful homes, tropical landscaping, Rollins College, and parts of town you’d never really see from the road.
It’s been around since 1938, but it still feels like one of those local things that’s easy to keep saying you’ll do “someday.”
If it’s been a while, or you’ve never gone, this weekend might be a good one for it.
A good weekend to be outside
Speaking of the weather, Saturday is looking pretty hard to complain about: sunny with a high around 84.
If you don't have plans yet, this feels like a good weekend to find an excuse to be outside. Take a walk around your neighborhood, grab breakfast somewhere with a patio, head to the farmers market, spend some time by the water, or finally do one of those local things you keep saying you're going to do. It doesn't have to be anything big.
One of my favorite things about living here is that sometimes enjoying where you live really can be as simple as slowing down enough to notice it.
Whether you’re house hunting, rediscovering the area, or just planning to spend a little more time outside this weekend, I hope you find something good.