Happy Monday, Orlando!
I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. For me, Monday mornings are my favorite time of the week because it’s when I get to sit down with my morning coffee and go through the "Orlando Quick Move-In Roundup." My Executive Assistant, Eva, spends her Friday afternoons and Monday mornings tracking down the latest inventory across Central Florida so I can bring the best deals directly to you.
If you’ve been scrolling through Zillow or driving past new construction signs wondering if now is the right time to buy, this post is for you. We are seeing some movement in the market this May that I haven’t seen in quite a while. Builders are getting aggressive, and that is great news for your wallet!
Here are 5 things you absolutely need to know about this week’s quick move-in deals in the Orlando area.
1. THE INTEREST RATES ARE DEFYING THE HEADLINES
You might be hearing one thing on the news about mortgage rates, but inside the sales offices of Orlando’s top builders, it’s a completely different story. Right now, "Quick Move-In" (QMI) homes are the key to unlocking rates that look like they’re from three years ago.
For example, DreamFinders Homes is currently offering rates as low as 2.99% (5.959% APR) on select homes if you can close by June 30th. Sarah over at their local office sent me this deal last week and I had to share it because a 2.99% rate in 2026 is almost unheard of! Ask for Sarah and tell them Nicole Perpillant sent you!
Similarly, Trinity Family Builders has been hovering around a 3.99% rate on their ready-now inventory. These builders aren't just selling you a house; they are buying down your interest rate to make sure your monthly payment actually fits your budget.
If you’re worried about the financial side of things, don't forget to check out our Downpayment Assistance resource. There are programs available that many buyers don’t even realize they qualify for, especially when paired with these builder incentives.
2. CLOSING COST CREDITS ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
One of the biggest hurdles for buyers in Orlando right now isn't just the down payment, it's the closing costs. Usually, you’re looking at 3% to 4% of the purchase price just to get the keys.
However, this week’s roundup shows that builders are stepping up to cover nearly all of those costs. We are seeing incentives where builders contribute $10,000, $15,000, or even $25,000 toward your closing costs when you use their preferred lender.
I was chatting with Mike over at a community in Clermont recently, and he mentioned they are literally "emptying the tank" to get their remaining QMI inventory moved before the next phase of construction begins. Ask for Mike and tell them Nicole Perpillant sent you!
When the builder pays your closing costs, that’s more money in your pocket for new furniture, a fence for the backyard, or just a bigger emergency fund. If you want to see exactly which communities are offering these credits right now, you can browse our New Construction Search portal which stays updated with the latest builder inventory.
3. "QUICK MOVE-IN" MEANS YOU CAN BE HOME BY SUMMER
Usually, building a new home in Florida takes anywhere from 8 to 12 months. You pick the lot, you wait for the permits, you watch the foundation get poured, and you pray there aren't any supply chain delays.
But this week, Eva’s list shows over 220 communities in the Orlando metro area with homes that are "Available Now" or "Available May 2026." Since today is May 11th, that means you could be sitting by your new community pool before the June heat truly kicks in.
These homes are already built (or in the final stages of flooring and paint). The designers have already picked out the high-end finishes, think quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and smart home packages. It takes the stress out of the "design center" process where costs can often spiral out of control. You get a brand-new, never-lived-in home without the year-long wait.
4. THE PRICE VARIETY IS SURPRISINGLY BROAD
A lot of people think new construction in Orlando starts at $500k and goes up from there. That’s simply not the case this week.
Our roundup includes everything from cozy townhomes in Tavares and Sanford starting in the high $200s and low $300s, all the way up to luxury estates in Bella Collina and Windermere. We’re seeing significant price "corrections" on homes that were finished a few weeks ago and haven't sold yet.
Some properties are showing documented savings of $47,000 to $67,000 off the original list price. Builders hate having completed inventory sitting on the books, it costs them money every day. That’s where we come in to negotiate an even better deal for you.
Whether you’re looking in:
- Lake Nona for that tech-forward lifestyle
- Winter Garden for the charm and West Orange Trail
- St. Cloud or Groveland for more land and better value
- Oviedo or Winter Springs for top-rated schools
There is a quick move-in deal waiting for you.
5. YOU NEED THE RIGHT TEAM IN YOUR CORNER
Walking into a builder’s model home without a realtor is like going to court without a lawyer. The sales agent in the office is wonderful (we love our builder partners!), but they represent the builder’s interests, not yours.
When you work with Nicole Orlando Realtor, we make sure you’re getting the maximum incentives available. We also connect you with lenders who understand the nuances of new construction. If the builder's lender isn't the right fit, we have an incredible roster of preferred partners:
- Antoinette Pender (Security National Mortgage) – 407-310-3865
- Tia Peeks (Edge Home Finance) – (540) 809-6562
- Jess Ford (Green Oak Lending) – (734) 203-7658
Having these experts on standby means your pre-approval is solid and your closing goes smoothly. We handle the inspections (yes, you still need an inspection on a new home!), the walkthroughs, and the final negotiations.
STAY IN THE KNOW!
The market moves fast, especially on Mondays when these lists go live. If you see something you like, don't wait. These interest rate buy-downs are often limited to a certain number of homes per community.
READY TO FIND YOUR NEW HOME?
- Start Your Search: Browse Orlando New Construction Here
- Check Your Eligibility: Downpayment Assistance Link
- Join Our Buyer Network: Homes.com Buyer Invitation
CALL RACHEL AT THE OFFICE!
If you have questions about a specific builder, a neighborhood, or how to get started with one of these 2.99% rate deals, Rachel is standing by to help you. She can get you the floor plans, site maps, and set up a private tour for you this week.
Call Rachel: 1 (407) 904-1853
I’ll be sending this link over to Sonny, our Social Media Manager, to make sure it hits Facebook and Google Business, so keep an eye out for more updates there throughout the week!
Success in your home search starts with the right information. Let's get you into that dream home!
*We hope all the information is correct, but please contact Nicole Orlando Realtor or the community directly to verify all details, incentives, and availability. Call Rachel at 1 (407) 904-1853 for the most up-to-the-minute data.