Happy Monday, Orlando! It’s March 16, 2026, and if you’ve been scrolling through Zillow or driving past new construction fences wondering how people are actually affording these beautiful new builds, you’re in the right place. I’m Penny, part of the Team Dt crew here at Nicole Orlando Realtor, and I’ve got the latest "Orlando Quick Move-In Roundup" fresh from my chat with Eva, our Executive Assistant.

Every Friday, Eva rounds up the hottest inventory from builders across Central Florida, and every Monday morning, I lay it all out for you. If you’re looking to get into a brand-new home without waiting twelve months for a slab to pour, "Quick Move-In" (QMI) homes are your best friend. But before you go running into a model center, there is one thing you absolutely must do first if you want to save thousands, and I mean thousands, on your closing costs.

WHAT’S THE BIG SECRET?

Here it is: Register with your own Realtor before you ever step foot in a builder’s office or click "Contact Agent" on a builder’s website.

Most buyers don’t realize that the friendly sales person in the model home works exclusively for the builder. Their job is to get the best price for the builder, not you. When you bring Nicole Orlando Realtor into the mix from day one, we represent your interests. Best of all? The builder pays our commission, so our expert guidance costs you zero dollars.

If you walk in alone and register your name, many builders will actually refuse to let you bring a Realtor later in the process. That means you lose your professional negotiator, and you might miss out on the massive closing cost incentives we’re about to talk about.

WHY QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES ARE WINNING

A Quick Move-In home is a property that is either fully completed or very close to it (usually within 30 to 90 days). Builders hate sitting on finished inventory. It costs them money every day that house sits empty. Because of that, they are offering "crazy-good" incentives that you just won't find on a "to-be-built" home.

Right now in the Orlando market, we are seeing builders offer:

• Massive Closing Cost Credits: We’re talking $10,000 to $25,000 to cover your fees.
• Interest Rate Buy-Downs: Some builders are offering rates as low as 4.99% or 5.5% when the market is much higher. This can save you hundreds every single month on your mortgage payment.
• Free Upgrades: Granite countertops, screened-in lanais, or upgraded appliances thrown in just to close the deal.

THIS WEEK’S ORLANDO QUICK MOVE-IN ROUNDUP

Eva sent over some incredible deals this morning. These are properties that are ready for you to call home right now. Here are the highlights for this week:

1. Storey Grove | Winter Garden
Mark at Lennar sent me this deal last week and I had to share it with you. They have a stunning 4-bedroom "Hartford" model that is move-in ready. They are currently offering a massive incentive toward closing costs if you use their preferred lender.

• The Deal: Up to $15,000 in closing cost assistance.
• Action: Ask for Mark and tell them Nicole Perpillant sent you!

2. Sunbridge | St. Cloud
Sarah over at Del Webb/Pulte reached out about a gorgeous villa perfect for those looking for the active adult lifestyle. The landscaping is already in and it’s just waiting for a mailbox!

• The Deal: They are offering a permanent 30-year fixed rate buy-down that is significantly lower than current market averages.
• Action: Ask for Sarah and tell them Nicole Perpillant sent you!

3. Tohoqua | Kissimmee
David with DR Horton has a "Cali" model that just had a price improvement. This is one of the most popular layouts in Central Florida.

• The Deal: $10,000 toward closing costs & a stainless steel appliance package included.
• Action: Ask for David and tell them Nicole Perpillant sent you!

HOW TO SAVE BIG ON CLOSING COSTS

Typical closing costs in Orlando range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that’s $8,000 to $20,000 out of your pocket on top of your down payment. Ouch!

But with QMIs, the builder often covers a huge chunk of this. To maximize these savings, you need to look at three things:

1. Builder Credits
Most builders have a "Preferred Lender." If you use their lender, they give you the big credits. We’ll help you compare their "deal" with an outside quote to make sure the math actually works in your favor.

2. Downpayment Assistance
Did you know there are programs specifically for Florida residents to help with down payments? Even if you think you make "too much money," you might be surprised. Check out our Downpayment Assistance Tool to see what you qualify for.

3. Negotiation
Because these homes are sitting, builders are often willing to negotiate on the "extras." Maybe they won't drop the price another $5k, but they might pay for your homeowners insurance for the first year.

MEET OUR PREFERRED LENDERS

If the builder’s lender isn't giving you the best vibe, or if you want a second opinion to keep them honest, we work with the best in the business. These ladies know the Orlando market inside and out:

• Antoinette Pender (Security National Mortgage)
  • Phone: 407-310-3865
  • Web: yourmortgageladynet.com
• Tia Peeks (Edge Home Finance)
  • Phone: (540) 809-6562
  • Web: edgehomefinance.com/team-member/tia-peeks/
• Jess Ford (Green Oak Lending)
  • Phone: (734) 203-7658
  • Email: jessford@greenoaklending.com
  • Web: GreenOakLending.com

READY TO START YOUR SEARCH?

You don’t have to spend your Saturday driving aimlessly through construction zones. We have a dedicated tool that shows you every new construction community in the Orlando area, including the ones that haven’t hit the major search sites yet.

Start Your New Construction Search Here

If you want to see what else is out there and get a personalized invite to our home search portal, check out our Homes.com Buyer Invitation. It’s a great way to stay organized as you look for "The One."

FINAL THOUGHTS FOR THIS MONDAY

The Orlando market is moving fast, but there are incredible opportunities for buyers who know where to look. Quick Move-In homes offer the luxury of new construction without the long wait, plus the financial perks that make homeownership a lot more affordable.

Remember: Do not go to the builder alone! Let us handle the negotiations and protect your interests.

CONTACT US TODAY!

Have questions about a specific community? Want to know which builders are offering the best rate buy-downs this week?

Call Rachel at the office: 1 (407) 904-1853

Rachel is ready to help you schedule tours, get pre-approved, or just chat about which neighborhood fits your lifestyle best. Whether you're looking in Lake Nona, Winter Garden, or anywhere in between, we’ve got your back.

Stay tuned for next week’s roundup!

*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 latest updates.