Winter Haven is in an enviable location in Central Florida. It's about 50 miles east of Downtown Tampa, which is a major commercial hub in the region. Winter Haven is also about the same distance from Orlando, which is the theme park haven and major shopping hub for domestic and international travelers.
All that said, Winter Haven can hold its own in terms of local attractions. This area is famous for its chain of lakes with at least 50 lakes of varying sizes. Winter Haven is about 30% water, so you can expect water views from many residential and commercial properties.
These lakes are thriving habitats for native species, including alligators and birds such as bald eagles and blue herons. The lakes of Winter Haven are also known as some of the best bass fishing spots in the area. Water skiing is a popular sport in this area, made famous by Cypress Gardens when it was operational as a botanic garden and theme park; part of this attraction was turned into Legoland.
The population and entertainment activities in Winter Haven ebb and flow with the seasons. Best real estate agents in Winter Haven advise property owners to be aware of these patterns to choose the best time of year to put their homes on the market.
Spring-Selling for Family Homes
Spring is the best time to put your house up for sale, especially if the property is a multi-bedroom, spacious family home in one of the preferred school districts. Expect a lot of activity in the housing market at this time of year as families prepare to move to be closer to the schools they prefer.
Play up the the home's features that appeal to families with school-age children, including a child-friendly design, a private backyard, and a pool, if available. Focus on extras such as convenient access to playgrounds, parks, and shopping.
Winter Housing Market
The so-called snowbird season starts right after Thanksgiving and usually lasts until Easter Sunday. This is when Winter Haven's population swells with guests from winter-bound states from the Midwest, New England, and Canada.
Homeowners with smaller houses suitable for retirees should take advantage of this period by having their properties on the market and open house-ready. Focus on showcasing features that are senior-friendly such as grab bars in strategic locations, non-slip flooring, wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, and low-maintenance landscaping.
Vacation Destination
Here's a secret only top real estate agents in Winter Haven will know: Winter Haven is a great place for vacation homes. It's strategically located to Orlando and all the attractions. Winter Haven home prices can be a bargain compared to stratospheric prices in Orlando and the adjacent suburbs.
It's also more affordable than Tampa and St. Petersburg, and access to the beaches is only an hour's drive from Winter Haven. Homes with lake views and easy access to Interstate 4 are prime properties for vacation home or second-home buyers.
Work with the Pros
Contact top real estate agents in Winter Haven to prepare the best marketing plan for your home. They're local experts who are familiar with the regional market and could help streamline the selling process for optimum results.
For more information on housing in Winter Haven and other real estate news, check out 407area, your free guide to the Orlando area.
Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay