How to Market and Sell a Luxury Vacation Home in Orlando, FL

How to Market and Sell a Luxury Vacation Home in Orlando, FL

Selling a luxury vacation home in Orlando isn’t like selling a typical primary residence. These properties are often used part-time, operated as short-term rentals (STRs), and tailored to buyers seeking a lifestyle experience, not just a house.

If you’re looking to sell your luxury vacation home, you probably want two things: a strong sale price and a smooth, confident process.

I’m Mike Chen, a licensed Realtor and STR investor based in Central Florida. I help homeowners list and sell high-end vacation properties across Orlando—from resort communities like Reunion and Encore to custom estates near Disney. 

Here’s exactly how I help sellers like you stand out in a crowded market and sell smarter.

How Do You Sell a Luxury Vacation Home in Orlando, FL

Understand Who Your Buyer Is (and What They Want)

The luxury vacation home market has a very specific buyer profile. They may be:

  • High-net-worth families looking for a second home near Disney

  • International buyers investing in U.S. real estate

  • STR investors building a premium rental portfolio

  • Retirees or snowbirds seeking a part-time residence

Each type of buyer is motivated by lifestyle, quality, and potential income. 

That means your marketing must speak to experience, not just square footage.

Time Your Sale Strategically

Luxury vacation homes in Orlando sell year-round, but some seasons bring stronger buyer activity. 

Families and investors are most active from spring to early summer, while fall attracts snowbirds looking for winter retreats. 

If your home is actively rented, we can work around bookings or pause them temporarily to maximize showings. 

Avoiding major holiday weekends can also help ensure buyers aren’t distracted by travel. The right timing makes a big difference in both speed and sale price.

Prep Your Home for the Luxury Buyer

Presentation is everything in the luxury market. Buyers expect turnkey condition and visual appeal. Here’s how we elevate your home before listing:

  • Deep clean and professional staging (or enhance existing STR decor)

  • Freshen up high-impact areas: paint, lighting, landscaping

  • Highlight themed rooms, outdoor entertaining spaces, and resort amenities

  • Ensure the home smells fresh, feels open, and photographs beautifully

First impressions sell. And luxury buyers will pay more for homes that feel ready to enjoy.

couple carrying furniture
Group of People Cleaning a Dining room
House painter painting wall with a paint roller
Prep Your Home for the Luxury Buyer
Worker use scraper cleaning window before installing tinting win

Create a Standout Listing (That Sells the Lifestyle)

Luxury vacation home listings must do more than list features—they need to tell a story.

When we list your property, we include:

  • HD photography that showcases both interior and exterior lifestyle spaces

  • Drone footage to highlight curb appeal and community views

  • A 3D walkthrough or cinematic video tour for out-of-state buyers

  • A narrative-driven description focused on experience: relaxation, connection, and convenience to Orlando attractions

Buyers shopping for luxury vacation homes want to imagine themselves arriving, unwinding, and enjoying every square foot. That’s the emotion we want to tap into.

Use Targeted Luxury Marketing Channels

Marketing a luxury property requires more than just an MLS listing. Here's how I get your home in front of the right buyers:

✔ Promotion across top real estate portals (Zillow, Realtor, Homes.com, etc.)

✔ Social media ads targeting high-income buyers, investors, and snowbirds

✔ Email campaigns to qualified STR buyer lists and broker networks

✔ Listing exposure through luxury vacation rental platforms (as needed)

✔ Outreach to my network of vacation homeowners, agents, and Airbnb hosts

You only need one right buyer. But to find them fast, your home needs premium visibility.

Sell While It’s Still Being Rented? Absolutely.

Many luxury homeowners wonder: “Can I sell while my vacation home is still booked with guests?”

Yes, and I help with:

  • Coordinating showings between cleanings

  • Collecting feedback and adjusting availability windows

  • Communicating clearly with your property manager or STR platform

  • Transferring future bookings to the new owner (if desired)

Buyers often love the idea of inheriting a fully operational, income-producing property—especially if it’s professionally managed and performing well.

Negotiate Like a Pro

Luxury home negotiations aren’t just about the price. 

Often, terms like furnishings, existing bookings, appraisal contingencies, and closing timelines play an equally important role. 

I work with you to evaluate every offer thoroughly, so you're not just taking the highest bid—you’re choosing the offer that best matches your goals and ensures a smooth, drama-free closing.

realtor negotiating

Why Work With a Realtor Who Understands Luxury + STRs?

You need more than a sign in the yard. You need:

  • A Realtor who understands the short-term rental business

  • Someone who can speak ROI and guest ratings as fluently as market comps

  • Local knowledge of communities like Reunion, Encore, Solterra, and Golden Oak

  • Experience listing and selling vacation homes remotely (for out-of-state owners)

I’m not just your listing agent—I’m your partner in a smooth, profitable exit.

Ready to Sell Your Luxury Vacation Home in Orlando

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About the Author
Mike Chen
Mike Chen is a top real estate agent in Orlando, FL, with over 10 years of experience helping clients buy, sell, and list properties across Central Florida. Known for his strategic approach and in-depth market knowledge, Mike also draws from his background as an investor, property manager, and Airbnb Superhost to guide clients with real-world insight and results that go beyond the sale.