Seminole County Real Estate Guide

Seminole County Cities, Taxes, Insurance and Selling

Seminole County has a lot going on: seven cities, a property tax vote that just passed, and insurance rules that change faster than the traffic on I-4. This page is our one-stop shelf for everything we've written about buying, selling and living here. Start with your city, then pick the topic that's keeping you up at night.

Pick Your Seminole County City

Each city has a "living in" guide for the neighborhoods, schools, taxes and commute, plus a separate page for homes for sale.

Oviedo

Oak-lined 1990s subdivisions, a real downtown, and the closest city limit to UCF. Read the Oviedo guide or browse Oviedo homes for sale.

Winter Springs

Tuscawilla, Town Center, and parks and trails, with SR 434 and SR 417 handling the commute. Read the Winter Springs guide or browse Winter Springs homes for sale.

Longwood

Historic Longwood, Markham Woods, Sweetwater and Wekiva, with plenty of parks and trails. Read the Longwood guide or browse Longwood homes for sale.

Altamonte Springs

Cranes Roost, SunRail and plenty of condos, where it pays to check the association's reserves and inspections before you buy. The living-in guide is coming soon. Ready to shop? Browse Altamonte Springs homes for sale.

Lake Mary

Colonial TownPark, the office-park commute and the high school zone surprise. The living-in guide is coming soon. Ready to shop? Browse Lake Mary homes for sale.

Sanford

Celery City history, historic district rules and the fire fee question. The living-in guide is coming soon. Ready to shop? Browse Sanford homes for sale.

Casselberry

The old tax-free town and all those lakes. The living-in guide is coming soon. Ready to shop? Browse Casselberry homes for sale.

Property Taxes and Amendment 3

Amendment 3 is the big one, and your tax bill is the thing most buyers forget to check.

• Amendment 3 Passed: What It Means for Seminole County Homeowners: what the result means for your bill.
• Florida's Property Tax Amendment Is on the November Ballot: the statewide explainer, with a $400,000 home example.
• Amendment 3 and Oviedo Property Taxes: lower bills, but what happens to city services?
• Florida Homestead Exemption and Portability: what it is, when to apply and how to take your savings with you.
• Florida Property Taxes for Home Buyers: why the seller's tax bill is not your tax bill.

Insurance and Inspections

In Florida, the house has to pass the insurance company's test before it passes yours.

• Wind Mitigation Inspection: the report that can earn you premium credits.
• 4-Point Inspection: roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, for older homes.
• Roof Age and Homeowners Insurance: how old is too old.
• Seminole County Roof Replacement Grant: the county program, now closed.
• What to Expect During a Home Inspection: the full walk-through.

Buying and Selling in Seminole County

• First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Central Florida: the process from loan to closing.
• $10,000 Off the Price or $10,000 Toward Closing Costs: which one saves a first-time buyer more.
• Are Central Florida Home Prices Actually Falling?: what the MLS data says.
• Seminole County's Rural Boundary: what it is and why people are talking about it.

Thinking of selling? Start with our Sell My Home page or get a home valuation.

Senior Transitions and Selling a Parent's Home

Moving a parent is hard enough without also deciding what to do with the house.

• A Family Guide to Senior Transitions: where to start.
• Should You Sell the Home Before or After the Move?: the tradeoffs.
• What Happens to the House When a Parent Moves?: keep it, leave it vacant or sell it.

Questions about your own situation? Contact the Twinhaven Team and we'll point you to the right guide.