Florida Home Sales Slow Down: Is It Time to Rent Instead of Sell?

If you’ve been trying to sell your home in Davenport, Kissimmee, or Orlando with little to no interest, you’re not alone. Central Florida has shifted firmly into a buyer’s market. So, let’s answer the question- Should I sell or rent my home in Kissimmee?

There are far more homes for sale than usual, giving buyers more choices and more negotiating power. As a result, homes are staying on the market longer, price reductions are becoming more common, and owners are starting to feel the pressure.

We’re hearing from many homeowners who say, “My home isn’t selling, so I’m thinking about listing it for rent as well — maybe I’ll get a bite one way or the other.”

It sounds like a reasonable plan. However, after more than 30 years of managing and selling homes across Central Florida, we can tell you that listing your house for sale and rent simultaneously often backfires.

It can actually make your property harder to sell and harder to rent — while racking up months of costly vacancy. Here’s why that strategy doesn’t work in today’s market, and what you should be doing instead.

Why You Shouldn’t List Your Home for Sale and Rent at the Same Time

Listing Platforms Don’t Support Both

Online platforms such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com don’t allow a home to appear as both “for sale” and “for rent.” Your for-sale listing will always take priority, which means potential tenants may never even see your rental ad. Even the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that agents use doesn’t permit a property to be listed in both categories simultaneously.

The result? You end up with a listing that isn’t attracting buyers or renters — and a property sitting empty while bills pile up. So, the question ” Should I sell or rent my home in Kissimmee?” is: rent for now and sell when the market improves.

Your Lease Agreement Is a Binding Contract

Once a lease is signed, it becomes a legally binding agreement for both you as the homeowner and for your tenant. That means both parties are protected and obligated to uphold the full term of the lease.

If you decide to sell your home before that lease expires, you can’t simply ask the tenant to move out early. They have the right to remain in the property until the end of their tenancy, and you’re required by law to honor that contract.

While it’s technically possible to sell a property with tenants in place, it often complicates the process. Most buyers prefer vacant homes that are easy to show and ready for immediate occupancy. Selling a tenanted property can limit your pool of interested buyers and, in some cases, lower your selling price.

That’s why we always advise our owners to wait until the lease has finished before putting their home on the market. It’s the best way to protect your relationship with your tenants, maintain a strong reputation, and position your property for the best possible sale outcome once the time is right.

Planning a Smooth Transition from Rental to Sale

At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, we help our owners plan this transition carefully so it’s smooth, legal, and financially savvy. As the lease approaches its end, we review your options together, whether that’s renewing with great tenants, preparing the home for sale, or transitioning to a new investment.

If selling is the next step, we coordinate every detail, from providing proper notice and arranging inspections to scheduling any necessary updates that will help your home show at its best. Because we handle both property management and real estate sales, you’ll never need to juggle multiple companies or worry about timing.

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on your next goal, knowing your investment has been protected, maintained, and positioned for the best possible return when it’s time to sell. So if you’re wondering, “Should I sell or rent my home?”, we’ll tell you when it’s the right time to do either.

 Renters Want Stability; Not Uncertainty

Tenants in Davenport, Kissimmee, and Orlando aren’t just looking for a place to sleep; they’re looking for a home. A place to unpack their boxes, put down roots, and build routines. They want to know they can enroll their kids in a local school, decorate the living room, or plant flowers without wondering if they’ll have to pack up again in six months.

That sense of stability is one of the biggest reasons quality tenants stay long-term. When tenants feel secure, they take better care of the property, pay rent on time, and treat your home as if it were their own.

For property owners wondering, “Should I sell or rent my Kissimmee home?” this decision can make a world of difference. Reliable tenants are the key to consistent income and lower maintenance costs. They’re the ones who renew year after year, providing you with security in your cash flow and peace of mind knowing your property is being well-maintained. Realistically, it could be two years before the sales market shifts back to a seller’s market. We’ve seen these cycles before — but while we both wait for the market to recover, turning your home into a well-managed long-term rental minimizes your holding costs and keeps your investment working for you.

Long-Term Rentals Protect Your Investment Until the Market Recovers

Real estate markets move in cycles, and right now, Davenport, Kissimmee, and Orlando are in a buyer’s market. But that won’t last forever. When the market shifts again and demand picks up, you’ll want to be ready to sell at a price that truly reflects your home’s value.

That’s where long-term rentals come in. For homeowners asking themselves, “Should I rent or sell my Kissimmee home?” Renting your property during a slower sales period isn’t a setback — it’s a safeguard. It allows your investment to appreciate over time while generating reliable income month after month. Instead of paying the mortgage, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance out of pocket, your tenants help carry those costs for you.

Meanwhile, your home remains professionally managed, maintained, and cared for. When it’s time to sell, it’s in excellent condition — not sitting vacant, neglected, or outdated.

It’s A Buyer’s Market, So It’s Best To Wait To Sell Your Home

If you’ve been wondering, “Should I sell or rent my home?” you’re not alone — many local homeowners are asking the same question in today’s changing market. The good news is, you don’t have to choose blindly. As a full-service brokerage, McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes can handle both sides for you. When the market shifts and it’s the right time to sell, our experienced real estate team can seamlessly transition your home from rental to sale. You’ll already have a trusted partner who knows your property inside and out — the same team that’s been protecting your investment and maximizing your returns all along.

That’s the beauty of long-term rental management done right: your home earns for you now, while we keep it ready for the future.

Avoiding Costly Airbnb Vacancies Through Smart Strategy

A vacant home isn’t just quiet, it’s expensive. Each month a property sits empty, you’re still covering mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, lawn care, and utilities, all without income coming in to offset those costs.

But here’s the good news: with the right rental strategy, those losses are entirely preventable.

For example, if your home could rent for $2,200 per month or more and your total monthly costs (mortgage, taxes, and insurance) are $1,500, every vacant month represents approximately $ 3,700 in unrealized income. Add in maintenance and upkeep, and that figure climbs even higher.

Our Owners, Like You, Are Savvy Investors

That’s why savvy investors across Davenport, Kissimmee, and Orlando choose to act early — rather than wondering “should I sell or rent my Kissimmee home” — they take control by converting a slow-selling or vacant property into a well-managed long-term rental before the market erodes their profits. In a buyer’s market, this proactive approach maintains a strong investment and keeps your cash flow positive while protecting your property for the long term.

With a steady tenant, your home doesn’t just sit; it earns, it’s maintained, and it continues to grow in value. And that’s precisely what we help our clients achieve every day.

How We Keep Vacancy Rates Low

At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, we don’t wait for tenants to find your property — we make sure the right tenants see it first. Our boutique approach to property management ensures that every home receives personalized attention and a tailored marketing strategy designed to fill vacancies quickly and retain high-quality tenants in the long term.

We use professional photography, well-written listings, and clever online placement to attract serious renters, not just browsers. Then, we personally follow up on every inquiry, schedule showings promptly, and thoroughly screen applicants to ensure an excellent fit for your home.

Once tenants move in, our focus shifts to retention. Regular communication, timely maintenance, and fair rental pricing help tenants feel valued and encourage them to stay longer. It’s a win-win; they get a home they love, and you get consistent income with less turnover and less wear and tear.

That’s the difference our boutique, family-run management style makes. We’re big enough to bring you professional results, yet small enough to care about every detail of your property as if it were our own.

Turn an Unsold Listing into a Profitable Rental

At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, our boutique style of Kissimmee property management and sales means you’re never just a number — and your home is never treated like one, either. We take the time to understand your property, your goals, and your situation. Whether your home has been sitting unsold or underperforming as a short-term rental, we have the experience to turn it around.

If your vacation home isn’t producing the returns you hoped for, we can transform it into a thriving long-term rental that delivers consistent income and long-term stability. Our personalized approach ensures that your property is well-maintained, your tenants are well-qualified, and your investment performs as it should. Take the quiz and find out if it’s right for you.

We handle everything, from marketing and tenant placement to maintenance coordination, financial reporting, and rent collection — so you can enjoy hands-free ownership and solid returns.

And when the time is right to sell, we can handle that too. As a licensed real estate brokerage with extensive experience in Central Florida, we specialize in helping owners like you make informed, profitable transitions — from struggling vacation rentals or slow home sales to strong, income-generating investments.

With more than 30 years of proven results across Davenport, Kissimmee, and Orlando, we know how to position your property for success — in any market.

Owner Success Story: From Uncertainty to Steady Income

When Ian first contacted us, he owned a beautiful short-term rental home in Kissimmee that had become more of a burden than an investment. His house sat vacant more weeks than it was occupied, and the constant turnover, cleaning costs, and off-season gaps were eating into his profits. He was wondering Should I sell or rent my home?

He told us he felt like he was always chasing bookings — never knowing when his next payment would arrive. That uncertainty made it hard to budget, plan, or truly enjoy his investment.

After reviewing his situation, we assisted Ian in transitioning from short-term to long-term rental management. Our team handled everything, from adjusting the rental strategy and marketing the home to carefully screening stable, long-term tenants who would treat the property with care.

Within weeks, we placed excellent tenants and secured a full-year lease. For the first time in years, Ian could finally relax. He told us he was “sleeping better at night knowing steady rent was coming in and a good Kissimmee property management company was watching over his home.”

Then, when the real estate market shifted in his favor, we let him know. Because we’re also a licensed real estate brokerage, we guided him through the entire sales process and sold his home within six weeks.

That’s the power of having a trusted local partner who understands both sides of the business: property management and real estate sales. Whether your goal is to build long-term income or prepare for a profitable sale, we help you make the smart move at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Selling vs Renting Your Home

I’m wondering — should I sell or rent my home in Kissimmee, or try to do both?

Technically, you could list your home for both sale and rent at the same time, but it’s rarely a smart strategy. Doing so sends mixed messages to buyers and tenants, often leading to confusion, low offers, and longer vacancy periods. When the market is slow, as it is now. It’s far wiser to rent your Kissimmee home instead. Turning it into a well-managed long-term rental generates steady income, keeps your property maintained, and protects your investment until sales prices improve.

What happens if my home rents before it sells?

Once a tenant signs a lease, it becomes a legally binding agreement for both parties. You can’t cancel the lease just because a buyer comes along later. That’s why we advise waiting until the tenancy ends before listing your home for sale. This approach protects your tenant relationship and helps you achieve the best possible price when you’re ready to sell.

Why are long-term tenants better for my investment?

Long-term tenants provide consistent income, lower turnover costs, and better property care. They’re more likely to treat your home with respect and stay year after year, giving you financial stability and peace of mind. At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, we focus on attracting reliable tenants who see your property as their home, not just a stopgap rental. Since many people in the states relocate with their work, it makes more sense to them to rent rather than buy. Others don’t like the stress of maintenance.

My short-term rental isn’t making money. Can you help?

Absolutely. We specialize in helping owners convert underperforming vacation rentals into profitable long-term homes. Our boutique property management approach means we’ll review your home, pricing, and market potential, then handle every step of the transition — from marketing and tenant placement to ongoing management. Many of our owners see steady monthly income within weeks of switching.

How long does it take to rent out a home?

Every property is different, but well-presented homes in Davenport, Kissimmee, and Orlando typically rent within 2–4 weeks when priced right. Our team utilizes professional photography, strategic advertising, and prompt response times to ensure your property stands out and rents quickly.

How do you screen tenants?

We employ a comprehensive screening process that includes credit, background, rental history, and employment verification checks. We also personally review every application to ensure a good fit for your home and community. This approach reduces risk, minimizes turnover, and helps ensure the presence of responsible, long-term tenants.

What makes you different from larger property management companies?

Our boutique-style Kissimmee property management sets us apart. We’ve managed Central Florida homes since 1994, offering personal service, transparent communication, and local expertise that national firms can’t match. We don’t just manage homes, we build long-term relationships with our owners, caring for each property as if it were our own.

What happens when the market improves and I’m ready to sell?

As a licensed real estate brokerage, we can seamlessly transition your home from rental to sale when the timing is right. You’ll already have a trusted team who knows your property inside and out — making the process faster, easier, and more profitable.

How much will my home rent for?

That depends on your property’s location, features, and condition. We provide a free rental analysis that shows you what similar homes in Kissimmee, Davenport, and Orlando are currently renting for. This helps you set a competitive rate that attracts great tenants and keeps your home occupied.

How do I get started?

It’s simple, just reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll review your goals, analyze your home’s potential, and discuss the best path forward for your situation. Whether you decide to rent or sell, we’ll help you make the smart move.

Choose the Strategy That Aligns with Your Goals

Ready to Protect and Maximize Your Investment?

Whether your home is in Davenport, Kissimmee, or Orlando, one thing is sure: your property deserves the right plan at the right time. At McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes, we’ve been helping Central Florida homeowners protect, rent, and sell their properties since 1994.

If your home isn’t selling in today’s buyer’s market, don’t let it sit empty and drain your savings. Turn it into a well-managed, income-producing asset until the market recovers — and when it’s time to sell, we’ll guide you through every step of that transition, too.

Our family-owned team provides the personal care, transparency, and local expertise you simply won’t find with big franchise brands. From marketing and tenant placement to full management and eventual resale, we’re here to safeguard your investment and simplify the process.

Let’s talk about your options today. Contact Anne-Marie at McCormack Realty & Renters Choice Homes for a free consultation and rental analysis — and discover how we can keep your property performing at its best, no matter where the market moves next. Contact us at 407-933-2367 ext 104 or email hello@renterschoicehomes.com

---