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Buying a Home in Windermere? Here are Some Frequently Asked Questions

Toni Marie Cafferty  |  July 19, 2023

Windermere

Buying a Home in Windermere? Here are Some Frequently Asked Questions

Nestled between the exquisite Lake Butler and Lake Down is the tiny community of Windermere, Florida. Windermere serves as the quintessential getaway, complete with stunning waterfront views and a welcoming community. In Windermere, country club elegance merges with a casual, laid-back feel to create a distinct neighborhood.

The small community is home to just over 3,000 residents. It remains a highly sought-after living destination for those looking to escape the bustle of the city. Windermere is just 25 minutes from Orlando, making it an ideal place for commuters to reside. Because of its prime location, picturesque beauty, and unmatched lakeside access, many homebuyers wonder if Windermere real estate is right for them. Keep reading to get answers to the most frequently asked questions about buying a home in Windermere.

Why should you buy a house in Windermere?

Windermere is just 1.9 square miles, yet it has many features that attract buyers from across the country to settle in this quaint community. Despite its small size, Windermere has a myriad of amenities for residents to experience. Whether you are looking to enjoy hours on the water, go shopping downtown, or enjoy the peace of a quintessential suburb, Windermere might just be the place for you.

Unparalleled access to the water

Windermere takes the prospect of waterfront living a step further. With multiple bodies of water located in the community, Windermere offers more lakeside real estate than most other towns the same size. Even if you do not live directly on the water, the shore is always within walking distance in Windermere. Public parks along the banks of the lakes give everyone living in Windermere access to these stunning bodies of water for boating, swimming, and fishing.

Small-town living with big-city access

Take a walk down Main Street, and you will find a quaint selection of locally-owned cafés, coffee shops, and eateries. Residents can spend the day by the water and then walk inland to enjoy a bite to eat without leaving the community. Plus, those looking for a five-star meal or hours of shopping only need to drive a few minutes away to reach the busy metropolitan area in neighboring Orlando, where locals can easily access some of the area’s best amenities.

The elegant country club feel

Quiet, suburban streets lined with an eclectic selection of luxury real estate create the feeling of living at a country club. Windermere is comprised of a number of small neighborhoods and gated communities. This splits up the already small area into even smaller, more closely knit sections where everyone knows each other and local amenities can be reached on foot.

What are the best neighborhoods in Windermere?

Despite its small size, Windermere is home to several luxurious neighborhoods, each with its own distinct set of amenities and charm. If you are hoping to move to Windermere, take some time to get familiar with your options so you can choose the area best suited to your lifestyle.

Lake Down Reserve

Those looking for an ultra-luxurious place to call home should check out the posh community of Lake Down Reserve. Located on the shores of Lake Down, residents get ample waterfront views from their beautiful real estate. All of the homes in this lavish community were built with state-of-the-art modern technology, making them some of the most advanced homes in Windermere. Modern architecture and open floorplans can be found in all Lake Down Reserve homes.

Keene’s Pointe

Keene’s Pointe is one of the biggest luxury communities in Windermere, with 1,100 homes. Those looking for luxurious lakefront homes or proximity to golfing must check out this posh community. Located at the south end of Windermere, Keene’s Point offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Many parks allow residents to access exquisite green spaces on foot or by golf cart.

Estates at Windermere

Estates at Windermere is nestled in the northwest of Windermere in a gated community. Residents are offered unparalleled serenity within the confines of this spectacular neighborhood. Large, mature oaks provide ample shade during the hot summer months and transform the neighborhood into a natural oasis. The community manages to feel secluded while still being in proximity to a number of shops at Winter Garden Village, as well as great restaurants and venues.

What kind of homes can I buy in Windermere?

Windermere is home to an eclectic selection of luxury real estate. With homes that suit a wide variety of tastes, there is something for everyone in Windermere.

Lakeside luxury

With numerous bodies of water located in Windermere, it is no surprise that the community offers a number of lakefront homes to choose from. Many of Windermere’s most sought-after waterfront properties feature expansive square footage and spacious yards. Long piers reaching out into the water give residents a place to keep their boats and access the water.

Modern mansions

Today, stunning minimalistic architecture, open floorplans, and smart technology are highly sought-after for luxury home buyers. Many of Windermere’s distinct communities comprise homes built within the last 30 years, giving buyers many newly constructed houses to choose from. These properties are timelessly designed and state-of-the-art, offering the modern homebuyer the ideal contemporary home.

How can I determine my housing costs?

With an unmatched selection of ultra-luxurious real estate and one-of-a-kind amenities, many are looking to move to this quaint community. Learn more about what you can expect to pay to secure your piece of Windermere real estate.

Windermere is located in one of the most expensive areas in Central Florida. Homebuyers need to be willing to pay the price for luxury homes on this highly sought-after real estate scene. However, with an idyllic location and stunning views of the water, buying a home in Windermere is well worth the investment.

Closing costs

When budgeting to buy a new home, closing costs can easily be forgotten. Closing costs are the expenses incurred during the final sale of the home. While they are easy to overlook, they can also add up quickly, especially in real estate with a significant price tag. Homebuyers can expect to pay from 3% to 6% of the loan amount in closing costs, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

The bottom line on buying a home in Windermere

If you are looking to buy a luxury home in Windermere, reach out to trusted luxury property specialist Toni Marie Cafferty. She has vast experience serving clients throughout the area, giving her the knowledge you need to make your home-buying dreams a reality.

*Header photo courtesy of Toni Cafferty




Toni Marie Cafferty

Toni Marie Cafferty

Luxury Property Specialist

About the Author

A true native, Toni Marie Cafferty calls Florida home. Originally from Jacksonville, she moved to Central Florida while attending the private university of Stetson where she graduated with a degree in Marketing and International Business. With time spent in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, she loves to explore other cultures. In her real estate career, she’s had the pleasure to work with buyers from around the world.

As a Realtors® daughter, Toni Marie was raised in the real estate industry and contributes her high level of client care to that of her mother. Toni Marie caters to the luxury market with a white glove-style all her own. Just as the Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Toni Marie takes this to the next level offering superb client care. When asked, she says “it’s all about the details and being present with those you are working with whether it be in-person or over the phone. Be ahead of your client’s questions and help provide clarity and honest feedback.”

Toni Marie Cafferty’s Gold Standard (#tmcgoldstandard) has garnered respect from her colleagues and clients alike as she grows her real estate profession. In the past 5 years, she has managed over $74 million in sales and she’s not slowing down; rather she is expanding her reach with Compass to help more buyers find their place and continue to shatter records for her sellers. Most recently, Toni Marie has been the highest priced estate under contract in Windermere, Florida since 2019 and set a new price per square foot high in the exclusive community of Isleworth Golf & Country Club.

Toni Marie rounds out her career with a balance of time spent with her friends and family. Her husband, Brett, and their two dogs are looking forward to growing their family over the next few years as they continue to call Central Florida their home.

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