Sponsored Content | A conversation with Kari Fleck, Founder & Broker, The Real Estate Collection, and René Taubensee, VP of Mortgage Lending, NMLS #2553767, On Q Home Loans
With more than 25 years each serving the Windermere area, we’ve had the privilege of not only helping clients buy and sell homes, but also getting to know, love, and invest in the people and community that make this town so special.
Every market has its season. Headlines often focus on mortgage rates or inventory, but in Windermere, success is less about timing the market and more about understanding it. We sat down to share what we’re seeing every day and why buyers and sellers who have a thoughtful strategy continue to find opportunity.
Kari
Windermere has always been about more than beautiful homes–it’s about a lifestyle. Our charming downtown continues to grow with a beloved farmers market, outstanding local restaurants, unique boutiques, and a quaint brewery that has become a favorite gathering place. Add the Butler Chain of Lakes, tree-lined streets, golf-cart accessibility, and an increasingly walkable community, and it’s easy to see why people fall in love with Windermere. My role is to help clients experience that lifestyle by pairing exceptional properties with elevated marketing, concierge-style representation, and a strategy tailored to their goals.
René
That’s why I enjoy partnering with Kari. She helps clients discover the lifestyle they’re searching for, while I help them confidently navigate the financial side of the journey. Together we provide market intelligence–from personalized Cost of Waiting Analyses to Real Estate Report Cards–that replaces guesswork with clarity. A recent Windermere analysis on a $700,000 home showed that waiting one year could mean missing more than $31,800 in projected appreciation. Even if rates decline and the homeowner refinances later, buying today still creates an estimated $27,500 financial advantage after accounting for refinance costs and payment differences. Our Windermere market reports also show 34786 homes have appreciated an average of 6.49% annually over the past five years and project more than $150,000 in potential appreciation over the next five years on a $700,000 home.
Kari
Today’s market is balanced. Sellers should know we’re no longer in the COVID-era environment where nearly every home received offers above asking price. Today’s buyers are educated and value-driven. Homes that are priced strategically and professionally marketed continue to stand out, while overpriced homes often sit longer and require price adjustments.
Another important trend is buyer competition. Many of today’s strongest offers come from cash buyers who have built significant equity over the years. They’re choosing Windermere because they recognize its enduring appeal and long-term value. They move quickly–but financed buyers can absolutely compete when they’re prepared.
Kari Fleck, Founder & Broker, The Real Estate Collection | therealestatecollection.com
Rene Taubensee, VP of Mortgage Lending, OnQ Home Loans | NMLS #2553767
