MATTERS OF THE HOME

Free live music at the winery, a guided hike near Leesburg, and one number worth knowing about the local market

Lake County does summer weekends differently, with lakeside towns, live music, and a lot fewer crowds than the coast. This week brings free music on the vineyard green, a guided nature hike, and a weekend of treasure hunting in Mount Dora. Here's where to go.

Local Events

Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series - Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26, noon to 4pm in Clermont
Free live entertainment on the vineyard green all weekend. Bring a lawn chair and stay for the afternoon. Who it's for: Adults. Plan your visit

Stories of Water: Sabal Bluff Hike - Friday, July 24, 9am to noon at Sabal Bluff Preserve, Leesburg
A casual guided hike exploring the preserve's waterways, limited to 15 people with reservations required. Who it's for: Adults. Reserve your spot

Renninger's Antique Center & Farmers Market - Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 4pm in Mount Dora
A weekend of treasure hunting through antiques, flea market finds, and fresh produce. Who it's for: Families. Plan your visit

Explore Florida

Three Springs, Three Days: A Central Florida Getaway

Florida Rambler maps out a three-day kayak tour of the Chassahowitzka, Weeki Wachee, and Rainbow rivers, with honest advice on beating the crowds. A great one to save for your next stretch of days off. Read the guide

Retirement and Money

The Home Renovation Project That Became a Retirement Income Strategy

A Central Florida couple used a HECM line of credit to fund renovations while easing pressure on their portfolio, Social Security, and survivor income. Landmark Mortgage Planners walks through the real numbers behind their plan.

Key Takeaway: Home equity isn't just for emergencies. Used strategically, it can take pressure off your other retirement income sources. Read the case study

Healthy Living

4 Essential Exercise Types for Aging Well

Strength, cardio, balance, and flexibility each play a different role as you age, and AARP breaks down why combining all four matters more than favoring just one.

Key Takeaway: If your routine leans heavily on one type of exercise, this is a good week to add a second, even in small doses. Read more

Seasonal / Homeownership

Summer Pest Boom 2026: What Florida Homeowners Should Know

This year's forecast shows elevated termite, mosquito, ant, and cockroach pressure across the Southeast. Bob Vila covers what's driving it and simple prevention steps before it becomes a bigger problem.

Key Takeaway: A quick perimeter check around your home's foundation and eaves now can head off a much bigger (and pricier) problem in August. Read more

Your Florida Home News

The Tax Deadline Vacation Rental Owners Can't Afford to Miss

Nancy breaks down the one-year window to claim bonus depreciation on a vacation rental, and why waiting a year or two can cost you the write-off entirely. Ask your CPA if a cost segregation study fits your situation, then watch the video.

Nancy Deichman
(352) 427-5704  |  [email protected]

What's Selling for Under $200K

Groveland condo listed at $173,000

$173,000 | A Fresh Start in Groveland
A condo-style unit in Groveland, an easy entry point into Lake County living without the Lake County price tag. Listed by Rachel Rivera. See the Listing

Room to Grow Under $400K

33718 Picciola Dr, Fruitland Park - 3BR/2BA home listed at $396,900

$396,900 | Lake Living in Fruitland Park
3BR / 2BA home with the kind of space and setting that makes Fruitland Park a favorite for people trading city life for something quieter. Listed by the Roberts Williams Team. Take a Look

Featured Rental

31115 Silver Stage Dr, Brooksville - 4BR/2BA rental at $1,800/month

$1,800/month | Space to Spread Out in Brooksville
4BR / 2BA rental home with room for the whole family, a solid option if you're easing into the area before you buy. See the Listing

Market Pulse

Here's how Lake County's activity this week compares to the same week last year.

Lake County

7/12/26 - 7/18/26

7/13/25 - 7/19/25

Active

228

201

Pending

184

146

Sold

140

123

Lake County is busier across the board this year, with more homes active, more going pending, and more closing than the same week in 2025. Over the last 30 days, Lake County homes sold at a median price of $365,000. More activity on all sides typically means more options for buyers and steadier footing for sellers.

Source: Lake County Stellar MLS. Weekly Active/Pending/Sold reflect listings that went active during the stated dates; median price reflects the trailing 30 days.

From Our Partners

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That's it for this week.

Providing the Central Florida community with clear, data-driven home insights.