Orlando Real Estate Blog

A Conversation With Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn That Still Rings True 7 Years Later

A time-capsule conversation that highlights Windermere’s small-town charm, local history, and enduring sense of community

Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent

In the fall of 2018, Jeff sat down with former Mayor Gary Bruhn for a conversation about the community they both proudly call home. It felt like a casual chat at the time. Today, on the heels of Windermere’s Centennial, it reads like a snapshot of a town that has evolved without losing the character that makes it unmistakably Windermere.

Seven years after that interview, Windermere continues to honor its roots while moving intentionally into its next chapter. The names and buildings have shifted, but the spirit is the same.

…

206 Views, 0 Comments

A Season of Giving with The Funk Collection: Holiday Toy Drive 2025

How a Simple Tradition Can Bring Smiles to Children Across Orange County This Christmas

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Exactly What to Say Certified Guide, Speaker, Trainer

Every December, the Funk's holiday party is more than a festive get-together. It’s a tradition built around generosity, community spirit, and the simple joy of brightening a child’s Christmas. This year marked another meaningful chapter as agents from The Funk Collection and eXp Realty arrived with unwrapped new toys in hand, ready to support local families through the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive.

The tree filled quickly as gifts piled up, each one a small reminder of how powerful it is when people come together. It was also a pleasure welcoming Tonya John, eXp Realty State…

249 Views, 0 Comments

What It Really Means To Be Better Than Your Fee as a Listing Professional

A high-standard approach to serving Southwest Orlando & Windermere homeowners with clarity, curiosity, and proven professional commitment.

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Exactly What to Say Certified Guide, Speaker, Trainer

Being “better than your fee” is not marketing language. It is not a tagline. It is a professional standard.

In Southwest Orlando’s 2025 market, where Stellar MLS data reflects that 30 to 40 percent of listings fail to sell, the difference between an agent and a listing professional has never been clearer.

With Jeffrey Funk of The Funk Collection, Jeff’s failed listing rate in 2025 is 0%. ZERO...

Not because Jeff hopes listings will sell. Not because he accepts listings at any list price, and battles Sellers for hefty…

211 Views, 0 Comments

Ficquette Road Near Disney Is Getting a Major Upgrade for Windermere and Winter Garden Residents

What This Means for Local Residents and Buyers Considering a Move in 2026

Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent

A significant improvement is officially moving forward along Ficquette Road, bringing welcomed progress to an area that connects several Windermere and Winter Garden neighborhoods. This well-traveled corridor near Disney is set for enhancements that support the steady growth of Southwest Orlando and the daily rhythms of the communities around it.

What Improvements Will Local Neighborhoods Expect?

Orange County approved the next phase of the widening project that runs from south of Ingelnook Drive to south of Summerlake Park Boulevard. The 1.8-mile stretch will see new…

935 Views, 0 Comments

Giving Back in Our Own Backyard

A Disney Day with the Ranchers of Edgewood Children’s Ranch and Jeff & Renee Funk

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Exactly What to Say Certified Guide, Speaker, Trainer

For over a decade, Jeffrey Funk has had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a place committed to restoring families and giving at-risk youth the tools to thrive. Long before joining the board, the Funk family supported the Ranch because they believe deeply in helping children right here in our own backyard. When you can see exactly who is receiving the community’s effort, the impact becomes personal. That matters to the Funk Family. 

328 Views, 0 Comments

Testimonial from Jairek Robbins

Incredibly Grateful to Earn Recommendation from Highly Regarded Thought Leader Jairek Robbins

"Renee (Funk) is one of my favorite humans! I highly recommend working with her and her team. She will ensure you get world-class service and you will most likely refer all your friends and family to her, they will be forever grateful you did!" ~Jairek Robbins

A post shared by Renee Funk (@renee_funk)

Message from Renee Funk....

"Over the years, Jairek and I have spoken on panels together, and shared meaningful mentorship conversations, for which I am incredibly grateful for. Jairek…

143 Views, 0 Comments

Inside Secrets to Butler Chain of Lakes Access without Butler Chain Real Estate Prices

Most real estate agents do not know this, but the Local Pro's have the inside scoop for buyers wondering, 'how do I find a home providing nearby lake access, without the higher lakefront real estate prices?'. Don't worry, The Funk Collection has you covered.

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Team Leader The Funk Collection Brokered by eXP Realty

How savvy buyers find homes with lake access withOUT paying premium lakefront pricing.

The Butler Chain of Lakes is the crown jewel of Windermere living. Residents know it. Longtime locals protect it. Newcomers want it. And yet one of the biggest misconceptions in Central Florida real estate is that you must pay multi-million-dollar lakefront prices to enjoy the Butler Chain lifestyle. That is not true.

…

782 Views, 0 Comments

Agents, You Never Have to 'Follow Up' Again.

What is the difference between CHASING Language & Curiosity Sparking Language?

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Exactly What to Say Certified Guide, Speaker, Trainer

STOP the Sea of Sameness! Simple Swaps create a curiosity gap, differentiating sales pro's. What is the difference between CHASING language & curiosity attraction language? Most agents use phrases that instantly trigger resistance. Their communication feels repetitive, scripted, or generic. Small tweaks in phrasing create big shifts in how clients perceive your professionalism.

Below are some of Renee Funk’s Real Estate Simple Swaps. SAVE THIS BLOG for reference before you communicate with your next buyer, seller.  

1. NEVER ‘Follow Up’ Again

Stop Saying: 
• “Just checking…

189 Views, 0 Comments

The Questions Most Brokers Do Not Want Agents to Ask, but Agents Should.

Most Agents Do NOT Know they SHOULD Ask.  

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Team Leader The Funk Collection Brokered by eXP Realty

Most agents only ask one question when interviewing a brokerage: “What is the split?”

This is the first red flag.

A split alone does not build a career. A split alone does not create a top producer. A split alone will never give an agent the clarity, support, or long-term security a pro needs. If you want to grow a real estate business… the questions need to go much deeper.

Many brokers do not want agents asking deeper questions. Stronger questions reveal gaps. Stronger questions make leaders uncomfortable when the value is not there.

That is exactly why real estate agents must ask the deep questions BEFORE…

250 Views, 0 Comments

How to Choose the Right Orlando Real Estate Agent (Hint: Start with Their Reviews)

Who Are The Top-Rated Realtors In Windermere and Orlando Right Now?

The Funk Collection, based in Windermere, Florida, is proud to have earned more than 500 5-Star reviews on Google and Zillow. In today's market, reviews are one of the most powerful tools buyers and sellers can use when choosing the right Orlando Realtor. Real stories from real people help you understand what it's like to work with a team, and why so many choose to work with The Funk Collection again and again.

Professional, Knowledgeable, and Responsive | What Sets The Funk Collection Apart from the Rest

These words consistently show up in client feedback about working with Jeff & The Funk Collection team. Don't take our word for it, here's what customers have said about the…

195 Views, 0 Comments