A summertime getaway is just what many need to visit faraway family, spend time learning about other places, or simply to relax and have fun. Keep these tips in mind to make your trip as safe as possible:
Before hitting the road in the family vehicle, schedule a check-up–for the car! Have a reputable mechanic to check the engine and parts thoroughly, including all fluids, belts, and the battery, and make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.
Pack items that you will need for emergencies where they can be easily accessed. Purchase one of the many emergency car kits that suits your needs or make your own kit and keep them in a storage tote. A small first-aid kit should be kept in the glove compartment, especially when the kids are traveling, too.
Check the forecast for all of your travel days. Summer heat means afternoon thunderstorms, and you will need to know where you can safely pull over if rain and wind become too heavy for driving.
When using electronic navigation, be sure that the destination address is correct, and that the map is routed correctly. Print or purchase a paper map to consult in case you pass through areas where there is a poor signal is a must.
Air travel means added time to your day. Once at the airport, distribute the kids between the adults and go to different security screening lines, and your wait will be shorter.
Before getting comfortable on the plane, using alcohol-based disinfectant cloths, wipe everything down, giving extra attention to the food tray and the back of the seat pocket area.
If possible, leave your cell phone at home and opt for a prepaid cell phone to stay in touch.
When you are not using Wi-Fi, disable it on your device, as well as the Bluetooth signal. Public connections can give hackers easy access to your stored personal data.
Upon arrival at your hotel or rental home, ask for the official Wi-Fi router name and password, and see if there are other networks available throughout the property. Fake wireless connections can be created by hackers, leaving your personal information at risk of being breached.
If paying for something online is your only option, disable your cell’s Wi-Fi connection and use your cellular data as a security measure.
While you are looking forward to some fun in the sun, it is important to keep yourself, your family, and your digital presence safe. Some mishaps are unavoidable, but when you are prepared, it makes your time away from home more fun and less stressful!
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Purchasing a new home is an exciting achievement, and furnishing it is your chance to turn a blank canvas into a comfortable, personal space. But before you rush to fill every corner with new pieces, a thoughtful approach can save you money, stress, and regret. Here are seven practical tips to help guide you:
Start with the Essentials Focus on key items you will use every day, such as a bed, sofa, dining table, and basic lighting. These foundational pieces will make your home livable while giving you time to consider what else you really need.
Live in the Space First Spend a few weeks in your new home before making major furniture purchases. Living in the space helps you understand how you move through it and which pieces will best support your lifestyle.
Measure Everything Take accurate measurements of your rooms, doorways, hallways, and stairs. A beautiful piece will not be practical if it does not fit through the door or overwhelms the room.
Create a Budget and Prioritize Set a realistic furnishing budget and prioritize spending based on needs and usage. Allocate more money toward items you will use daily, like a quality mattress or sofa, and look for savings on decorative items.
Mix New and Secondhand You do not have to buy everything brand new! Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces can offer unique, high-quality furnishings at a fraction of the cost.
Consider Style and Function Choose furniture that suits both your aesthetic and practical needs. A coffee table with storage, for example, can offer both style and extra space for everyday items.
Decorate Gradually Take your time adding décor, rugs, and accessories. These finishing touches are easier to choose once the larger pieces are in place and the room’s flow and feel are established.
If new furniture is not in the budget, there are many ways to inexpensively rehab what you already own. Save money by purchasing slipcovers, paint, and other redecorating supplies that update or simply make what you have look new. By furnishing your home with intention, you will create a space that reflects your personality, supports your daily life, and evolves over time—without breaking the bank.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows nearly 14,000 homes on the market heading into busy summer season.
State of the Market
“As we head into the summer season, the Orlando housing market is gaining momentum with more homes available and steady sales activity,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “For buyers, the increase in inventory offers more choices and a chance to explore options that fit their needs. For sellers, it’s a signal to stay competitive—pricing and presentation matter more than ever in a market where consumers are weighing their options carefully.”
The median home price for May was recorded at $390,000, up slightly from $389,900 in April.
Overall sales increased by 3.7% from April to May. There were 2,459 sales in April and 2,551 sales in May.
Inventory for May was recorded at 13,957, up 4.9% from April when inventory was recorded at 13,304. This is the highest inventory since January 2011.
May’s interest rate was recorded at 6.8%, up from 6.6% in April. April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.6%. Interest rates have hovered in the 6.0-range since October 2024.
22 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.9% of all home sales in May. This is a 8.3% decrease from April, when 24 distressed homes sold.
New listings fell 6.6% from April to May, with 4,208 new homes on the market in May, compared to 4,503 in April.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
You love your outdoor space, but is the afternoon sun stopping you from using if for more than weekend mornings with a cup of coffee? Closing in the space may not be in the budget, but there are many ways you can shade the area without putting a hole in your wallet!
Sail Shades For less than $100, purchase a sail shade, a piece of polyethylene fabric, normally cut into rectangles or triangles and grommeted. Most come with a good length of rope to anchor it to your roof or attach it to a pole. It’s practically instant shade, and weather-resistant, so it can be left up all Summer.
Vining Shade Build a vertical trellis wall, making sure it’s facing the direction the sun is shining. Plant fast-growing perennial or evergreen vines and train the plants to grow up the trellis. The trellis itself will shield your space from the sun, and the plants will help as they grow.
Slatted Shade Pergolas are beautiful open structures on their own or covered with trailing plants. The price tag can be big, depending on how it’s done, but wooden pergola kits are available, as well as metal pergola kits for even less. These instructions from The Created Home show you how to build a simple attached pergola for about $200.
Living Screen Visit a reputable nursery where you can get advice from a grower about good shade trees to plant as a screen around the perimeter of your patio. Purchasing 6’-10’ trees may be a bit more expensive, but with the right planting and care, the trees will grow and thrive, providing lush, living shade.
Container Shade Bamboo is a hardy plant, and easy to grow in containers. Using several containers together will provide lush greenery for shade or a privacy screen. Find the best bamboo for screening, as well as what containers are best here.
If building or planting your outdoor canopy isn’t your thing, then an extra-large outdoor umbrella will do the trick. Many models are available, and have extending possibilities, and can rotate to follow the sun’s path. No matter what you decide to use, take advantage of your own shady spot to unwind after a busy week, move family meals outside, or just soak in the outdoors.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
When a move out of state is necessary, selling the house your leaving behind may seem scary. A well-thought-out plan is an absolute must for the sale to go smoothly. Read on for some tips to help you get your home-selling plan in place:
Look for a REALTOR® who has experience with long distance sales and is comfortable handling the process with a seller that isn’t local. Be available for lots of electronic communication with them.
Find a tax attorney or accountant with a background in handling out-of-state home sales, because you may have double capital gains taxes to pay. A professional will be able to walk you through the tax process and let you know if there are any credits you can claim at the end of the year.
Unless your current home is paid for, you will have to pay as if you live in two homes once you move. Bridge loans are always a possibility, and you’ll need to be certain your home sells within a certain time period, as bridge loans are short-term. Learn more about bridge loans, and decide if one is the right fit for your budget.
Pricing to sell as soon as possible is imperative, so make certain you and your agent are on the same page. From realtor.com®: “Your for-sale listing will have the most impact as soon as it is published. That’s when you’re most likely to get fair market value for the home—before people start questioning why your house has sat on the market for so long.”
Consider a remote closing, especially if you are so far away that when it comes time to close on the property, you have to spend a lot in travel costs.
Consult your insurance agent before you move, as your homeowner’s insurance will need some changes on your policy, as the house will be vacant.
Leave the electricity on, and have timers on outdoor lighting, and in a few rooms inside. Keep your security system in place, as well.
Be wary of cash offers that aren’t through your real estate agent, as well as calls from those who call themselves investors. Smart scammers see an empty house and know that the sellers are eager to move on. In case the sale doesn’t happen within a certain time frame, talk to your agent about whether leasing or renting is a good idea for you. Just keep in mind that your situation needs a REALTOR® with experience and confidence to handle the transaction.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Closing day has finally come and gone – you’re almost finished packing for your move, and let’s face it you are BUSY! But, it is important to slow down to take note of a few things that should be done before and soon after you move in. Go down this list of must-do’s so you’ll be safe, secure and happy in your new home:
Change all of the entryway locks, keypad codes, and make plans to get a security system set up.
Have utilities turned on in your name, as well as television provider and internet.
Deep clean the new house, even if it looks clean. This job can be hired out, or you can DIY if time permits. Keep in mind costs involved with renting any necessary equipment, as well as cleaning product expenses.
Plug in/turn on all appliances, to make sure they’re in working order.
Walk through the house to check for minor things that didn’t warrant repair by the seller. Having your copy of the home inspection in hand will help you find the problem areas that may need to be addressed before they get too big and too costly.
If you want update the home’s color palette with a fresh coat of paint, or do any other small improvement jobs consider getting them done before move in day. This will allow for the painting and repairs to be finished easier and faster before settling in with added obstacles.
Typically sellers leave the window treatments, but in case they didn’t be sure to measure the windows. Allow for time and budgeting to purchase and install shades or blinds until curtains or shutters can be hung.
Let everyone know your new address: relatives and friends, of course, but also medical offices, your employer, schools, and other important people that communicate by mail.
Create a homeowner folder to keep all of your important papers. Be sure to store it in a safe and easily accessible place.
Meet your neighbors! Once you’ve moved in, introduce yourself and your family by hosting a front porch social, with light refreshments. Slip invites in mailboxes and simply ask them to stop by to say hello.
Once you get settled in, you’ll need to get into a homeowner frame of mind. You will have things to keep an eye on and maintain on a regular basis. Bob Vila’s home checklist gives you an idea of what you’ll need to check regularly.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Do you open your closets with dread, knowing it’s going to take several minutes to find that certain pair of shoes, or for fear that something will fall off the top shelf onto your head? As dreaded as it can be, now is a great time to get said closets cleaned out and better organized! The longer you dread it, the more it will be piled up, so let’s get to work now!
Clothes First
Have an empty box or laundry basket handy and take everything on the handing rod off so that you must look at everything as you’re cleaning.
If it hasn’t been worn in six months, doesn’t fit, or you simply don’t like it anymore, get rid of it.
Try on anything that you’re not sure about. If you still love it, and it fits, keep it. Otherwise, send it to the declutter box.
Business attire can be donated to charities that assist those on limited incomes with their wardrobe for job-hunting. Women’s clothing can be donated through dressforsuccess.org, and men’s clothing is accepted through careergear.org. Be sure to check with any organizations for their policies for donations.
Once you’ve gone through everything, re-hang your items by color or season so you won’t be spending a lot of time hunting them down.
Shoes, Accessories, etc.
Same as with clothing, get rid of any shoes or accessories you haven’t worn in a long time, no matter the reason.
Organizing shoes can be a pain with or without their original boxes. Purchase clear plastic shoe boxes in bulk at a discount store and use them to store lesser-worn shoes.
Place hangers on the back of the closet door or other little-used space, and hang hats, ties, scarves or even jewelry. Keep your most-used items at eye-level.
Storing sweaters on a hanger isn’t the best thing for the sweater–they’ll end up misshapen. Fold them and place them in a plastic storage container lined with fabric softener sheets or sachets. A hanging shoe organizer would be another great way to keep them in shape–just roll them up and put them in the pockets.
General Closet Organization
Add a second rod to your hanging space, which can be a DIY for one day, or purchase a kit that makes this one a cinch to add more storage.
For closets with limited space, use wall-mount towel rods and shower curtain hangers to hang handbags or other odds and ends.
Use laundry baskets for storing odd items on the top shelf.
Don’t forget to wipe the closet down when you remove everything for sorting. Wipe down the walls and shelving with a mild cleanser and warm water. Once everything is clean and organized, set aside an hour at every season’s change to keep it that way.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Turning a corner of your yard into a wild area is a wonderful way to support local wildlife and promote biodiversity. There is virtually no effort involved! Just a few thoughtful choices can turn your space into a mini nature sanctuary. Here are some simple tips:
Let It Grow Naturally Stop mowing a section of your lawn and allow grasses and native plants to grow freely. This creates shelter and food for insects, birds, and small animals.
Plant Native SpeciesChoose native flowers, shrubs, and trees that support local pollinators and birds. Native plants require less water and care while offering the best food and habitat for wildlife.
Add a Brush or Log Pile Stacking fallen branches or logs in a corner creates shelter for insects, frogs, birds, and small mammals. It mimics the natural environment and encourages biodiversity.
Create a Water Source Even a shallow dish of water or a small pond can attract birds, butterflies, and amphibians. Keep the water clean and change it regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Avoid Chemicals Skip pesticides and herbicides in your wild area. These can harm the very creatures you are trying to support.
Leave the Leaves Allow leaves to stay on the ground in fall. They provide shelter for insects and overwintering sites for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Add Nesting Spaces Install birdhouses, bee hotels, or even leave standing dead trees if it is safe; these provide essential nesting sites.
Check with your local municipality or property association to ensure you are adhering to regulations before you begin. If your wild spot qualifies, you can evenearn a Certified Wildlife Habitat® distinction from the National Wildlife Federation so that others understand your intentions. It will be exciting to watch the menagerie of wild creatures that come for a visit to your yard, and it is especially fun for children. A wild patch not only helps wildlife thrive but adds natural beauty and a peaceful corner to your yard.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows strong sales and inventory as market heats up.
State of the Market
– “April’s housing data projects a promising summer for those looking to make a move in Orlando’s real estate market, with a notable increase in both sales and inventory,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “As interest rates remain steady, buyers and sellers alike are taking advantage of more available homes, creating a balanced dynamic market as we head into the busy summer season.”
– The median home price for April was recorded at $389,900.
– Overall sales increased by 62.4% from the start of the year to April. There were 1,514 sales in January and 2,459 sales in April.
– Inventory for April was recorded at 13,304, up 41.9% from April 2024, when it was recorded at 9,376. April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.6%. Interest rates have hovered in the 6.0-range since October 2024.
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
Utilize your backyard, take a break from technology or inside chores and enjoy the sun and warm temps. Make your family want to get out there with these ideas:
Spruce up your patio furniture with new pillows or make some no-sew covers with what you have on hand!
Adding lights is an inexpensive way to make the time last longer: add strings of LED’s to ground cover, wrap tree trunks with string lights, and no outdoor structure, no problem with this DIY on creating easy lamp posts to define a seating area!
Pools are great and make the backyard irresistible for the whole family! Affordable options like easy set up pool kits can get you swimming in just a day!
Speaking of water, did you know that backyard splash pads are catching on? If your municipality allows them, DIY or have a permanent play area installed! Inflatable or portable splash pads can be bought at most discount stores or online.
Who says swings are just for porches? Hang a porch swing from a sturdy tree branch or add a platform swing (store-bought or DIY).
Everyone loves a treehouse! It can be as simple as a deck/platform built in the branches or a full-out house with walls and a roof. The Family Handyman has some great ideas and tips for building a tree structure.
Get outside with the dogs, especially if you create a playground for your dogs. Playing with them outside is good for both of you. When they want to be on their own, Cesar’s Way has a few suggestions for making your backyard more fun for your furry friends.
Lastly, do not just grill outside! Take those delicious meals and eat al fresco, and make it a relaxing affair, just hanging out after eating, or playing a fun game after dinner is over. Your backyard has plenty of potential for outdoor fun or de-stressing, you just have to help it along!
Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.
You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently. You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.
