While a vacant home is on the market, even in a safe neighborhood, it is crucial to secure it. Savvy criminals can spot an empty house, and you do not want your property compromised, especially when potential buyers are viewing the property. Follow these tips to keep your property safe:
Always ensure all exterior doors and windows are locked. Intruders often seek easy access and prefer not to draw attention by smashing windows or making noise.
If you do not already, have motion sensor floodlights installed around the perimeter of your home. This will help deter anyone who is creeping around after dark.
Outdoor light fixtures and even your HVAC unit are surprisingly common targets for theft. Install motion-detection lighting and secure your HVAC unit’s circuit box with a lock. Consider adding fencing or a security cage for extra protection.
Talk to your Realtor® about using a keyless lockbox on your entry. This allows agents access and provides a record of who entered your home and when.
Contact your homeowners insurance agent if the home is empty for more than 30 days; you want to be sure that the property is covered while vacant.
Keep your landscaping well-maintained to avoid signaling the home is vacant. Have a reputable landscaper or pay a former neighbor to handle it.
Ask a trusted relative, neighbor, or a reputable house-sitter to regularly check on your home if you have moved too far away. For added presence, see if a neighbor is willing to park their vehicle in your driveway.
Many affordable wireless home security systems do not require monthly fees. Look for options with smartphone apps that allow you to self-monitor your home and alert contacts if there is an issue.
Keeping the electricity and Wi-Fi connected to a vacant home is a small cost compared to the peace of mind and protection it offers. The expense of utilities is far less than potential repair costs for damage or replacing stolen items. Protect your investment by safeguarding your vacant property.
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.
Are you hoping to create more privacy in your backyard, or looking for a secure space where your kids can play and your pets can roam safely? Installing a fence is a smart solution — but it’s also a big decision. With so many fencing options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. In this post, we’ll break down the most popular fencing materials to help you choose the best fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.
The most common types of fencing are wood, vinyl, and metal.
The type of wood you choose depends on your budget. Pine is inexpensive and treated to resist rot and insects. Different types of cedar and Douglas fir, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to moisture and pests and will cost more upfront.
Wood composites are made of sawdust and recycled plastic. It looks like wood and comes in many styles, finishes, and colors. Most manufacturers of composites offer a warranty on their products, making it a more expensive choice, but a long-lasting one.
Vinyl fencing is almost maintenance-free and comes in many styles. Costs are high initially, but its durability and little upkeep pay for themselves in the end.
Wrought iron, aluminum, and chain link fencing are all long-lasting choices. Chain link is likely the easiest for DIY, but the others would be best installed by a pro. Maintenance for wrought iron mostly consists of painting and keeping an eye out for rust.
If cost is not an option but security and durability are your concerns, there is the option to have steel fencing installed.
Hiring a fencing contractor is a smart move because they are knowledgeable about materials and styles that perform well in your area. Installing fences is what they do; their expertise can save you money and time in the long run.
Consider a living fence, grown from such plants as privet or another evergreen, but that will require some patience as the plants fill in. Remember to check with your local municipality or homeowner’s association for permits and regulations regarding your plans.
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’ve got vacation days to use—but between the kids’ packed summer schedules, high gas prices, and a tight budget, a big trip just isn’t in the cards. So, what’s the solution? A stay-at-home vacation, or “staycation”!
Even if you don’t live in a bustling tourist hotspot, you can still take a well-deserved break. Take a week off work, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy some much-needed downtime—right from the comfort of home. Here’s how to make the most of it…
Going Places?
If you are truly wanting an away from home experience, book a room in a local hotel for a few days during the week when rates are lower. A luxury hotel or bed and breakfast would make it feel more like a vacation, if you can afford it.
Exploring your local area can not only be fun, but educational for the family! Before your time off, call your local tourism office, and learn about the destinations you’re not aware of, as well as those you do. Make a list and decide where you’d like to visit.
The weekend before your break, get everyone involved in getting the house cleaned up and the laundry done. Purchase eco-friendly disposable kitchen items, so you don’t have dishes to do every night, or plan budget-friendly take out.
When you have young children, planning day trips is less difficult on them; spending the day at a nearby museum or state park, then coming home to sleep in their own beds can help keep them in their routine when your time off is over.
Relaxing at Home?
Imagine yourself as a guest in your own home and treat yourself as such. Vacations are meant to break routines, and you might have to make a conscious effort to stay in a getaway state of mind.
Spend an entire day at your local park, splash pad, or other fun spot that you normally take advantage of for an hour or so. Pack a picnic lunch.
Plan some out-of-the-ordinary things to do at home. “Camp out” in the living room, or even the backyard! Throw yourselves an ice cream party, or some other celebration that is normally reserved for birthdays and holidays.
Some projects, such as cleaning out the garage, can take a couple of days. If you must do something, plan as many days of fun or relaxing as you spend working.
Most importantly, unplug yourself! Turn off notifications for all your smartphone apps, resolve to check personal email every other day, and let family and friends know you’re taking time off, and, unless you’re planning on a get-together, only available for emergencies. Vacation days are a precious commodity, and if you’re not taking a long-distance trip, make the most of it, and make memories in the process.
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.
Summer has arrived, bringing with it visions of lounging by the pool and packing away cold-weather linens and clothes. While these seasonal tasks are a great way to embrace the warmer days, it’s also the perfect time to be mindful of water use. Conserving water is especially important during the summer—and there are plenty of simple ways to make a difference!
When the car needs cleaning, take the bucket and sponge to a car wash instead of washing it at home. This could save one hundred gallons of water per wash.
If you have a sprinkler system, set the timer for morning or evening. Pay close attention to the weather and turn off the timer whenever a good chance of rain is predicted.
Use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers or hand-watering with the hose for your veggie garden and landscaping. This allows water to soak directly in near the roots.
Growing native plants and grasses will help cut down on water usage, as they are adapted to your local climate. Contact your local cooperative extension agent to find out how to plant a native plant garden.
Trees and large shrubs can be hydrated efficiently by placing a five-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the bottom nearby and filling the bucket with water. The holes will allow the water to trickle slowly, soaking the ground and roots–not the leaves.
Use a pool cover on the pool to help keep the water from evaporating. There are plenty of ways you can conserve while enjoying your pool.
Shortening your shower time by just two minutes per day saves 150 gallons of water per month!
Bathe fresh veggies in a bowl filled with water instead of under running water. Once they are clean, use the leftover water for houseplants or potted plants outside.
Keep a pitcher filled with water inside the fridge for a thirst quencher instead of running water from the faucet and waiting for it to get cool.
Not only will your bank account appreciate some water conservation, the environment benefits as well. If you are interested in learning more about using less water year-round, check out the Water Calculator website to get an idea of your water footprint, and learn how to use it more efficiently.
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.
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.
