Independence Day, better known in the US as the Fourth of July, will soon be in full swing with barbecues, backyard games, and fireworks. It became an official holiday in 1870, when Congress approved several national holidays. Here are some other little-known facts about our favorite Summertime holiday: 

America’s Independence 

• July 2 is the actual date that Congress voted to cut ties with England, but July 4 became the official date when all changes to the wording of the Declaration of Independence was finalized and accepted by all members. 

• Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on a laptop.  A laptop desk, that is.  It is still on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 
• The first Independence Day celebration was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 8, 1776 after the first public reading of the Declaration, with bands and ringing of bells. 
• To protect the lives of the signers of the Declaration, their names were withheld from public knowledge until independence from England was certain.  Otherwise, the men would’ve been hanged for treason! 
• John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration who later became President, died hours apart on July 4, 1826. 

Holiday Celebrations 

• In the years after 1776, July 4th was celebrated with booming cannons and artillery fire.  Once the use of these became impossible because of their age and condition, fireworks took their place. 
• The National Retail Federation tells us that in 2017, Americans spent an estimated $850 million on fireworks alone! 
• Legend has it that the first hot-dog-eating contest was held among friends at Nathan’s at Coney Island on July 4, 1916 to settle a dispute.  The contest is now a national affair and is broadcast live on ESPN! 

• Red, white and blue are out modern-day colors of choice for decorations, but George Washington had his troops adorn themselves with greenery in their hats to celebrate the independence anniversary, reports James Heintze in his book, The Fourth of July Encyclopedia. 
• Bristol, Rhode Island boasts the longest continuous Independence Day celebration, with the first observance in 1785.  The modern-day events include a parade, an orange crate derby, and a drum and bugle corps competition. 

Even if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll find Fourth of July decorations and fireworks available world-wide, thanks to Americans who settled in foreign countries in years past, and our many soldiers who are stationed at bases in other countries, according to International Business Insider.  It’s a celebration that is heard around the world! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

As a pet owner, your furry friends bring immense joy and companionship to your home. However, they also come with their own set of challenges when it comes to maintaining a clean and well-functioning household. From shedding hair to pet odors and potential damage to furniture, keeping your home in top shape with pets can seem daunting. Luckily, with some strategic planning and regular upkeep, you can create a pet-friendly environment that is both welcoming and well-maintained. Here are some essential home maintenance tips and tricks for pet owners.

1. Manage Pet Hair and Shedding

Regular Grooming: Brush your pets regularly to reduce the amount of loose hair in your home. This not only keeps your pet’s coat healthy but also minimizes shedding.

2. Control Pet Odors

Frequent Cleaning: Clean pet bedding, toys, and living areas regularly. Washing these items helps eliminate odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

3. Protect Your Floors and Furniture

Area Rugs and Mats: Place area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and near entrances to catch dirt and debris brought in by your pets. Choose washable rugs for easy cleaning. Consider investing in paw scrubbers to keep at the entry and exits of your home!

4. Maintain a Clean Yard

Regular Cleanup: Regularly clean up pet waste from your yard to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain a healthy environment for your pets. It should be picked up right away (or at least daily) to avoid attracting unwanted insects that love to feast on pet waste!

5. Organize Pet Supplies

Designated Storage: Keep your pet’s supplies organized in a designated area. Use bins or shelves to store food, toys, grooming tools, and medications. Remember to keep the area dry as to not grow mold on your pet food and regularly clean up food that falls onto the ground!

6. Regular Home Maintenance

HVAC Filters: Change your HVAC filters regularly to ensure they effectively trap pet hair and dander. This helps maintain good indoor air quality. Although recommended to change them every 3 months, if you have furry pets, it’s often better to change them every 2 months!

Maintaining a clean and well-functioning home with pets is entirely possible with a bit of extra care and organization. By managing pet hair and odors, protecting your floors and furniture, keeping your yard clean, organizing pet supplies, and performing regular home maintenance, you can enjoy a harmonious living environment with your furry companions. Start implementing these tips today and create a home that’s both pet-friendly and pristine. Your efforts will not only enhance your living space but also ensure a happy and healthy life for your pets.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

By: Homekeepr

Looking to add a touch of style and personality to your home? An accent wall is a perfect way to transform any room, adding depth, color, and a focal point that captures attention. Whether you’re an avid DIYer or considering hiring a professional, creating an accent wall can dramatically enhance your living space. Let’s explore the benefits of accent walls and what to consider when deciding to do it yourself or hire a professional.

Benefits of Creating an Accent Wall

1. Adds Visual Interest

An accent wall can break up the monotony of a room and introduce a bold statement. It draws the eye and creates a focal point, making the space more engaging and dynamic.

2. Defines Spaces

In open-plan homes, an accent wall can help define different areas without the need for partitions. It can distinguish the dining area from the living room or create a cozy nook in a large bedroom.

3. Showcases Personal Style

Accent walls are a fantastic way to express your personal style. Whether you choose a vibrant paint color, a textured wallpaper, or a unique material like wood or stone, your choice can reflect your taste and personality.

4. Cost-Effective Transformation

Compared to a full-room makeover, an accent wall is a relatively low-cost project that can have a high impact. It allows you to experiment with bold colors or materials without committing to an entire room.

DIY Accent Wall: Pros and Cons

Pros

Hiring a Professional: Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Choose Your Wall and Design

Select the wall you want to accentuate and decide on the design. Consider factors like the room’s lighting, existing color scheme, and overall style.

2. Gather Materials and Tools

Depending on your chosen design, you may need paint, wallpaper, stencils, wood panels, or other materials. Gather all necessary tools, such as brushes, rollers, levels, and measuring tape.

3. Prepare the Wall

Clean the wall thoroughly and repair any holes or cracks. If you’re painting, apply a primer to ensure even coverage and adhesion.

4. Apply Your Design

Painting: Use painter’s tape to outline the area and apply paint with a roller or brush. For patterns, use stencils or create designs with tape.

5. Finishing Touches

Once the design is complete, remove any tape, clean up any drips or mistakes, and allow the wall to dry completely.

Elevate Your Home with an Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall is a stylish and effective way to add personality and value to your home. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, understanding the benefits and considerations will help you make the best decision for your space. A DIY approach offers cost savings and creative freedom, while a professional touch ensures expertise and efficiency. Start planning your accent wall today and transform your living space into a more vibrant and personalized environment. Take action now and enjoy the beauty and charm an accent wall can bring to your home.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

By: Homekeepr

While not everyone considers themselves a Weekend Warrior, every homeowner should have certain tools on hand.  A small hammer and duct tape are just the basics every person should own, and while a large toolset isn’t necessary, some items are. Keep this guide in mind the next time you head out to the home center or local hardware store. 

• Toolbox:  It may seem obvious, but keeping everything in one place will save time when you need an item in a hurry, and keep the box in a dedicated place in your garage or storage closet. 
• Claw Hammer:  Every home needs a hammer, preferably with a clawed end to remove nails or for prying hard-to-open objects. 
• Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench takes the place of a wrench set, and, hence the name, can adjust to most average-size bolts. 

• Screwdriver:  Most people have two standard screwdrivers: flathead and Phillips.  There are screwdrivers that have changeable bits for different sized screws, and they are especially convenient. 
• Pliers:  Many types of this versatile tool are available, and the basic design is perfect for all sorts of jobs.  You can get specialized styles:  needle-nosed, pliers with wire cutters–the choices are endless.  Get what you think is best for your needs. 
• Boxcutter/Utility Knife:  A folding or disappearing blade would be best for this tool, especially if you have children. It’s a great tool to have for many uses, such as cutting insulation, trimming shingles, as well as repairing drywall. 
• 25-foot Tape Measure:  You never know when you’ll need to measure more than a yard-stick’s length, and a 25-foot style is great for measuring rooms, or outdoor projects. 
• Cordless Drill: Brian Kelsey, host of the online video series, Kelsey on the House, says a cordless drill will become your “…most-used tool in your tool kit,”  

Home centers will have an array of pre-filled toolboxes, and if that’s what suits your needs, purchase one of those. But if you know what you want, assemble a custom tool set to use for all your home projects/minor repairs.  Bob Vila provides a list with some extras not listed here, so if you’re a go-getter in the DIY field, see his recommendations for a little more than the basics. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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 inventory surpasses 10,000 homes for first time since 2016.

State of the Market

• Inventory for May was recorded at 10,282, up 9.7% from April when inventory was recorded at 9,376. This is the fifth month in a row inventory has risen. The last time inventory was this high was September 2016.
  • Inventory was 99.7% higher than May 2023.
• Overall sales rose 5.4% from April to May. There were 2,909 sales in May, up from 2,759 sales in April. This is the fourth month in a row that sales have risen.
• The median home price for May was recorded at $385,000, down from $388,500 in April. April was the highest monthly median home price on record in the Orlando area.
• May’s interest rate was recorded at 6.6%, down from 6.9% in April.
• Pending sales fell by 1.8%, with 4,379 in April and 4,298 in May.
• New listings rose 6.9% from April to May, with 4,521 new homes on the market in May, compared to 4,230 in April.
• Homes spent an average of 54 days on the market (DOM) in May – the same as in April.
• “Although May’s inventory did show a slight increase, it’s important to remember that our market is still very active. While there may be a few more options available compared to recent months, the high sales volume means homes are still moving quickly,” said Rose Kemp, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “With inventory levels remaining below the six months of supply that is considered a balanced market, buyers should be prepared to act fast if they find a home that meets their needs. The past four months have seen consistent sales growth, and I expect that trend to continue into the summer, making inventory a key factor for buyers.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates fell from 6.9% in April to 6.6% in May.
• Pending sales fell 1.8%, with 4,379 in April and 4,298 in May.
• 17 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.6% of all home sales in May. That represents a 34.6% decrease from April when 26 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory increased 9.7% from April to May. Inventory in April was 9,376, and inventory in May was 10,282.
• The supply of homes rose to 3.53 months in May, up 4.0% from 3.40 months in April. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings increased from April to May by 6.9% – from 4,230 homes to 4,521 homes.

You can find ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for May here.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association and the Stellar Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor StellarMLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or by StellarMLS does not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.

ORRA REALTOR® sales represent sales involving Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association members, who are primarily – but not exclusively – located in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month may be revised in the future as new data is received.

Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any REALTOR® association, not just members of ORRA.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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 day in the sun is over, and you notice that the white straps on your bathing suit have turned an ugly light brown or orange color, stained by the sunscreen we all need.  You might have just what you need to remove those stains in your cleaning supplies, and many remedies for Summer maladies can be found in your kitchen and bathroom.  Save some money with these home remedies! 

• Powdered cleansers that contain oxalic acid, like Bar Keeper’s Friend, are perfect for sunscreen-stained swimsuits and clothing.  Wet the stain, apply the cleanser, and let it sit for a few minutes.  The stain may take some rubbing, or reapplication, but it usually comes out and your suit isn’t ruined! 
• Bee stings are a common ailment, especially for those who like to be barefoot.  In the case of a minor allergic reaction, such as pain, itching and swelling, apply an ice pack for several minutes.  If the symptoms return, reapply the ice.  
• Baking soda has a long list of uses, and add “soothing heat rash” to that list.  Add one cup of baking soda to a tepid bath, and soak for at least twenty minutes.  The alkalinity of the soda will help dry the affected areas. 

• Spending a lot of time at the beach may inevitably mean getting too close to a jellyfish.  White vinegar poured on the wound will dissolve the stingers that the jellyfish leaves on the skin, allowing the pain to subside.  Fill a small spray bottle with vinegar and add it to your beach bag, just in case. 
• Your hair can suffer from hot wind, sun, and chlorine in swimming pools.  Rehydrate it with a coconut oil treatment!  Apply it from root to ends, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and allow to soak in for a half hour.  Wash it with your regular shampoo to remove the excess oil. 
• Mosquitos, biting flies, and fleas are the most common insect bites in the summer.  Dab bites with peppermint oil to cool the skin and reduce the itch. Do not apply to a bite that’s been scratched red nor to broken skin–the result will not be cooling at all! 
• Many gardeners and hikers come across poison ivy in spite of the “leaves of three, let it be” mantra.  An oatmeal bath will soothe itchy, irritated skin:  pulse one cup of oats in a blender or food processor until they’re ground, and add it directly to a warm bath. 

Use common sense with any side effects from bites, stings, or any other skin issue:  if the problem persists, by all means seek medical attention.  Don’t let your warm weather fun turn into a recuperating period!  Summertime ailments don’t always require a trip to the drug store, so look in your pantry for items you need in a pinch, and enjoy your time in the sun! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

Buying a new home is exciting, but after the euphoria wears off, it’s time to start thinking about how to pack up and move everything. Unless you have the luxury of hiring a moving company, getting all of your things loaded carefully and transported from one place to another is a major DIY project. Here are some tips to take some of the anxiety out of packing.

• Start deep cleaning and cleaning out as soon as possible. Cleaning your things as you pack them will make it easier when your bone-tired from loading and unloading.
• Have a throwing out party. Calling it a party will get the kids involved and make it sound like a good time, right?
• Have a garage sale for items that may not fit in your new home or you have out grown.
• Call donation centers to pick up items you are not taking with you or donate them yourself.
• Time to box it up. Start gathering sturdy boxes or reusable storage boxes, and lots of newspaper and/or bubble wrap.
• Keep everything safe. For your kitchen items, ball up several sheets of newspaper and cover the bottom or the box. This provides a cushion for your breakables.
• Wrap it up. Use blankets, sheets and towels to keep framed photos and artwork safe.
• Clothes are best left in their dresser drawer–just remove the drawer when you’re moving the main part of the furniture, then replace them when it gets to the truck or trailer, and new room.
• Hanging clothes can be placed in a flat sheet. Lay the clothes, with their hangers, onto the sheet. Tie up each corner diagonally to create a big hobo pouch, and the knots can be a handle. Unless you’re lucky enough to have tons of luggage, it’s an easier way to transport those clothes than trying to hold all those hangers on your hand. Not to mention less painful.
• Luggage can be used to pack up items you consider priceless. Just pack them in the same manner as you would have in a box or container, and that way you can keep a better eye on them or move them yourself.
• Bare necessities. Make sure each person packs their own bag of clothes and any necessities they will need for a few days. The first week in a new home can be a bit confusing, and if everyone has what they need close by, this will make things easier.
• The big stuff. Furniture is straightforward. If you want extra protection, use an industrial roll of plastic wrap, or for tables and chairs, use a large blanket or some towels on the seats or tabletop to protect the finish. Glass table tops and mirrors need to have some crisscrossed masking tape on them to help protect them from shattering–think hurricane-style. Use hair ties to keep cabinet doors closed on hutches or entertainment center doors.
• Get yourself together. After everything is boxed up, taped up, labeled and ready to go, leave the boxes in the rooms they belong in. Remove things from the truck by room, and make sure the containers get to the rooms they’re labeled for.

Preparing to relocate can be daunting, but if you use some common sense and think practically, you can cut down on the stress of moving. Organization is the key!

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

As the Summer temps get ready to bear down on us, we start thinking about ways to keep cool. Why not add a water feature to your landscape? Besides actually cooling the air around them, water features have other benefits.  Which is right for your yard? These ideas should help you decide!

• Pre-formed pond inserts make it easy to create a small water habitat in a flower bed or empty corner of the yard. Add a solar-powered waterfall or fountain, and the running water not only helps clean the air, but it also actually cools the ambient temperature nearby.
• A simple birdbath with a solar-operated fountain or recirculating pump is a great way to get the sight and sound of running water into your landscape without great cost or taking up a lot of space.
• Fountains come in so many styles–tiered, wall-mount, free standing– it is easy to find the right one for your landscape. Keep in mind that if you choose an electric connection, a GFCI receptacle is needed for the electric cord, and the cord will need to be out of sight or buried if it is near walkways.
• For a covered patio, tabletop fountains can be purchased for as little as twenty dollars, and many are battery-operated. Some styles include LED lighting with different settings to help with your mood!
• Spillways are great ways to incorporate water to the exterior (or interior!) without having to use standing water. This slate rain wall DIY can be used indoors or out.

The benefits for body and soul with a fountain or other water feature nearby are priceless; they can become the main attraction by adding lighting or plants.  Find more inspiration for features that go from formal to whimsical, and you may find yourself with a new project!

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. With careful planning and creative design solutions, you can make the most of every square foot and create a comfortable and inviting living space that meets your needs. Whether you’re downsizing to a smaller home or looking to maximize space in your current residence, here are some smart layout ideas to consider:

1. Embrace Open Concept Living:

2. Utilize Multi-Functional Furniture:

3. Optimize Vertical Space:

4. Create Built-In Storage Solutions:

5. Opt for Multi-Purpose Rooms:

6. Maximize Natural Light:

7. Optimize Traffic Flow:

8. Consider Scale and Proportion:

With smart layout ideas and creative design solutions, you can make the most of your small home and create a space that is functional, stylish, and inviting. Whether you’re maximizing storage, optimizing traffic flow, or embracing open concept living, there are endless possibilities for transforming your small home into a comfortable and beautiful sanctuary.

Ready to get started? Assess your space, prioritize your needs, and experiment with different layout ideas to find the perfect solution for your small home. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a space that feels spacious, organized, and uniquely yours.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.

By: Homekeepr

When we’re enjoying the warm weather, our pets usually are, too.  When we’re spending time outdoors with family and friends, we usually include our pets.  Keeping our furry family members safe should always be a priority, and these tips may be a refresher course for some, but it never hurts to make sure all our loved ones are kept out of harm’s way. 

In the Backyard 

• Fencing should be examined to make sure there are no gaps at the bottom, and that all materials are in place and secure.  You don’t want Fluffy taking a neighborhood excursion by himself. 
• The garden and landscaping bring us great satisfaction, and animals like to take a bite of growing things occasionally.  Check these lists for cats and dogs from ASPCA to make sure you keep your pets from chewing on them. 
• Keep any swimming pool chemicals and mechanical lawn tools sealed and out of your pets’ way.  Some of these products have a scent that is enticing to animals, and they wouldn’t hesitate to give them a try.   
• It may sound sensational, but if you have an animal that is a toy breed, or weighs five pounds or less, keep an eye and ear out for any predatory birds.  Owls, hawks, and eagles have been known to attack small pets, mistaking them for a wild meal. 
• Sometimes it’s necessary to leave your dog or cat outside while you’re gone for a while.  Make sure they have adequate shelter to keep them cool, and plenty of cool water to prevent heat stroke or dehydration. 
• Allowing your cat to roam in the yard is great for them, as they are natural hunters, and they find great pleasure in all the sights and sounds.  Keep an eye on them in case they see a bird they’d like to get to know better, or find a snake in the flower bed.  Protecting wildlife and your feline friend go hand-in-hand. 

Out and About 

• Does your dog go with you for exercise while you’re biking or jogging?  Some active pet owners take a water bowl with them, so they can offer a cool drink to their pet, and you can train them to drink directly from the bottle using an adaptor created especially for dogs. 
• Going fishing or water skiing?  Make sure you have a life jacket for them, as well as an overboard plan.  If you think Fido would enjoy jumping into the water, maybe you should leave them at home or at the kennel for their safety as well as your own. 
• vetSTREET offers some great tips for taking your dog to the beach.  Heat, waves, and hot sand can all play a role in just how much fun everyone will have–or not. 
• It’s vacation time, and you’d like to bring your pet with you, so call ahead for information on pet-friendly lodging, and where they can stay for events where pets aren’t welcome. Make sure you have a vehicle safety harness or seat belt for them or their carrier while you’re traveling. 

Summertime brings water fun, cookouts, and don’t forget the insects!  Keep your pets safe from biting insects, and be sure they get a flea and tick repellent treatment and heartworm prevention to avoid any diseases these insects can cause down the road. Pets need to be kept as safe as small children, so take preventive measures so you can have a fun and healthy Summer with the whole family.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

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.