October 26th, 2021 by tisner
It is time to start packing for the move, and the thought of using rolls and rolls of plastic bubble wrap, foam packing materials, or new cardboard boxes that your moving company provides can fill the eco-conscious with dread. Sure, cardboard and paper are recyclable, but what can you do to even save that much? These tips will help reduce the volume of recyclables and throwaways you will need!
- Use what you have first. If you are already anticipating the move, hold on to any packaging your deliveries have come in. Stack them out of sight if your house is still on the market, or go ahead and pack non-necessities in them and hide them under the bed or storage area.
- Other items you have on hand to use: suitcases, duffel bags, trash cans, and reusable grocery bags can all be utilized to cut back on cardboard boxes.
- Produce boxes make great moving containers! They are very sturdy and some come with lids so you will not have to use so much tape to close them. Ask for them at local grocery stores and produce stands.
- Towels, sheets, and pillows can be used in place of packing material, and towels and sheets can be used for wrapping fragile items as well. Using them is a double win because you will have one less thing to pack!
- If it is within the budget, consider using an eco-friendly moving company.
- Already contracted with a mover? Ask them about any green options they have in place for your move.
- It only takes a quick search online to find a company that rents clean and ready-to-pack storage containers. Many of them will deliver them to your door, then pick them up at the new house when the containers are empty!
- Another option is ordering a moving kit or just the boxes from UsedCardboardBoxes. The company “rescues” misprinted or in-almost-perfect-condition used cardboard boxes that are headed for a landfill, and ships them directly to you.
Once your move and unpacking are complete, recycle what you can, or offer the items to someone local who is getting ready to move or needs storage boxes. Your efforts will help cut back on what you throw away and even save a few trees!
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.
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Photo credit: moving.com
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
October 19th, 2021 by tisner
When someone decides to purchase a home, one of the first things they must comb through is their credit report and credit score. If their credit is less than stellar, and they cannot qualify for a conventional home mortgage, renting-to-own or a lease with the option to purchase sounds like a great way to begin their home buying process. There are positives and negatives to this type of transaction; let this guide help make whether the decision is worth it.
- Rent-to-own agreements can also be called lease-to-own, lease-with-option-to-purchase, or simply a lease option. Lease-purchase agreements require the tenant to buy the property, and this can cause major financial issues if the tenant cannot follow through on the purchase, no matter the reason.
- Decide on a final purchase price at the end of the option period, or agree upon an appraisal contingency. Depending on the fluctuation of the housing market, however, this could benefit the buyer if market value goes down, but could benefit the seller if values increase.
- It may be a good idea to have a home inspection performed before getting into this situation. In the case that the inspection raises concerns, repair costs can be worked out between the tenant and the owner.
- A portion of the above-market rent will go towards the purchase of the house, most commonly in the form of a down payment.
- Some tenants agree to pay HOA fees (if applicable), property taxes, insurance and take care of the cost of necessary repairs.
- In most situations, the tenant can purchase the property at any time during the option period, but once that time is up, the option expires and the owner can sell the property to someone else.
- One very important thing to remember is that there is still a lease involved. If you fall behind on the payments, the landlord can have you evicted. Besides eviction, the option fee and extra rent paid will be lost.
- Sometimes a seller offers to finance the purchase altogether, and that situation will require a completely different set of agreements. Again, owner-financed sale contracts should be handled with a real estate attorney.
While it may be a relief for someone who cannot get financing for a traditional home loan, a lease-with-option agreement is not something to enter into lightly. If you feel you will not be able to purchase the home at the end of the option, go into a standard lease agreement, and put away as much money as you possibly can towards a traditional down payment while working on improving your credit score.
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.
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Photo credit: NPR
Posted in General Real Estate, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
October 14th, 2021 by tisner
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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
October 5th, 2021 by tisner
When you see a home and know beyond a doubt that it is your meant-to-be and put in an offer, you find out that someone else feels the same way and has made an offer at the same time. Sometimes it is more than one buyer, and either way, a bidding war can begin. Let these tips guide you through the process:
- When you start your house hunt, be certain you are pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show any seller that you can buy their property. A pre-qualification is not enough.
- Before you even put in your offer, make sure there is some wiggle room in the amount. Offering the maximum that you are approved for can take you out of the contest during the first round.
- If you can offer cash for the purchase or a better-than-average earnest money deposit, sellers are more likely to add you to their “possibilities” list. Cash talks, no matter the amount of your purchase offer.
- Some potential buyers ask an agent to add an escalation clause to the contract. The downside to this is leaving your negotiations on a purchase price laid bare for the seller to see. It may be best to make sure your Realtor® is ready with counteroffers in case your original is rejected.
- Being competitive means laying aside some contingencies. For instance, a well-maintained home may have fewer issues in the inspection, so waiving the home inspection contingency could be enticing to the seller. This can be risky, however, if the house has not been updated in a long time, so make this decision wisely.
- If you absolutely love the home, talk to your agent about allowing your offer to be a back-up. Keep an eye on the sale just in case it does not go through. Remember that most sales do go through, but there is always hope!
- Finally, it may simply be best to take the loss and walk away. In a sellers’ market, it may be best to let go of some of the items on your “want” list, as well as look at houses that are under budget.
Your Realtor® should be knowledgeable on how to handle a property with multiple offers, and when they are, you can be sure that they are fighting as hard as you are for the house you love. Your confidence in your agent will give you peace in the bidding war, whether you win or move on.
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.
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Photo credit: condos.ca
Posted in General Real Estate, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
October 1st, 2021 by tisner
1. DO NOT change jobs, quit your job, change pay structure, work less, or become self-employed.
2. DO NOT buy a new car (or you may be living in it!)
3. DO NOT let ANYONE pull your credit. Which means do not take on any new credit at ALL!
4. DO NOT charge up your credit cards until AFTER the closing.
5. DO NOT spend any money you have saved for the closing.
6. DO NOT deposit any cash OR make large deposits into your bank accounts.
7. DO NOT pay any bills late during the mortgage process.
8. DO NOT buy furniture or begin moving.
9. DO NOT change banks.
10. DO NOT deposit ANY cash into your accounts! (This really needs to be mentioned twice)
As long as you follow these simple steps, your transaction should be a smooth one. However, if you feel that it is necessary to do any of these items mentioned above, please call your lender to discuss how it will affect your mortgage loan approval.
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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Photo credit: relentless moves
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
September 30th, 2021 by tisner
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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
September 21st, 2021 by tisner
As summer slowly shifts to autumn, cooler days and chilly nights are just around the corner. While this can be a relief after the summer heat, it won’t be as much of a relief when your heating costs start stacking up. Fortunately, it’s possible to prepare in advance to avoid some of the extra costs of winter while still keeping your home comfortable throughout the season. Though there are countless ways to do so and the right options for you will largely depend on your specific home, here are some little things you can do now that will have a big impact on how well your home keeps out the cold air this winter.
Prep for the Cold
The first thing that you should do when trying to get ready for the coming cold is to make sure you’ve blocked off many of the ways that cold air enters the house. There are a lot of potential fixes and preparations you can make, so here are a few suggestions to give you an idea of the sort of things you should do:
- Check the caulking and weatherstripping on your doors and windows, making repairs as needed
- Check the insulation in your attic, replacing any that’s tattered or upgrading all of it to insulation with a higher R value
- Inspect your roof for signs of damage and repair any leaks or damaged shingles
- Look for cracks or other damage in both your windowpanes and the frames of the windows
- Store any window air conditioners or close their vents and cover them with an insulated air conditioner cover
- Cover windows with a layer of thermal plastic on the inside, using a heat gun or hair dryer to shrink the plastic once it’s in place to create the strongest barrier to heat transfer
- Place covers or sheets of wall insulation over crawl space doors and other areas where cold air might get under your house
These preparations should be done alongside any other winter prep that you do, such as applying insulating pipe covers and covering outdoor faucets to prevent possible pipe freezes.
Make Sure Everything Works
Alongside your checks to prevent drafts and leaks during the winter, it’s important to spend a little time to make sure that your home’s heat source will run safely once temperatures drop. Here are a few considerations when it comes to testing your home heating:
- Clean your chimney and have it inspected if you have a fireplace that you plan to use for primary or secondary heating
- Test your heating system to make sure that it functions properly
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure that fire extinguishers are charged and within their effective dates
- Make sure that external vents for fuel-burning furnaces or heaters function properly so that they won’t stick or stay closed while in use
This is also a good time to make sure that all of your emergency supplies are in date, all your flashlights work, and that you have at least two ways to receive weather alerts in case there’s a harsh winter.
Get Ready for Winter
There are a few inspections that you should really get done around this time of year as well, before temperatures start to drop significantly. The big ones are your roof and your heating system, though having someone look at limbs that hang over your home or that could present a falling hazard during the winter is a good idea as well.
HomeKeepr can help you hook up with the pros to get these inspections done. Creating a HomeKeepr account is free, so sign up today to connect with roofers, HVAC pros, and others that can give your home a professional inspection to make sure that you’re ready for whatever this winter might bring. You’ll be glad you did once the cold weather hits.
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.
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By: Homekeepr, David Weinstein
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
September 7th, 2021 by tisner
Modern shingles have been in use on homes for over 100 years, and it’s no wonder that they have become more or less a default for roofing choices. Shingles tend to be more budget-friendly than some other options such as metal roofing and tile, and they’re also available in a wide range of colors and styles. The main downside to shingles is that they can suffer wear over time or be damaged during inclement weather, necessitating repairs and occasional replacements. While you might not have to replace your shingles right away, the longer you put off these needed repairs then the more likely it is that your roof will develop some problems.
When the time comes to install a new shingle roof, you may find yourself facing kind of a big decision as you consider your options. If you aren’t sure what type of shingles to get, you’re not alone; many homeowners struggle with this same decision. Here are a few things to consider to make the decision easier and to help you find the perfect shingles for your home.
Choosing the Right Look
Obviously, there are a lot of color options available when it comes to shingles. This isn’t the only way that shingle manufacturers can customize the look of shingles, however. Different shingles may feature different shapes, creating a unique look that sets your home apart from other properties in your area. Granule shading can also play a big part in the look of shingles, creating an intentional emphasis on the cuts and overlaps of the shingles to really play up their 3D look. Some shingles may take this even farther, creating an alternating design of light and dark shingles that really makes your roof pop.
Depending on your budget, other shingle options may appeal to you as well. Some shingles are highly reflective, giving them a sheen while also helping to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Shingle patterns may also alter between larger and smaller tabs, creating a patterned effect on your roof that will really catch the eye. Other options may be available as well, allowing you to create a look that few other homes will be able to replicate.
Types of Shingles Available
In addition to a wide range of looks, there are also different types of shingles that offer their own unique benefits. These shingles may offer increased algae and mildew resistance, increased stain resistance, and even increased flexibility to make them more resilient against things like hail and other harsh storms. Shingles designed for use in high-wind zones are also available, significantly decreasing the likelihood of shingle damage during wind storms.
Other types of shingles may be available as well, helping you to both achieve a desired level of roof protection and creating some unique aesthetics. You can even choose from a few types of wooden shingles to complement your home’s aesthetic or so-called “solar shingles” that are made up of interlocking solar panels which provide roof coverage instead of a standard shingle roof. Depending on your unique needs, there may be other types of shingles available to you as well.
Getting Some Help
While installing shingles can be a DIY project, many homeowners choose to call in a pro to make sure that the shingles are installed correctly. If you’re considering bringing in a roofer anyway, feel free to ask for their recommendations if you’re unsure of what type of shingles you want or which shingle features would best benefit your home. These pros have plenty of experience and can help you find the shingles that are the best fit for your home.
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to finding the right roofing professional, consider HomeKeepr. Using the HomeKeepr app, you can connect with roofing pros in your area that will get the job done right. Creating an account is free, so sign up today to get started on the roofing renovation you require!
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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli
Tags: Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 19th, 2021 by tisner
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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
August 12th, 2021 by tisner
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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: housing market updates, Orlando Sellers
Posted in General Real Estate, Housing Market Stats, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
