All your pre-home sale jobs are finished, you and your RealtorⓇ are getting the details ironed out and are ready to start marketing your home for sale.  Now is the time to think ahead to the home inspection after an offer has been made and accepted.  You need to be certain the behind-the-scenes part of your sale is as good as the new flooring and fresh paint on the walls! There technically is no “pass or fail” with the home inspection but doing your own “home” work will keep any surprises at bay. 

• Pest damage and/or infestation is important to check for, as there are health and structural issues with either situation.  You could be completely unaware that critters are living in your home, so have an extermination service do a thorough inspection and take care of any extra guests you may have stowing away. 
• Check for leaks turning on each faucet and watching closely under the sink for drips. Inspectors do not like dripping faucets, either.  Do not forget to test each toilet for running water, and clear any clogged or slow drains. 
• Be on the lookout in tight dark spaces for mold or mildew, especially the attic space and on the underside of the roof. 

• Outside, look at your roof carefully, taking note of missing shingles or sagging areas. 
• Call your HVAC to set up a service call to make certain everything is running properly, as any issues will be flagged by an inspector. 
• Make sure working bulbs are installed in every light fixture.  Inspectors need to make sure the electricity is working and blown light bulbs can throw that off. 
• Repair cracks in windowsills, as leaky windows do not normally get high points during an inspection. 
• If there are any cracks on walls, inside or outside, or in your foundation, have them checked out by a foundation expert, and if necessary, taken care of as soon as possible.   

When you are highly motivated to sell, consider hiring an inspector to conduct a pre-listing inspection.  If problems arise, you decide to make the repairs before the sale or offer incentives to prospective buyers with repair credits.  Showing buyers that you have or are willing to make repairs before the sale offers them the peace of mind that they are getting what they pay for when purchasing the property.  

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: Buyers Ask

When the last of the brightly colored leaves cling tightly to otherwise bare trees, you know that winter is coming. It’s a sad state of affairs, but happens every year, just like clockwork. The sleet, the snow, the ice, the cold, it all comes in a cycle, and because of that, you need to be paying particular attention to your furnace this time of year. Even if it hasn’t yet started raining down frozen apocalypse upon your head where you live, being ready for the day you’ll have to kick the heat on is a good idea. After all, you don’t want to find out that your furnace isn’t working properly when there’s a foot of snow in the forecast.

Filled with wonderful character, old homes can have some characteristics that are not so loveable.  Many homebuyers purchase an old house with renovation in mind before they sign their contract. There are some elements in the aging structures, however, that should be left to restoration instead of demolition.   

• Built-Ins  Unless there is serious damage to the pieces, leave the built-in shelving or window seating. Most built-ins are there to function in some way, and you will likely appreciate and use them once they have been restored. 
• Molding and Doors Whether plaster or wooden, crown and window molding, ceiling beams, and baseboards should be revived in whatever way necessary to bring them to their former glory. Solid core doors are another item to keep and restore. 
• Plaster Crumbling plaster looks awful and may be expensive to repair.  The folks at The Craftsman Blog point out the benefits of leaving and mending the plaster over installing new drywall. 

• Original Windows  While energy-efficient windows are encouraged to most home remodelers, there are ways to save old wooden windows in a house and still save energy. Old House Online says getting an energy audit, insulating your attic, and weatherstripping, among other things, will make the old windows rival replacements. 
• Fireplaces  Sometimes, homeowners rip out newer wall coverings and find a gleaming old fireplace hiding behind it. If you’re not interested in using it, have a professional close it in safely, and use it as a feature in the room. Otherwise, the same pro can likely bring the chimney up to code so the fireplace can be useful. 
• Floors  Almost every old home has hardwood floors hiding beneath carpet, tile, or linoleum, and sometimes all three at once! They may look awful when peeling back the layers, but this type of old-growth wood cannot be found anywhere in modern times, and restoring them will be the best thing you can do for them.  

Other features you should consider keeping are wood siding, mosaic tile, exposed brick, porch columns, and lighting fixtures. If you see that you’d rather mix modern elements into the house, do your best to find someone who will remove the old items so they can be used by other old house renovation projects. Sell them outright, through a consignment shop, or donate to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.  

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: lovePROPERTY

The attic may be the last place home-owners think about when considering improvement projects. However, there can be  some big benefits from upgrading the insulation in your attic. Most people aren’t attic experts, so here’s some information on insulation upgrades for your home.

1. Determine How Much You Need – The first step when upgrading attic insulation is to figure out how much new material is needed. Many believe their home has enough as is, but insulation tends to compress over time and become less effective. Get accurate measurements of your space so you’re not buying too much or too little. If your attic is finished, con- sider adding an extra layer on top of what’s currently against the roof. For unfinished attics, add layers to what’s currently on the floor.

2. Understand R-Values – When researching attic insulation, you will come across the term “R-value,” which is the ability of a material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value of  a specific insulation, the more effective it will be for trapping heat. The Department of Energy recommends different R-value insulations depending on the area or climate where you live. Visit energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation to determine the type of insulation you’ll need for your attic.

3. Big Savings Possible – Utility bills can be a drag on your personal finances, but attic improvements can generate savings for homeowners. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates you can save up to 15% on utility costs by adding new insulation and sealing air leaks in your attic. Also, most homes built before 1960 do not have proper insulation based on modern standards, so your older home may be losing a lot of energy. Modernizing your attic can result in a significant return on your investment.

Creating Efficient Storage Space

One of the biggest complaints from homeowners is that they don’t have enough storage space. While add- ing extra physical rooms may not be an option for most, there are ways to creatively utilize your space.

Decluttering—Before you start thinking about reorganizing your storage space, first consider whether you absolutely need to keep everything. Decluttering may be the easiest way to open up new areas for more important items. Tackle each of your cur- rent storage spaces individually so you’re not overwhelmed.

No stray items—To maximize the space you have, use boxes or containers to efficiently make use of the area. Uniform shapes and sizes will help you determine how these containers stack—think of your storage space like a game of Tetris.

Choose the right products— Make sure to think ahead before purchasing any storage containers, racks or shelves for your closets or crawl spaces. Measure your closet and keep these figures with you as you’re shopping online or in stores.

Storage zones—Use the space you have in smart ways by keeping all items you use regularly between your knees and shoulders. Use hard-to-reach areas for items that are for long-term storage. Think vertically instead of horizontally to make your storage spaces more efficient.

Integrating smart home technology into your existing property is a smart move. Upgrading certain features of your home can result in increased efficiencies and cost savings down the line.

Here are a few additions you can consider for your home:

Smart Lock: For those who don’t like carrying around bulky sets of keys, smart locks allow for easy and quick access to your front door or any other room in your home. Many smart locks also track data that indicates when doors are opened and closed, which could be useful for families with children or helping to adjust your daily schedule.

Smart Doorbell: One of the most popular smart home devices, a smart doorbell has a built-in camera for identifying guests or solicitors. Sync your doorbell camera with your phone and you can see who’s visiting even when you’re out and about.

Smart Lighting: Useful in a variety of ways, consider adding smart lighting to your home. You can make your home more energy efficient by turning lights on/off remotely, and you can even set timers for turning on your lights during certain hours of the day while you’re away at work or on vacation, helping to keep your property secure.

Smart Thermostat: Fine tune the temperature in your home with a smart thermostat. These devices can be set to automatically change the temperature throughout the day to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Many devices also have temperature- recognizing sensors that can adjust your heating or air conditioning without your having to lift a finger.

Smart Smoke Detector: A great safety tool, a smart smoke detector can help keep you and your family safe by sending alerts to your phone if it detects a fire. They also allow you to “hush” your alarm if it’s simply a burnt piece of toast—You’ll never have to stand below your smoke detector waving a towel to clear smoke again!

Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming task. But the right REALTOR® can make the process easier—and more profitable.
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a fast-paced, complex and competitive marketplace.
To earn the CRS Designation, REALTORS® must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements—including high-volume sales—and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the National Association of REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics. Work with a top-producing REALTOR®—contact a CRS today.

Access Teri’s one-stop O rlando 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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Plans have been finalized, colors and design have been chosen, the contracts are signed, and it is time to begin that long-awaited kitchen renovation! While most homeowners will be excited to begin, one thing should be done before the first nail is hammered:  be sure you have made safety measures for your children.   

• When making plans for a child’s space, whether a bedroom or bathroom, and you are in your “forever” home, make sure those plans can grow with your child.  While a fun built-in castle bed is fun for now, it might require a whole new reno when he stops wanting to be a knight when he grows up. 
• During contractor interviews, ask if they are experienced in working in a home with children present, get referrals from other families, and make a point to call those references. 
• Planning on a total rehaul for your kitchen? Create a makeshift kitchen with portable electric cooking gadgets, use disposable plates and utensils, and use the grill as often as possible. If there is carpet in the new eating area, and you have small children, purchase an inexpensive area rug or large outdoor “rug” (found in most discount stores for $20), to protect the wall-to-wall.

• When demolition begins, have a plan for everyone to be away from home that day. Have your contractor call with any possible dangers they may find:  mold in the walls, asbestos or lead in an older home, or any broken glass or tile. Wall off that area with plastic sheeting and make it as impossible as you can for the children to enter on their own. 
• Talk to your contractor about the importance of hunting down every tool at the end of the workday and storing them out of sight. Offer a charging station in an area your children do not frequent so cordless tools can re-energize out of sight and out of their interest. 
• Dust will be everywhere, and allergies may flare. Make certain all ductwork in the project rooms are covered, and again, walled off with plastic sheeting or “temporary” walls.  
• If your contractor does not provide dedicated trash cans with lids for construction trash, buy them yourself and put them in each work area. Make sure they are tall enough that children will not be tempted to grab something they find interesting that could harm them. 

Once the job is complete, make it easy on yourself and splurge on a professional to come in and clean every surface to remove dust and bits of grime left behind. Celebrate getting back to normal and have a party in the new space!   

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 credits: Bob Vila 

When you have personal belongings that need to be stored away from home, choosing how or where to store it can be a daunting task.  If your house is on the market, you cannot have a rented storage container in the driveway, and in the case of a remodel or simply downsizing, it might be less convenient to have a unit across town.  Use these tips to help you decided where and how to store your possessions. 

• Think of your visits to a storage facility like an interview! Ask to see the available unit, check for holes or other damage, and look (and smell!) for signs of mildew. 
• Go over each site’s payment plan closely, as some facilities have strict payment rules and can auction your unit if your payment is just one day late. 
• Some items need to be in a climate-controlled area but be prepared to pay a higher rental fee.  Items that will most benefit from this type of storage facility include electronics, furniture, and collectibles. Find a more comprehensive list from moving.com.  

• Hold off on signing a contract until speaking with your homeowner’s insurance agent. It could be that your belongings will be covered under certain circumstances.  Some storage companies will offer insurance for an added fee, so make certain of their policy before you sign. 
• Even if the items are insured, a storage unit company that offers secure fencing, good lighting, security cameras, and a fire alarm and sprinkler system is still your better choice. 
• Remodeling or painting? A portable rental unit may be your best bet, as many companies will deliver a container that can be kept in your driveway. If you are moving, the unit can be packed, stored off-site, then shipped to your new home. 

One last tip is to go online and look at reviews for area storage units and ask friends and family for recommendations.  You will likely find going with a reputable company could cost more, but your peace of mind is worth a few extra dollars per month.   

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: Inside Self-Storage

Very few things in a home can make such a difference to both form and function as new floors. Flooring reflects not only your style and personality, but also your lifestyle. The right floor can make it easier to keep your home cleaner, hide imperfections, and set the mood for a cozy living space. And although flooring has generally been an “anything goes” environment for a while in home design, there are certain trends that have been a lot more popular than others. Here’s a brief round-up that should make your flooring search a little easier.

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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There are several so-called “smart assistants” on the market now, providing users with hands-free access to information and services from their smartphone or dedicated smart devices. One of these, the Google Assistant, has recently introduced a number of new features that can be used with Google Home devices. If you have a Google Home device or are thinking of getting one, here are some of the new features that you can look forward to using.

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, Rob Morelli

Good lighting is important in many places in the home. When you’re working in the kitchen, though, having sufficient lighting to see what you’re doing is vital. Poor lighting in your kitchen can make cooking and other tasks a pain, especially if the lighting leaves shadows in areas that you use a lot. Fortunately, there are a number of options available when it comes to adding new lighting to your kitchen. Here are some of the best for you to consider.