If you’re like many people this time of year who are cleaning out or following the new “simplify” craze, you’ve come across a drawer filled with old cell phones and devices.  Don’t throw these devices in the trash–they’re bad for the environment.  They can be put to good use, whether by yourself or someone else!  Just make sure you reset the device settings to the factory settings.  If you’re not sure how, DealNews has a guide to help you with that.  Now let’s see what we can do with these unused gadgets! 

• Recycling could be the easiest thing for you.  Get all of the devices in a box, and either call your local waste management to see where you can drop them off, or go to the Sustainable Electronics website, and click your area on the interactive map, and it shows you where you can send or drop off your items. 
• American Cell Phone Drive is an organization that helps raise funds for thousands of organizations worldwide.  Follow the link, type in your zip code, and it will direct you to local places that will gladly accept your old cell phones. 
• Many large electronics retailers, online and brick-and-mortar, will accept your outdated gadgets for recycling, as well as the device manufacturers.  In some cases, they will purchase newer items (usually less than three years old) and put the amount on the retailer’s gift card.  A quick search online will help with finding what stores will buy from you. 

• Organizations such as domestic violence centers, daycares, schools and veterans’ associations are just a few places that may take the donation where it can be used for education or for emergencies.  Call and speak with whoever is in charge to find out if they can use what you cannot. 
• You can always sell your devices, the newer the better, and put a bit of cash in your pocket, or donate the proceeds.  Social media is full of local “yard sale” pages where you can post items for free or use an online auction site to sell your goods for a fee. 
• A laptop or computer tower takes a little more work to erase all sensitive information from, but these can be donated or recycled as well.   
• If the computer still works, call a local school, senior center, homeless shelter or youth program to see if they can use it.  Many will gladly take a free computer. 
• Do an online search to see if any local retailers or recycle centers will accept your laptop or computer, and when you call, make sure they can recycle laptop batteries, too.  In some cases, the lithium-ion batteries must be recycled separately. 

Not only will you be paring down your clutter, but you can help someone in need or simply keep dangerous metals from the environment when you recycle or donate your unused devices.  Help yourself and someone else while you’re purging the junk! 

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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With cable and satellite costs rising constantly, many Americans are finding streaming television the way to go, and old school television antennas are taking the place of satellite dishes on rooftops.  Are you thinking about cutting the cord?  Maybe these ideas can help you decide: 

Wherever there is high-speed internet, there is the ability to use any streaming device or smart tv.  Most are affordable and have a monthly subscription fee. 

• Smart tv’s come pre-loaded with different streaming service apps.  Many need subscriptions, and most offer a free trial period to help you determine if their service is right for you. 

• Devices that plug into televisions from different streaming companies can be purchased, and for small monthly fees, you can stream movies, and many television series.  PCMag has the most recent information on these plug-ins, as well as cost, features, and reviews of each. 
• Major satellite companies are finally offering streaming services at the fraction of the cost of their monthly fees, and you can cancel at any time without fear of being charged for cancelling a contract.  Similar to their satellite services, you choose what channel package that fits your viewing choices, as well as your budget. 
• Are you afraid you’ll miss your favorite sports contests if you cut the cord? Don’t worry–you can stream live sports events, and GroundedReason tells you how. 

Cancelling your cable or satellite service may have you worried that you won’t be able to watch the major networks.  If you live in a large area with nearby local stations, (within twenty miles), an indoor antenna will work fine.  But for better reception, as well as more channels, you’ll need an outdoor antenna.  Read on to learn how this old-fashioned idea is more modern than ever: 

• Indoor antennas can be places almost anywhere in your home for good reception, or use a flat one that can be mounted on or near a window, out of direct sunlight. 
• Outdoor antennas still look like something from outer space, but are smaller and come with wireless remotes so you can control the direction that you need it to be pointing to pick up different channels. 
• TechHive offers some advice on choosing an outdoor antenna, as well as their top picks. 
• Installing an outdoor antenna can be done by anyone with a few tools, who is comfortable with climbing a ladder to get to the roof, making sure the antenna is grounded, and who has a few hours to devote to the job.  Otherwise, a good handyman with antenna installation experience should be hired for the job. 

If saving money is on your agenda, then choosing to watch television and movies with streaming services and antenna tv is one way to put money back into your pocket.  Not only will you no longer be paying for channels you never watch, you will be in control of what you watch, and how much you’ll pay. 

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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You’ve just bought the perfect home, it needs a little cosmetic work, and you’re ready to tackle the job.  When you think about removing the dated wallpaper in the dining room, and you put it off, for fear that it’s going to take forever.  It may be a messy and time-consuming job, but it’s not going to be as hard as you think if you follow these tips: 

• Tools you will need:  plastic sheeting, wide masking tape, rags and old towels, bucket, spray bottles or garden sprayer, three- or four-inch wide scrapers, paper scoring tool, large tile sponge; if the wallpaper is old, you may need to purchase an enzyme-based remover at a home store. 
• Before you begin, remove furniture from the room, or put it all in the center, and cover with plastic.  Using the masking tape, tape the plastic sheeting over the baseboards, and spread the rest of the plastic onto the floor. Don’t forget to cover electrical outlets! 
• Using the scrolling perforator tool, gently score the paper in every direction so your solution (next step) can penetrate the paper and adhesive for easier removal. 

• Now, mix up one gallon of hot tap water with one cup of white vinegar, add to your spray bottle or garden sprayer, and apply the solution to the scored paper, one section at the time.  Allow to sit for ten minutes. 
• Beginning in a top corner, lift the paper with the scraper, and gently tug.  If it comes off easily, continue to remove as much paper as possible, carefully using the scraper on the more resistant parts. If that first piece isn’t budging after a tug, allow the vinegar solution to sit for a few more minutes, then test again. 
• Once you have the bulk of the paper off one section, continue spraying and removing one area of the wall at the time.   
• Use care when you get to a section where the glue can be especially sturdy:  give the area shot of the vinegar solution, and gently scrape in the direction you’re pulling the paper.  You don’t want to damage the drywall or plaster. 
• Once the paper is off, you’ll still have some of the backing stuck to the walls.  Using a large sponge dampened with the vinegar solution and your scraper, rub over the backing, scraping gently as you go. 

• After the walls are clear of paper and adhesive, fill your bucket with clean warm water, and wipe the walls down with the tile sponge.  Allow to dry. 
• Paper will likely remain under any switch plates and outlet covers.  Turn off electricity to the room, and remove the wall plates with a screwdriver, peeling the paper off carefully. 

If the paper has been hung over other layers of wallpaper, obviously, the job will take more time, but try to only remove one layer at a time, using the above steps for every layer.  Sometimes you get lucky, and more than one layer comes off at a time.  Set aside a weekend for this job and grab some help to make the job go faster.  Take your helper out to eat once the job is complete!

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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When the holidays roll around, we usually come across a couple of boxes of decor we haven’t used in a few years, the kids find that they have no room for their new things, and we simply realize it is time for a throwing out party!  Use these tips to have a decluttering and start the new year off clutter-free! 

• You could make some extra holiday cash if you’d get rid of those not-so-stylish Christmas sweaters you have stored away.  Sell them in social media website marketplaces or give them to a charity to sell. 
• Non-sentimental decorations that haven’t been used in a few years should be given the same thought as clothes you haven’t worn lately:  get rid of them. 
• Many schools and other charities hold warm clothing drives this time of year.  If you have coats, gloves and other cozy gear in good condition that haven’t been worn in a year or two, even adult sizes, have them cleaned and donate them. 

• Books are items that are very difficult for readers to declutter, but you can stop the growth of your book pile.  Go to the local library, sign up for a card, and check out books! If you love them, then buy a copy.  That way, you won’t have books you’ll likely not read again stored or crowding your home. 
• Your children can help with the room-cleaning and let them decide what they want to give away.  If they can’t remember the last time, they played with something, and if it’s not extra-special to them, put it in a giveaway bag.  Call local non-profit daycares and homeless/domestic violence shelters to see if they can use them. 
• Take time over the holidays to clean up your computer.  Look for old documents and downloads that you’re no longer using and remove programs that you nor the computer need.  It will free up memory and may even help the speed of your computer. 
• Old blankets and other bedding that isn’t being used would be a great donation for animal shelters! Gather everything in a bag and give your local pound or shelter a call. 
• In the bathroom closet and medicine cabinets, you may find a lot of lotions/creams/soaps that have never been used.  Donate these to assisted living centers or homeless shelters. 

It can be difficult to let things go, because we hold on to things because we just know we’ll need them as soon as they’re gone.  It’s best to set a few things to get rid of, or amount of time to spend on the cleaning, or just a date to start our throwing-out party and stick to it.

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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Are you remodeling, redecorating, flipping, building or just simply want to paint and hang new curtains? Maybe you’re remodeling to sell, and you want your house to stand out.  2018 has come to an end, and home shows and furniture markets have come and gone, and what’s hot and what’s not is just about set for the new year.   

• Using darker colors in the kitchen, especially navy blue, is a trend this year.  Livingetc offers some inspiration to add this classic color to your kitchen. 
• Speaking of color, warmer neutrals and earthy tones are starting to trend, and may replace gray as the popular color for walls and flooring.  
• Granite countertops are falling behind quartz and concrete as the trendiest choices for countertop materials.  

• Trellis and Grecian-style patterns are on their way out, and fish or mermaid scale patterns are gaining popularity. 
• The desire for comfort in furnishings is on the rise, using plump cushions and velvet fabric for added luxury to a comfy sofa or chair. 
• Believe it or not, floral is so in–even the chintzy look!  Whether you use it in fabrics or wallpaper, it’s the print to use this year, the bigger the better. 
• Fringe is still everywhere–trimming furniture, bunched into tassels on draperies, and even on lighting and mirrors! 
• You have your statement wall, but what about a statement ceiling?   Paint, wallpaper, tiles, exposed beams–some designers are calling ceilings the “fifth wall.”  Check out this article from House Beautiful, and look up for something new! 

There are so many styles for home decorating and design, and the practical thing to do is to use classic styles for the major things, and add the trendy in small ways, so you don’t have to break the bank and completely overhaul your all-gray living room just because it’s “out of style.”  Trends come and go, but classic does not.

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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The home security business is booming, and with so many different brands, subscriptions, and DIY systems, it’s hard to decide what’s right for you and your home.  Let’s take some confusion out of the process with these tips and suggestions: 

• First, decide on whether you need round-the-clock monitoring, or if you want to keep an eye on things yourself using your smart phone. 
• Major strides have been made over the past few years with third-party monitoring systems, and many companies offer apps for your phone so that you, as well as the company, can watch over things. 
• Most monitoring companies offer a free trial period as well, some up to 30 days.  If you’re not happy, you don’t have to commit to their service and worry about extra fees if you cancel before the trial period is up.  Ask before you commit. 

• If you’re a renter, and worry about the permanent installation, most companies are offering wireless sensors and cameras that can be moved as you move. 
• For the DIYer, you or someone you know should be comfortable with setting up your system, not only the physical installation, but connecting it to your home’s internet or home management system. 
• Safewise.com ranks their favorite 24-hour, monthly fee-based systems, and gives you all their pros and cons for each company. 
• Find the self-monitoring system that will work best for you with safehome.org‘s top systems, as well as their highest-ranked third-party systems. 
• Is there an elderly person in your life that lives alone?  Consider purchasing a security system for them, and Safe Home offers their favorites for ease-of-use and cost. 

There have been so many improvements to home security systems to accommodate busy families and the ease-of-use for setting and deactivating the alarm system as you come and go, you can find a system that best fits not only your home’s needs, but your family’s needs as well.  If you decide on a third-party service, make sure you budget accordingly, since there is a monthly fee, and usually a cancellation fee if you change your mind mid-contract.

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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Your home is on the market, the whole family has pitched in, decluttered, cleaned like never, reworked the furniture layout, and maybe even done some painting and remodeling.  You also work full-time, and the kids keep you busy after school with activities and lessons.  How do you keep the house clean and smelling fresh for showings?  Follow these tips so you won’t have to work too hard after working hard. 

• Two things to be done daily:  keep the mail sorted and newspapers in the recycle bin and make the beds.  If there’s an upper bunk bed that’s a beast to keep looking show-perfect, have a large comforter that can be thrown on top and cover the not-so-perfect sheets. 
• The bathroom can be an issue with needing constant cleaning to keep it sparkling and fresh, and disposable cleaning wipes are the best way for a quick clean.  You can also use a bit of fresh-scented cleaner for pouring down the sink and tub drains to clear the air while you’re away. 
• Once you’ve done a major clean of the tubs and showers, keep them shiny with a DIY daily cleaner.  Bev from The Make Your Own Zone has a great guide for keeping the shower sparkling! 

• If you have pets, but don’t have time for constantly vacuuming and sweeping stray fur, keep them brushed daily, and, if they love the sofa, have sheets on the furniture to simply remove when you know someone will be there for a walk-through. 
• Didn’t have time to do the dishes?  Rinse them well and stash them in the oven if you have no dishwasher.  Pouring some vinegar and baking soda down the drain/disposal will help keep any food odors away. 
• The kitchen can be a major source for oily spots, and baking soda is the key to getting those areas clean.  Sprinkle some on a damp cloth, scrub the greasy areas, and go back over them with plain water.  Wipe down those areas as soon as you’ve finished cooking to keep them from getting visibly dirty again. 
• If you can afford to have more than one throw rug or mat by the front door, have one clean and ready in case one gets visibly dirty, or just to put a fresh one down before a showing. 
• Choose one room to spend most of your leisure time in.  That way, when they kids are finished with homework, reading, or toys, everyone can keep an eye on things, and make sure whoever makes a mess cleans it up. 

In today’s busy world, a lot of home showings are done on the weekends.  Have your weekly cleaning jobs done by Thursday evenings so you will only have to make sure things are in order and wipe down a few areas before buyers start coming through.  Delegate an age-appropriate job to every person in the house and make a list if necessary.

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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The mortgage-lending process has several steps, and one of them is the appraisal.  Lenders require an unbiased valuation of the home that’s being sold, and the appraiser will not only look at sales of similar homes in the area, they’ll look at the property itself. Here are several things sellers can do to get ready for the process, and maybe even improve the appraisal value of the property. 

Outside 

• Start your once-over outside, and make sure your front and back yards are neat and clean of debris.  Check fencing for any damaged places and repair them.   
• Small improvements are best for the look of your landscaping:  fresh mulch, some new plants, and a recent mow and trim work. 

• The siding of the house should look great:  no peeling paint, no broken or missing vinyl siding, no rotting wood.  
• Check condition walkways and steps, making sure nothing is in disrepair or needs replacing. 
• Make certain windows are in good working order, with no rotting sills, cracked glass or peeling paint. 
• Decking and porches should be in safe condition. 
• Check the roofing for missing shingles or bad spots. If your roof has had any recent repairs, have that information ready for the appraiser to take note of.   

Inside 

• Walls should look great–no permanent marks or cracks.  If you see a problem that needs repair, have the work done, or you’ll need to allow the buyer to have a credit to make the repair. 
• Flooring that’s worn, soft, cracked, scratched or stained won’t make a good impression.  Clean the carpets, and make repairs to any hardwood, tile or linoleum. 
• Bathroom fixtures should be clean and in good working order. 

• In the kitchen, that sagging cabinet door needs to be set right, and faucets and plumbing should be in good shape. 
• Odors can signify a problem:  pet odor can be taken care of with some elbow grease and deodorizing cleaners, and if mold is an issue, have that erased by a mold-cleaning specialist.  If it’s just general bathroom mold, there are plenty of household cleaners to remedy that. 
• Ceiling stains can be a sign of a leak.  If you’ve had that repaired, have that information available for the appraiser, and paint the ceiling. 

The appraiser will be looking at general things, but if something costs $500 or less to repair, take the chance that it will improve the value of the property.  Don’t go replacing a working 10-year-old HVAC unit that you’ve kept maintained, as that won’t necessarily add to the appraisal value.  Have other major repair paperwork ready for the appraisal appointment and allow the expert to walk around and do their assessment.  The buyer already likes your house well enough to make an offer, and you’ve likely already done the work to make your home sell.  Maintain your house during the showing process, and it will benefit you come appraisal time.

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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When you purchase a home, having a mortgage requires you to keep homeowner’s insurance on your property, plus it’s just smart to protect your investment. If you haven’t gotten that far yet and are still a tenant, renters can also purchase a policy that will protect their belongings, which, on average, are valued at $20,000, according to esurance.com.   

Don’t assume that your landlord’s insurance will cover your personal property.  Renters insurance generally covers: 

• belongings lost because of bursting pipes or a leaking water heater 
• items stolen during a burglary 
• damage caused by the weight of ice or snow, downed trees, and fire 
• natural entities such as lightning and windstorms 
• personal property that’s lost or damaged while in your possession even when you’re not at home 
• others’ belongings that you’ve borrowed and were in your home and damaged 
• appliances that break down because of short-circuit damage 

What may not be included on a renter’s policy: 

• liability if someone gets hurt in your home 
• additional living expenses in case you’re unable to live in your home in case of emergencies 
• food replacement in the event the fridge and freezer stop working 
• a roommate’s belongings 
• medical coverage if you are hurt inside the dwelling 

Stand-alone policies are needed for: 

• flood damage 
• high-value family heirlooms or other high-value possessions 
• natural disasters like earthquakes and sinkholes 
• a roommate’s belongings, unless they are listed on your policy or have a policy of their own 

If you’re planning to buy a home soon, protect your possessions now, so in the case you lose them, you won’t have to slow the home-buying process down to replace everything.  Remember, too, that homeowners’ policies cover more, and will be significantly more in cost.  While you’re saving for your down payment and maintaining your spending, start budgeting for your homeowner’s premium. No amount of money can cover peace of mind.

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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It may be just the beginning of Autumn, but many are already thinking ahead to the holidays and having guests over.  If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the guest room except to create a pile of things that should be stored somewhere else, it’s time to get in there and make it ready for anyone who may be coming to visit.  

The Guest Room 

• Tackle the cleaning of the guest room first.  Anything that you’ve stashed on the bed, closet or dresser that should be stored elsewhere, get that done.  Use under-bed storage containers to get some things out of the way, or store on the closet shelf. 
• Go through the closet and remove things that haven’t been worn in a year or more and donate those.  Guests will appreciate some empty hangers in the closet to keep their clothes from staying folded in a suitcase. 

• On the same token, open the top two dresser drawers, and purge anything inside that isn’t being used, and empty at least one drawer.  Use a sachet of cedar chips for a nice fresh-smelling place for your guests to keep their belongings. 
• Clean the room as if you were Spring-cleaning:  wash all the bedding, vacuum the whole room, including under the bed, and dust all wood surfaces well.   
• Have extra pillows and blanket on the bed, especially if the room is on the cooler side of the house.  Once you have the big things done, getting the room ready just before they arrive will go more quickly. 

No Guest Room? 

• If you don’t have the extra bedroom, consider investing in a futon, sofa bed or even a twin chairbed for your living area.  Even a good quality air mattress can be made into a comfortable overnight sleeping spot, and can be put wherever you want, and is easier to use for some privacy for your guests. 
• Your couch is a bit “lumpy,” or you simply want to make it comfier in case of needing it for extra beds, and a feather bed is perfect for this.  Featherbeds are easily stored, and will certainly offer some comfort when placed on top of the sofa cushions. 
• You will need a small table or other flat surface for guests to keep their luggage–anything that will make them feel like they have space of their own.   
• If your guest space will be in a living area, give them a feeling of privacy with a screen to block off the sleeping area.  Deciding to use a screen can give you an excuse to make one, and apartmenttherapy.com has a great tutorial for a screen made from hollow-core doors. 

Extras 

• Start stocking up now on trial- and travel-size toiletries, and purchase a couple of new towels to keep tucked away for guests. 
• Make sure the lighting in the bedroom is good, and all the lightbulbs are working. 
• Have a new house key made and hang it on a special keyring and use solely for guests. 

Getting the big things done now won’t have you scrambling during the busy holiday season to get ready for any overnight visits.  Most of the time, the whole point of having friends and family spend a few days in your home is to enjoy them!  Preparing now will mean less stress and plenty of enjoyment later!

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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