November 15th, 2017 by tisner
Not only does it seem like we have new gadgets for communication being released on a daily basis, but smart home technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. Don’t let all of the available devices overwhelm you when you’re shopping around. Follow this guide for tips to help you get started on your smart home journey.
- Smart thermostats are the perfect way to get your feet wet for advanced technology in your home. They control your heat and air more efficiently by using presence sensors, and can save 10-15% on your power bill. Nest has two versions available, and prices vary $179-$250. Check with your power company to see if they offer a rebate on your new smart thermostat purchase.
- Keyless entry isn’t just for your car anymore. Smart locks are available for your entryways with mobile and desktop apps, so you can control them, and using fingerprint and voice recognition for opening doors. Prices vary greatly, and the choices are numerous. PCMag has made a list of the best smart locks of 2017 that can help you comparison shop.
- Home security systems have been around for eons, and the older brands have someone monitoring your system for you, and you pay a subscription fee. Today there are DIY security kits that will connect to your home smart system, and will alert your mobile phone app if there is a breach, but it’s your responsibility to contact authorities.
- Sometimes a simple security camera can give you peace of mind, and cameras are now available with motion and heat sensors so that they only turn on when you have chosen those sensor settings. These cameras have WIFI connectability, and you can use your PC or laptop to check the daily camera video.
- If you don’t care for a whole-house lighting control system, there are smart light bulbs controllable via Bluetooth, but that means they cannot be controlled from outside the home, or if you’re out of range. These bulbs can cost $50, but will last for twenty years.
- Home voice-activated assistants are becoming more popular, as well as less expensive. Apple’s Siri, Google Home, and Amazon’s Echo all have different features, but perform the same way by with voice activation. Get advice from friends and the internet before you decide which assistant is right for you and your family.
- Water leak and mold sensors are a very important gadget to add to your smart system. They sense water leaks, and humidity and temperature changes in your home and can save you a bundle on water or mold damage repair.
- No more checking smoke alarm batteries every six months–smart smoke alarms are hardwired, have built in carbon monoxide detectors, and can be controlled from your mobile phone. Some detectors even have sensibility settings, so they know the difference in a lot of smoke and your bacon getting a bit too done.
- Turn practically anything into a smart object with a smart plug. Once it’s plugged in to the object and connected to WIFI, you can control that object with your phone, or a home assistant.
If you have technical or more specific questions about smart products, see this article from the National Association of REALTORS’® Center for REALTOR® Technology group. It is a wealth of smart home information, as well as data issues, and ownership of devices in case of a home sale.
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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Tags: Home security systems, homeowners, Keyless entry, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, smart technology, Smart Technology For Your Home, Smart thermostats, Technology, Teri Isner
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November 13th, 2017 by tisner
Wintertime will soon be upon us, and if we want to save money and energy consumption, we turn the thermostat down a few degrees. What better way to take the chill off while in the family room than a fireplace? Gone are the days of strictly using wood to warm us up–check out this comparison of gas and electric fireplaces, and see what’s right for you and your family.
- Installation should be your first thought if you don’t have a wood fireplace to convert to gas or electric. When choosing gas, you need a gas line installed, as well as a propane tank. With electric, inserts and free-standing units are available, and you simply need the equipment and a nearby power outlet.
Gas
- Gas fireplaces come vented, or unvented. Vented gas logs must be used in a wood burning fireplace with a chimney and damper. Ventless logs can be used in an existing fireplace, or as a stand-alone unit.
- Vented logs look very realistic, but a large portion of the heat goes up the chimney. You’ll get less “real” with a ventless set of logs, but they are much warmer, and use less gas than vented.
- There’s a great deal of ongoing debate about the safety of ventless gas fireplace units, and you have to be extremely cautious of how long you burn them, because of oxygen depletion. Discuss these and other safety matters with the salesperson or gas company representative.
- Gas fireplaces get very hot, because they use an actual flame to produce heat. Children, the elderly, and pets shouldn’t get close to the fireplace while in use.
- Prices for gas fireplaces run the gamut, as they can be constructed to look like a real fireplace, with a mantel and hearth. Lots of options are available, depending on where you make your purchase. Cost of use varies, depending on whether propane or natural gas is being used. Gel-burning fireplaces are on the market as well, and could be a good option for your home.
- Safety should be first and foremost with gas fireplaces. Talk with your gas provider, read the instruction manuals carefully, and follow all guidelines. If you have a problem, call customer service or a repair company immediately.
Electric
- Electric fireplace units don’t need to be vented, because they don’t put off any gasses.
- The only heat you have to be concerned with is the heat that keeps your toes warm–electric fireplaces are constructed from materials that don’t transmit heat, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting burned if they touch it.
- Installation is easy. Choose your unit, decide where it’s going to be a focal point in the room, set it up and plug it in.
- Thermostats are available on electric units, making it much easier to control the room temperature.
- No fuel means no gases being emitted, and it can be a safer choice if you want to keep it burning for longer than a few hours.
- Costs for electric units are about the same, but the extra cost associated with operation will be on your electric bill.
Adding a new heat source is not something to be taken lightly, and when it comes to gas and electric fireplaces, there are pros and cons with each. Talk with knowledgeable people, search the internet, and talk to your family before you make the final purchase. Whatever you choose, it will be nice to have a fireplace to cozy up to on a chilly night.
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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Tags: electric fireplaces, fireplaces, gas fireplaces, homeowners, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, Teri Isner
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November 6th, 2017 by tisner
Whether you are planning on selling your home or just want to spruce it up a bit, the kitchen is the main attraction and heart of your home. You don’t have to do an expensive remodel to improve the space! Here are a few tips to get your kitchen looking great and up-to-date.
- Cabinets are on prominent display in your kitchen, and should look great. Clean them up and give them a coat of primer and paint. White, as well as neutrals like grey or taupe, gives a clean look and brightens up the space, and all work well with pops of color around the kitchen. Darker colors work best in large kitchens, and bright colors can be the star against neutral wall colors and decor. Click here for more cabinet painting tips from HGTV.
- Refurbish with new cabinet doors. This can be a little more expensive, but not as costly as replacing all of the cabinetry. You can even ditch the doors and use open shelving for a modern, clean feel.
- Change out the hardware on drawers and cabinets. Have an idea of what you want before you go to a home store to purchase the pieces, because there are so many choices available. Classic styles are best if you plan on putting your home on the market.
- Not only would it protect walls from liquids and grease, but adding a tile backsplash gives a whole new look to your kitchen. Thanks to advances made in peel-and-stick technology, double adhesive mats are strong enough for tile, and you can do this yourself with very little tile installation knowledge. This video from Ask This Old House shows step-by-step how to use this improved material and save time and money while updating your kitchen.
- Give your sink a makeover simply by replacing the faucet and the handles.
- Countertops dated and unattractive? Replacing them doesn’t have to be a big expense; some laminates look like the real thing and cost much less. Styles include look-alike marble and faux granite.
- Add a dash of style to cabinets with glass doors by papering the inside of the cabinet. Con-Tact© paper or any self-adhesive shelf liner is perfect for this small project. Amazon carries many designs to choose from.
- Installing a new light fixture can make a big difference in your kitchen, and doesn’t have to break the bank. Look in thrift stores, consignment shops, or yard sales, and give an old fixture a facelift with some spray paint! If you’re unsure about installation, call an electrician or handy person to change the old to the new.
If you decide to make just one change, or several, make a budget, stick to it, and stretch the makeover out over a few months so you don’t overspend. For potential buyers to come in and see a clean, new-looking kitchen, or simply having your family and friends spend more time in the refurbished space, a simple update can make a big impact.
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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Tags: home maintenance, home repairs, home sellers, homeownership, kitchen updates, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, Teri Isner
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November 3rd, 2017 by tisner
Every Hour in the US Housing Market:
- 624 Homes Sell
- 347 Homes Regain Positive Equity
- Median Home Values Go Up $1.13
By: KCM Crew
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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Tags: Daylight Saving Time, Fall Back, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, Teri Isner, Time Change
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October 31st, 2017 by tisner
With energy costs on the rise, it is essential for a homeowner to stay on top of all they can in order reduce their heating and utility bills during the cold Winter months. Here are some things consumers can do on their own at little or no cost to keep money in their pockets every month.
- Check windows and doors for drafts. Seal spaces with caulk or weather stripping.
- Look at all of the utility-entry places around the outside of your home, and fill around pipes with insulation or cement, if practical.
- Close the foundation/crawlspace vents as soon as temps get colder than 40°. This helps protect water pipes from freezing as well.
- Go into the attic and inspect your insulation, or consider adding insulation if you haven’t taken that step. This can cut your energy costs and pay for itself in a few years.
- Check ductwork for places where it may have come apart and repair—this job may be better for a service person to undertake.
- The sun can be used to help keep the house warm by simply keeping curtains on the south side of your home open during the day.
- Hanging thicker panels or thermal curtains can help insulate around windows as well. If you don’t want to change curtains, easy-to-install cellular shades allow light to shine through while insulating your windows.
- Plastic sheeting is inexpensive and easy to install on drafty windows or unused patio doors, and just as easy to remove when Spring arrives. Kits are available at hardware and home improvement stores.
- Have your furnace serviced before it’s time to use it, and replace your filters once a month.
- Close the damper in the fireplace when you’re not using it.
- Install a programmable thermostat–if heating with a heat pump, make sure the thermostat is the type specifically for heat pumps. Program the thermostat for the lowest temperature setting that your family is comfortable while at home, preferably in the 60° range. Turning it down 10°-15° at night and using an extra blanket will calculate to big savings on your energy use and costs.
- Using a humidifier is not only healthier, it can cut down on heating costs. The more moisture there is in the air, the warmer you feel.
- If you use ceiling fans, make sure they’re turning clockwise on low speed to pull up cool air, and circulate the warm air that collects near the ceiling.
- Thinking about changing your home’s heat source? Do it before the cold weather sets in. Check out the many different products available to help you make this decision.
The Department of Energy states that simply turning down the thermostat is the number one money-saver. For every degree it’s lowered, consumers save approximately 3% on heating costs. Lowering the temperature may mean wearing a sweater and socks inside, but the money you can save outweighs the bulky clothes.
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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Tags: energy efficient, energy saving tips, home sellers, homebuyers, homeowners, homeownership, money saving tips, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, Teri Isner
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October 25th, 2017 by tisner
There are many positive aspects of living in a neighborhood that is governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Finding the right one for you and your family may take some research, but if you’re looking for a managed area, it could save some headache in the end.
What is an HOA?
- And HOA is an organization that creates and enforces rules in a subdivision or condominium. When you purchase a home in an HOA community, you are, by default, a member of that HOA, and must pay fees and follow their bylaws.
- Most HOA’s now have their information, some complete with neighborhood photo galleries, available online, making it easy to start your research.
- Fees and their due dates vary by neighborhood, depending on amenities.
- Research the amenities that a neighborhood’s HOA focuses on. Whether it’s community beautification, a neighborhood gathering place, or a neighborhood walking path and gym, there are many options available.
- After you look at the qualities of an HOA and narrow down which ones you like best, find out what the fees are and how they’re paid. HOA fees can be high, but in comparison with what amenities they offer, it could save you money in the end.
- Most HOA’s have rules and regulations that go beyond your local municipality. These bylaws are in place to protect your property value, and maintain a certain quality of life for the homeowners.
HOA Benefits
- The amenities that some HOA communities offer can save a member money in the end. A community center means a gathering place for members, saving rental fees for party venues. A walking track or swimming pool can save residents from joining private gyms and health clubs.
- HOA neighborhoods in general are more appealing aesthetically, because member fees go towards keeping the common areas clean and landscaped.
- Some HOA organizations provide security, trash pick-up, pest control, as well as street sweeping and snow removal. Your property is your responsibility, but the shared areas are taken care of.
- If you choose to live in a condominium community, the organization usually handles all landscape maintenance, as well as exterior home maintenance: for instance, if a shutter blows off the building, it’s taken care of. All the homeowner needs to do is notify someone on the property management board, and they handle the rest.
- The community organization board members live in the neighborhood, so they are aware of needs specific to the area, and can better handle solutions to any problems.
- Homes in HOA neighborhoods protect your investment in a fluctuating market because of their home-maintenance regulations.
Don’t let bad press shy you away from considering a home in an HOA. If a house you absolutely love is in an organized community, do careful research, talk to residents in the community, then make your decision. There are many different aspects to different organizations, and finding the right one for you and your family just takes a little research and thought.
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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Tags: Advantages of a Homeowner's Association, buying a home with HOA fees, HOA, home sellers, homebuyers, homeowners, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, Teri Isner
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October 18th, 2017 by tisner
If finances are tight, but you’re ready to give your home a new look, paint is the budget-friendly way to go. Making it a DIY project is even more cost-effective, and with so many options and ways to add color to your walls, you need some guidance so it will look like it was done by a pro.
Which Paint and What Finish?
- Latex paint is best for walls, and oil paint is perfect for wood trim, because it seals stains. Oil paint takes longer to dry, and has a strong odor, but if you add a tablespoon of vanilla extract per gallon, and open the windows, it helps keep the odor in check.
- Flat paint goes on easily, but doesn’t clean easily; glossy paint is great for cleaning, and comes in semi-gloss, and satin, but doesn’t cover wall imperfections. For a nice compromise, an eggshell finish is somewhat flat, but easy to clean.
Choose Your Color
- Choose a color for the room/s you’re updating, and don’t be afraid of using a bold color. This adds character and some wow factor to your home. Neutrals are great for quick-change decorating, or if you’re thinking of selling soon.
- Using pint-can paint samples, apply a 2×2 foot area of each color on the wall you’re planning to paint, allow to dry for 24 hours, and look at them at different times of the day. You’ll get a more accurate feel for the color in the different lights, and whether you can live with it or not.
- Don’t forget the ceiling! You can change the feel of the room’s height by going a shade darker (for a lower ceiling feel), or go a shade lighter or use a lighter color to give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Painting Prep
- Measure your room for square footage, and make sure you buy enough paint–about one gallon per 400 square feet.
- Purchase good painter’s tape, drop cloths, putty, a good putty knife, caulking, and any tools you may need for removing hardware from any doors or walls.
- Protect light fixtures, trim, or wall sconces with painter’s tape. Move furniture and put down drop cloths. Use wall putty or caulking to fill and smooth any holes or other wall damage.
- Clean, sand, and dust walls, using a vacuum to make sure all of the dust is off the walls.
- Priming the walls is really important if you’re covering a dark color, if there are stains on the walls, or if you’re painting paneling or new sheetrock. Tint the primer with a little of your new wall color before applying.
Start Painting
- Paint mixing isn’t 100% perfect. Professionals mix all of the gallon cans together in a five-gallon bucket for color uniformity.
- Paint in corners and close to the ceiling with a good brush before you paint the walls, working your way down to catch drips. This process is called “cutting in.”
- Working in an overlapping W-pattern, apply paint until you need to reload the roller. If you notice paint drying quickly, work in 3-4 foot sections of wall, but a whole wall can be accomplished in the case of a slower drying process.
- Smoothing the paint is important and is done by using what paint is left on the roller to paint as close to the ceiling and corners as possible, where you’ve already cut in. This gives a smooth appearance to the finish.
- Clean your equipment as soon as painting is done: latex paint can be washed off with dish detergent and warm water, but oil paint should be cleaned off with paint thinner.
- Once the paint is dry, after about 24 hours, move your furniture back in, but hold off hanging anything on the walls for a few days, and don’t wash them until the paint has cured, usually two weeks to thirty days.
A newly painted room can make your home feel fresh, and make it look as if you’ve redecorated. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try painting a pattern on your wall. It may take more time, but the dramatic effect it makes in the room makes the wall a focal point in itself. diy Network has some great tips for a patterned accent wall: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/how-to-paint-stripes-chevrons-blocks-and-more
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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Tags: home improvement, home updating, homeowners, homeownership, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, paint colors, painting, painting your house, Teri Isner
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October 16th, 2017 by tisner
We normally associate pests and insects with Summer time, but now is a good time to think about what you can do to prevent creepy crawlers coming in to your home. It’s a simple matter of checking the outside as well as the inside, and staying ahead of them.
Exterior
- When you mulch plants, keep it from piling up against the house’s foundation. Insects can use the mulch for overwintering, but if you could add a border of rock or stone between the mulch and the house, or even use cedar mulch, it would discourage pests.
- Inspect your foundation carefully for cracks or holes, as well as places where utility pipes and wires enter your home. Cover or fill them with wire screen mesh, cement, or metal flashing.
- Outside lights, when left on, draw flying insects, but if you can change the bulbs from incandescent to halogen, they are less attracted to the glow.
- Check doors and windows for openings, and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping, and repair any holes in your screens.
- Keep trash cans and surrounding areas clean, and make sure lids fit tight. Recyclables should be rinsed well, and container lids put back on before tossing them in the recycle bin.
- If you have anything that can retain water, empty it as often as possible, and use a larvicide in your landscape’s water features.
- If you use firewood, store it away from your home, at least thirty feet.
- Gutters should be cleaned periodically, not only for their efficiency, but to help keep pests from making a home in the debris.
Interior
- The most important pest prevention tip for the inside of your home is cleanliness. Keep crumbs off the counters and floors, clean food messes immediately, and keep food consumption limited to the kitchen. Wash up dishes before going to bed at night.
- Storing open food in plastic containers with lids or plastic storage bags will lessen the chances of pests finding it.
- Check stored grains, (flour, sugar, cornmeal), often, and discard it as soon as the expiration date passes. Storing these in a sealed container is best.
- Pet food is best kept in a storage container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Keep inside garbage in a trash can fitted with a bag, and keep the lid closed. Remove the bag to the outside can as soon as it’s full.
- Vacuum carpets frequently, especially if you have pets. They can bring in little hitch hikers when they come in from being outdoors.
- Inspect all baseboards, and replace or repair them if they’re broken, and walls should be checked for holes, and repaired as soon as possible.
If you see pests in or out of your home, it’s best to call a professional to address the problem, and do it quickly so you don’t suffer an infestation. Once you know you’re clear of bugs, it only takes a few minutes each week to keep them from feeling at home in 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.
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Tags: home maintenance, homeownerrs, homeownership, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, pests, Preventing Pests, Teri Isner
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October 9th, 2017 by tisner
Moving into a new home means looking for the right touch for the blank walls. Artwork or family photos are the perfect fillers for these spaces, and hanging them can be a task. Let’s look at some practical rules and tips for making those plain spaces come to life.
Single Frames
- Pick your space, picture to hang, and gather measuring tool, chalk or pencil, level, hammer and nails or screwdriver and screws. Picture-hanging kits can be purchased at hardware and home stores as well.
- If the place you’ve chosen doesn’t have a stud for a nail, it is best to use an anchor and screw hanger. These are inexpensive, and can be found in any hardware store. Follow the easy instructions for installation for a strong mount for the picture.
- Measure up to approximately 57” on the wall; this is where the center of your picture should be–average eye height. The top of the frame will obviously be higher.
- Hold the frame up to the wall and use a pencil or some chalk to mark the approximate place for the nail/anchor screw.
- Install the hardware you’ve chosen, and hang the frame.
- Sometimes the frame doesn’t want to hang level. Use self-stick rubber dots on the back corners of the frame; these will hold it in place, and protect the wall from damage.
Gallery Walls
- If you’re creating a gallery wall using several pieces, and include family snapshot photos, children’s artwork, art prints, and even fine art.
- Create a clean, modern look by using the same style and color frames, same color palette, or same theme.
- Use the largest picture for a focal point. Hang it first, using the 57” on-center idea.
- Make templates of your artwork with newspaper. Lay your pictures down on the paper, and trace around the edge. Cut the templates out.
- Place the templates on the floor, or on the wall with masking tape, in any formation you like, changing the arrangement until it looks like a well-fitted puzzle.
- Not all large pieces need to be in the center; a pleasing arrangement would have the focal point hanging to the left of your display, with smaller frames hung on the right.
- Once you are satisfied with your mock-up gallery, hang the pictures using the first four tips.
Bonus Display Tips
- Renters or anyone who doesn’t want to bother with hammer and nails can use removeable sticky strips for framed pieces. 3M Command Strips are perfect for this easy display idea.
- Use an art ledge for an easy display. These can be purchased at home stores and painted or stained to suit your style. Attach to the wall at the 57” level, or 12” above the furniture, and place your pictures and artwork on them–no other hardware needed!
- There are a multitude of free printables–seasonal and inspirational quotes–available on the internet. Keep one or two spaces on your walls for a quick-change whenever you feel the need.
No matter your decorating style, hanging framed items has a few rules that you should follow for aesthetics’ sake, but choosing what to display and how many is a personal decision. Make your home your own by showing off what you love most, making the statement with your framed decorations.
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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Tags: gallery wall, hanging framed photos, home aesthetics, home decor, home decorating, homeowners, homeownership, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, Teri Isner
Posted in Home Tips from Teri, Orlando Buyers | No Comments »
September 29th, 2017 by tisner
The number of building permits issued for single-family homes is the best indicator of how many newly built homes will rise over the next few months. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Residential Sales Report, the number of these permits were up 7.7% over last year.
How will this impact buyers?
More inventory means more options. Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, explained this is good news for the housing market – especially for those looking to buy:
“It’s not spectacular construction growth, but it’s slow and steady in the right direction. Eventually, the pickup in single-family home construction will mean [buyers] will have more options. Especially with the limited number of sales right now, more options are really needed.”
How will this impact sellers?
More inventory means more competition. Today, because of the tremendous lack of inventory, a seller can expect:
- A great price on their home as buyers outbid each other for it
- A quick sale as buyers have so little to choose from
- Fewer hassles as buyers don’t want to “rock the boat” on the deal
With an increase in competition, the seller may not enjoy these same benefits. As Hale said:
“As new construction continues to increase, home shoppers will eventually have more [choices] and a bit more time to make purchase decisions compared to today’s quick-moving housing market.”
Bottom Line
If you are considering the sale of your home, it might make sense to beat this new construction competition to the market.
By: KCM Crew
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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.
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Tags: home sellers, homeowners, housing market update, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, sellers, selling your house, Teri Isner
Posted in General Real Estate, Home Tips from Teri | No Comments »
