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Weekly Market Snapshot 8/12 – 8/18

August 19th, 2021 by tisner


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

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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Stats courtesy of StellarMLS

Give Your Garage Door a Lift!

August 17th, 2021 by tisner


Garage doors work hard to protect your vehicles and other possessions from inclement weather, theft, and other issues. Despite this, a lot of garage doors are pretty boring. Many garage doors are made up of nothing more than single-color panels with no decoration at all. Others have basic windows, but that’s it. While decoration certainly isn’t essential to a garage door’s function, sprucing up the look of your garage door can make a big impact on the overall impression your house makes.

Fortunately, you don’t have to completely replace a garage door in order to spruce it up with some additional decoration. There are a number of decorative kits that you can add to your garage doors to completely revitalize their look. The kits are often low cost and easy to install, making them perfect for a DIY project over the weekend that will have a significant effect on the look of your home.

Decorative Kits

There are several options available when it comes to choosing garage door decorations. You can install handles and faux hinges, corner straps, knockers, latches, floor bolts, and more. If your garage door has windows, you can even install window grill coverings to help replicate the look of old carriage houses. You can even affix fake windows to the front of a windowless garage door, making it look like you have tinted or blacked out windows, with relatively little effort.

If you want to create an even more rustic look, imitation nail heads can be added which makes the garage door look like it was assembled using hand-forged nails. There are also a variety of other decorations including shapes and figures that customize the look of your garage door. All of these options exist to help ensure that the look of your garage door matches with your own personal preferences.

Kit Installation

Depending on the type of kit that you buy, there are a few different options for installing the decorative pieces. In the event of imitation nail heads, many of these come attached to small pins so that you can simply press the nail head into the garage door material where you wish it to go. Screw-mounted decorative hardware requires a bit more work, as you’ll need to drill holes in the garage door to start the screws before attaching the handles or other hardware. Once the pieces are attached, though, they’re pretty firmly in place on your garage door.

For those who don’t want to make permanent changes to the garage door, a lot of decorative kits are available in magnetic forms as well. While these only work on metal garage doors, the installation is much simpler as you only need to place the decorative bits where you want them to be, and the magnets will hold them in place with no additional work. While the magnets are generally strong enough to hold your decorations in place without issue during normal garage door function, it’s important to keep in mind that they won’t hold against the hardware being pulled on or otherwise forcefully moved.

Garage Door Revamp

In some cases, you may decide that you want to upgrade your garage door and add decorative pieces at the same time. If using screw-on additions, you can often get the garage door installer to add the pieces before mounting the new door. Magnetic or push-pin accents are easy to add after the new door is installed, and you can either get the installer to add these accents or do it yourself after the fact.

If you are getting a new garage door installed, it’s important to find an installer that you can trust. Fortunately, HomeKeepr can help you with this. Once you sign up for a HomeKeepr account you can connect with garage door installers and other pros in your area directly from the HomeKeepr app. Best of all, it’s free to sign up. Join today and you’ll be one step closer to the garage doors of your dreams.

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

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By: Homekeepr, DAvid Weinstein 

Weekly Market Snapshot 8/5 – 8/11

August 12th, 2021 by tisner


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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Stats courtesy of StellarMLS

Helping Your Air Conditioning Keep Its Cool

August 10th, 2021 by tisner


NOW is always a good time to do what you must to help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly, as well as saving money on your energy use.  You want your unit in the best shape so you can stay cool!
 

  • Before doing any maintenance on an outdoor unit, be sure to locate the power supply and turn it off or remove the supply pack. 

                   -Use a gentle spray from your water hose to clear dirt and debris from the condenser fins to help airflow and improve performance.  

                   -Check the drain tube on the unit and clear anything that could keep condensation from flowing freely and away from your house. Use a small piece of wire or very small bottle                brush to clear out any gunk that has built up on the inside. 

  • Sometimes homeowners will hide their unit with shrubbery or other plants.  Air needs to flow unobstructed around the unit, so if anything is growing too close, it should be trimmed to a distance of two feet away. 
  • Changing the intake filter monthly may not be necessary, but checking it is.  If it is noticeably dirty, replace it. What if you do not have an extra on hand? Give it a quick clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum and get a new filter as soon as possible. 
  • While it might sound sensible to close the doors and vents of unused rooms, it is not.  Airflow is important inside, so keeping interior doors and vents slightly opened is better than closing them tight. 
  • On that note, if your nest is getting empty, you could consider replacing the central unit with ductless air conditioning.   
  • When your home has ceiling fans, use them!  Make sure the fans are turning in a counter-clockwise direction so that it gives a wind chill effect, but turn them off when you’re not in the room to save energy. 

When you need to replace your unit, do some research to decide what type of system will fit your needs and be sure the contractor you hire is installing the correct size unit for your home–even a unit that is too large can cause problems.  Just remember that keeping it clean and helping air flow freely are the two most important things for an air conditioning system. 

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling 

Weekly Market Snapshot 7/29 – 8/4

August 5th, 2021 by tisner


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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Stats courtesy of StellarMLS

Metal Roofs for Beginners

August 3rd, 2021 by tisner

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, as problems with your roof can end up causing damage to a variety of other parts of your home. While most people are familiar with shingle roofs when it comes to home roofing options, there are actually a few different roof types available. One that is gaining a significant amount of popularity in recent years is metal roofing, due in part to its extreme durability and resistance to environmental factors that can damage traditional shingles.

Once upon a time, metal roofing was largely made up of flat panels which seemed more at home on businesses or other non-residential structures. The material has come a long way since then, however. Modern metal roofing often mimics the look of shingles or tile roofs, adding a unique beauty to your home while also conveying a number of advantages over other materials.

Advantages of Metal Roofs

There are several benefits to choosing a metal roof. While the full list of advantages will differ depending on the type of metal roof you choose and where you live, here are some of the most common ones:

  • Longevity: Traditional asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of around 10 to 15 years on average, though some may last up to 20 years or more under ideal conditions. Metal roofs, on the other hand, have a life expectancy closer to 70 years.
  • Customizability: When choosing shingles, you’re limited by the color options and layouts that are available at the time of purchase. Metal roofs are often paintable to give you a wider range of options.
  • Fire Resistance: Unlike shingles, metal roofs will not ignite in the event of fire or lightning strikes. And contrary to myths, they do not attract lighting to your home.
  • Energy Efficiency: Because metal roofs reflect UV rays, they tend to stay cooler than other roofing materials during the heat of summer. This can result in less radiant heat buildup, which in turn will reduce your home cooling costs.

Metal roofs also typically contain a significant amount of post-consumer recycled material and can themselves be recycled instead of scrapped once they are replaced. This is a great benefit for those who want to have more control over their environmental impact.

Installing a Metal Roof

When it comes to installing a metal roof, things are a bit more complicated than they are for traditional shingle roofs. The additional work required is worth it, though, as it helps to ensure a leak-free roof that will last for decades.
Most of the time, the existing roof is stripped off completely and the underlying sheathing and flashing are inspected and replaced as needed. Additional plywood or similar materials may also be installed if necessary to provide a firm backing for the metal roof. A waterproofing underlayment is also added to the entire roof deck, along with slip sheets that go between the underlayment and the metal itself so that the metal will be able to move slightly as it expands and contracts.

The roof itself is installed in panels, with polyurethane sealants used to adhere to the metal and allow for movement and expansion as the weather changes. The edges of panels are crimped together to ensure a leak-free fit, providing seams that blend in naturally with the pattern of the roof. Chimneys and other edges are sealed around, and the eaves are capped to prevent water from getting behind the panels at the edges.

Professional Installation

Installing a metal roof can be a big job, and in order to get the most out of your roof it’s important that it’s done right. This is why many people choose to have metal roofs professionally installed, trusting in the skill and experience of roofers who know what they’re doing and have worked with the materials before. HomeKeepr can help you find the perfect roofer for your metal roof install, so sign up for a free account today to get started.

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, David Weinstein

Weekly Market Snapshot 7/22 – 7/28

July 29th, 2021 by tisner

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Stats courtesy of StellarMLS

Do Your Windows Need Service?

July 28th, 2021 by tisner


Windows are one of the most important features of your house. They let in light, let in fresh air, and can have a significant impact on the overall look of your rooms. With that said, windows do require a bit of maintenance from time to time. Most of the time, it will be simple things like cleaning the windows and checking window screens for damage to make sure that your windows are still operating in tip-top shape. Occasionally, though, you may find that your windows require a bit more service to keep them from showing wear and other damage over time.

If you aren’t sure what sort of service and maintenance your windows might need, don’t worry. A lot of homeowners are somewhat in the dark about proper window maintenance, and the amount of service your windows need depends on a lot of factors including their age and the climate where you live. To help ensure that your windows get the attention that they deserve, here is some info on proper window maintenance and how to tell if your windows need additional service.

Window Service

There are a number of types of service and other maintenance that your windows may require from time to time. Some of these are simple, such as periodic cleaning on both the inside and the outside of the window. Some maintenance operations are a bit more complicated, however.

When checking your windows to see if they need service, there are several things that you should check for. Open the windows to make sure that they’re operating correctly, taking note of any difficulties that you have or if they seem to stick at any point when opening or closing them. Inspect the windows for any signs of visible damage, both to the panes and to other components such as the frame, muntin sections, or the sill. Look for signs of water getting trapped in between panes in double-paned windows, and also feel around for drafts or signs of leaks. You should also pick a quiet time to listen for a few minutes near the windows to see if more noise than usual seems to be getting through. Any of these issues will require correction, and the sooner you identify them then the easier that service will be.

When to Service Your Windows

Unless something obvious like a rock striking a windowpane happens and causes physical damage to one of your windows, it can be a bit difficult to tell when your windows actually need service. Since you don’t have time to constantly check over your windows, it’s a good idea to check them at least a couple of times per year. You can usually make the most out of these maintenance checks by doing one early in the spring when temperatures are starting to rise after winter, and again in late summer or early fall as temps start to drop again. This will alert you to potential problems caused by the intensity of winter cold or summer heat and preps you for seasons with a lot of rain, drafts, and other issues.

With that said, it doesn’t hurt to give your windows the occasional once-over as well. Clean them or at least wipe them down once a month, checking for any obvious signs of problems as you do. You should also do a more thorough inspection if you notice drafts, louder noises, or signs of leaks near the windows. You don’t have to go in-depth with your windows during these periodic checks unless there’s some sign of trouble, but even just a glance every now and then can do wonders for early detection of problems.

Professional Service

Some window problems such as gaps around the frame or loose screws on locking clasps are easy to fix on your own. Bigger window problems may require professional help to take care of, though. If you find yourself needing major work done on your windows or maybe even full window replacements, be sure to check out HomeKeepr. We can help you connect with window pros in your area, making sure you that you get the help you need from professionals you can trust. Sign up for a free account today to get started.

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli

Home Repairs and Maintenance for New Homeowners

July 27th, 2021 by tisner

Calling the landlord or apartment superintendent when something needed repair was the norm as a renting tenant, but now that you are a homeowner, there are simple skill sets that do not require a call to your local handyperson! All you need are a few tools and the willingness to learn something new!   

Basic tools needed: claw hammer, screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, plunger, drain snake, tape measure, stud finder, plier set, putty knife, and a handsaw.  These tools will help you in making simple repairs. 

Plumbing: Finding your water main shut-off is one of the first things a homeowner should get familiar with. Other water-related things that can be done easily: replacing an O-ring in a leaking faucet, unclogging drains, installing a new showerhead, and repairing a running toilet. The Family Handyman covers other simple jobs that do not need an expensive call to a plumber. 

Electricity:  While an electrician is best for complete rewiring, many homeowners switch out old light fixtures or change them to ceiling fans on their own! Probably the most important thing to know about your new home’s electricity, however, is getting familiar with the circuit breaker box, and knowing how to turn them off or reset them. 

Wall Repair:  Most homes have drywall, and accidents happen, so DIY repairs are a must. Plaster walls can be a bit trickier, but for minor problems, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/21016734/how-to-fix-damaged-plaster 

Painting: DIY television shows make painting a room look simple, and while that may be, there are more steps to achieving a well-done paint job than using a good quality paint roller. 

Home Safety: It is imperative to know how to safely use a fire extinguisher as well as how to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Cleaning the HVAC Unit: This simple job can make a big difference in how well your unit runs and it saves money because you are doing it yourself.   

Yard Care: After years of apartment living, many new homeowners simply do not know how to keep their grass trim or maintain a lawnmower! Bob Vila offers some great mowing tips for a great-looking lawn. 

So many small fixes can be handled by you and your family as you learn to take care of your new home! Sure, you are protecting your investment, but knowing you can tackle some of the “small” stuff gives great satisfaction, knowing you are taking care of your family and 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.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

Photo credit: Real Simple 

Smart Kitchens, Smart Faucets

July 20th, 2021 by tisner

So-called “smart” devices are increasingly popular, adding new features and functionality to just about every room in your home. One room that you might not consider for a smart upgrade is the kitchen, but you should. There are a number of sensors and connected devices that can transform your kitchen into something special. One great option that’s often overlooked is the addition of a smart faucet to your sink.

While smart faucets aren’t as well known (yet) as other smart home add-ons such as smart lighting and smart thermostats, they can have a significant impact on how you use your kitchen. Not only can you turn the faucets on and off in different ways, but you can also have your smart faucets automatically save you money on your water bill. If you’re wondering whether a smart faucet might be a good addition to your home, read on for more info on just how these faucets can help you.

Smart Faucet Controls

One big advantage to smart faucets is that there are multiple ways to control the flow of water. In addition to standard handles or levers, many smart faucets contain features such as touch panels and motion sensors that allow you to turn the water on and off with little to no contact with the faucet itself. This adds convenience to using the sink in general, and can help keep your kitchen area clean if your hands are dirty or covered with batter or other substances that you wouldn’t want to clean off of everything later.

Depending on the model, some smart faucets can also be controlled remotely using apps or voice controls. In most cases, you can even pair the apps on your smartphone with digital assistants such as Alexa and the Google Assistant. This lets you control the faucet using Amazon Echo and Google Home devices, turning the water on and off as needed while doing prep work or otherwise getting things ready for the water.

Smart Water Usage

Another big benefit of smart faucets is the way that they help to control your water usage. The water-saving features of smart faucets help prevent wasted water by cutting off the flow when you aren’t actually using the sink. This keeps you from accidentally leaving the water running when you’re doing something that takes too long and can also help prevent drips and other problems that might occur when you don’t close a valve all the way.

Some smart faucets also let you track your water usage over time via their connected apps. This can make you more aware of how much water you’re using in the kitchen and may help you to ratchet back on your usage over time. Eliminating unnecessary water use will save you money and help the environment as well, and the awareness of how much water you’re using is a big part of cutting back on that unnecessary use.

Installing Your Smart Faucet

For the most part, installing a smart faucet is a lot like installing any other faucet. Depending on the faucet model, its smart features will be powered either by batteries or a nearby outlet; if the faucet is outlet powered, you’ll need to make sure that there’s a source of power close enough to hook the faucet up for it to work properly. Once installed, some smart features may require additional setup, especially if you plan to use the faucet with external devices such as an Echo or Google Home.

If you aren’t sure how to hook up a faucet or need a new outlet installed to power the smart features of your desired model, HomeKeepr can assist you in finding the help that you need. Whether you’re looking for a plumber, an electrician, or any other pro to help bring your smart kitchen to life, we can connect you with the top professionals in your area. Sign up for a free account today to get started.

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

By: Homekeepr, David Weinstein

Teri Isner, CIPS, CRS, GRI
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