If you are searching for a turnkey home with the latest smart technology, energy efficiency, and modern floor plan and materials, you will want to investigate new construction.  Of course, buying a brand-new house has some differences than the purchase of an older home.  New construction has all the things on your wish list, but there are a few things new house hunters need to be aware of. 

• You will need a buyer agent to represent you. The builder’s agent will be looking out for their client–not you. 
• Go through the pre-approval process but shop around for the loan that fits your needs.  If the builder’s lender has incentives and discounts, take advantage of them if it will benefit you in the end. 

Ask the builder: 

• How many lots and homes have been sold, how large each lot is, and how much space is between houses? 
• What is the length of the home’s warranty, and what does it cover? 
• How much input does the buyer have in choosing paint colors and materials for flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms? What is the policy if the builder runs short on chosen materials? 
• Is smart technology wiring included in the basic home package, and is wiring to all bedrooms an extra expense? 

• What appliances are included in the basic price? 

• Keep in mind that the model home you are shown has all the bells and whistles! Never assume you are getting everything in your home that the model shows. Ask about these features and write everything down as you get answers. 
• Talk to residents who are already living in the community, and ask them about any concerns they have, and what they love about their new home. 
• Do not skip the home inspection just because it is new construction. Be sure your purchase contract allows you to hire an inspector outside the building company. 

• If the model home is one of the last homes left in the neighborhood, ask about buying it! You may not get every finish just as you would like, but you can paint a room or change the flooring! 

Be aware that the builder makes their main profit on upgrades and will do their best to convince you that you need that “free” entertainment package or other “gifts” they may offer. If you are a DIY-buyer, leave the custom closets and finished storage areas for later. Saving money on the purchase price of your new home is your most important goal, but you must do some “home” work first! 

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

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

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

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Photo credit: Home Tips For Women

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

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

Choosing to purchase a home warranty is something any homeowner, house hunter, and even seller should think about. While different companies offer home warranties, the purpose of a home warranty is generally the same. Let this guide help you decide if you need this service: 

• A home warranty covers what homeowner’s insurance does not. When one of your home’s systems or major appliances breaks down or is damaged from normal wear and tear, a home warranty will help you with the costs. 
• Homeowners pay a monthly fee, on average $300-$600 per year, according to Consumer Affairs. Most service calls through the company will require the homeowner to pay a set service fee to the technician when making a claim. 
• A home warranty can be purchased at any time, which is great for someone who is selling their home.  Sellers can spend a good amount of money prepping the house for sale, and a warranty will help considerably if something breaks down during the selling process. Warranties can be transferred to the buyer, as well! 

• A newer home may not necessarily need a home warranty, so stash an amount equal to a monthly warranty payment into your savings account!  You can build emergency savings and have the funds for unexpected repairs. 
• Research home warranties for prices and coverage available. Your Realtor® will be able to direct you to companies they are familiar with, and you can trust you are working with a reputable home warranty company. 
• Current homeowners who do not have a home warranty can find a company that is registered with the Service Contract Industry Council. Scroll to the “Home Service Contract Companies” for a complete contact list. 

There are so many different decisions to make when it comes to homeownership, it can feel overwhelming. Making good decisions depends on how much time you put into researching and asking questions.  Inform yourself by doing your research and having a discussion with your Realtor® and/or warranty agent to help make the best home warranty decision for your home and wallet. 

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: American Home Shield 

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!

As closing day approaches, it is so exciting to think about the move to your new home! There is one thing that is keeping you in check, however, and that is the final walkthrough. This is the last step in the home-purchase process and should not be skipped. What takes place in the final walkthrough, and what part does the homebuyer play?

Here is your guide to this essential step: 

• Your agent will schedule a time meet at your new house, usually after the seller has moved out and before or on closing day. 
• What should you have on hand with you?  

• the final contract with all the specifics about the sale 

• home inspection report 
• any written agreements between seller and buyer 
• a notepad and pen 
• a camera or use your smartphone camera 
• a nightlight to test electrical outlets 

• Inside the house, everything should be in perfect working order: 

• Turn on every light switch and check every outlet. 
• Check the faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor spigots, utility room, and any other room there is running water by turning on each one. Flush all toilets as well. All toilets should flush completely, and drains should flow freely. 
• Inspect every area where agreed repairs should have been made. If there have been extensive fixes made, you may want to shell a bit extra out of your wallet to have someone with you that can be certain the job was done correctly. 
• Inspect every appliance that is included in the sale to be sure it is running properly. 

• Open and close all doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers. 
• Pay careful attention to carpets and floorcoverings, every floor and wall for weakness, cracks, mold, mildew and do not forget to look for signs of pests. 
• Turn the climate control off and on, and check heat as well as air conditioning. 

• Outside inspection: 

• roof, gutters, shutters, or any other structural issues 

• garage doors functioning properly 
• debris or trash left by the seller 
• lawns and landscaping should at least be trim and neat 

Hopefully, your final walkthrough will go perfectly, and closing can proceed. If you run into any adverse issues, however, note them, and have your agent contact the seller. Final walkthrough problems are just another reason to have a Realtor® represent you as a buyer, as they can handle the not-so-smooth issues that come with buying a 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: Homie.com

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

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

When your children are grown-and-flown, or your retirement is on the horizon, it is time for some decisions to be made.  Do you still need all the space you currently own? Do you dream of selling your home and traveling the world? No matter what your reasons are for downsizing, let these tips help smooth the process: 

• Jot down your ideas, and talk with family and/or friends, share your thoughts, and have some of them help you start a Downsize Plan.  
• Think practically before you finalize your decision: 

• Do you want to stay in the general area you are currently in or do you want to move across the country? Compare your home’s value to the locations you are interested in, making certain it is financially wise to relocate there. Even a move across town to another neighborhood could cost more in the long run. 

• Maybe you have dreamed of traveling, and RV-living is more to your liking. If you think this is what you want, it may be a good idea to rent a travel vehicle for a long trip before you make a costly purchase, just to get an idea of RV life. 
• Are you tired of maintaining the yard and exterior of your home? Maybe a condo or townhome is right for you. 

• If you decide to sell and move to a smaller home, the first step of the moving process is going through your belongings. Sixty&Me.com has some extreme but practical advice to help you start this emotional task. 
• Do your children still have belongings stored in your attic or spare room? Have them pick a date to come over and go through them. They need to be aware that this is their last chance to have their things donated, thrown away, or keep them. Otherwise, you will be making those decisions. 
• With a lifetime of “stuff,” it may simply be impossible to begin the first step on your own, and this is where a pro may help. Professional organizers do not only clean up closets, there are those who specialize in home clean-outs and downsizing.   

• A smaller house means less space for your furniture. Find out if any family members want the pieces you will not take with you or get ready to sell or donate your pieces. Some thrift stores will refurbish the items, and domestic violence or homeless shelters can always use practical pieces in good condition. 
• Once you finalize your decision, get in touch with a real estate agent. They will not only help you sell your home for the best price, but they can also assist with finding your new home! 

If you are getting ready for retirement or dreading the thought of the last child leaving home, downsizing can be something to look forward to–a new beginning! Whether you decide to travel the world or settle in a houseboat, your Realtor® will help you through selling your nest, every step of the way. 

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!

There’s a lot to learn when you’re starting out on your home buying journey. From concepts like earnest money to closing costs, it’s a lot to take in during a very short period. But of all the things to know, understanding the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for your mortgage is one of the most important.

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