Have you experienced chronic ear, throat, or eye irritations, sneezing, coughing, dizziness, or headaches only while in your home and as soon as you use your HVAC system? It could be from poor air quality due to dirty air ducts. Even the American Lung Association recognizes indoor air quality as the catalyst for many allergy-related diseases. If you haven’t cleaned your ducts in 4 to 5 years, there will be an accumulation of contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other allergens recirculating by your HVAC system to the indoor air. Even new construction can pose a threat with its hazardous materials and drywall dust. Consequently, you breathe these particles in, leading to allergic and asthmatic symptoms. Indoor allergies are most prevalent during spring and summer when your HVAC starts moving air around, and any particles that have settled there through the winter will kick up and begin affecting your breathing.

Types of Allergens—Some leading contaminants that can settle in your air ducts and later in your lungs are dust mites, mold, pet dander, pollen, smog, and volatile organic compounds. The EPA says these particles much more contaminate indoor air than outside. Dust mites are organisms that produce waste that gets circulated in your air ducts along with pollen after it is brought in through our clothes and shoes. Mold, caused by moisture, releases airborne spores, and pet dander or dead skin flecks from domestic pets can also cause allergic reactions and illness. Smog from C02 emissions and damaging gases from organic compounds can also become part of our home’s indoor environment, thereby detrimental to our respiratory health.

The process and benefits of duct cleaning— Air duct cleaning is important and recommended by allergists to help you breathe healthier, fresher air by improving air quality and reducing allergy symptoms. If you’ve never had your ducts cleaned, don’t have the time, or lack the skills needed to clean them yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional who will possess the appropriate tools and expertise. With a rotary brush or air whip, a professional can clean and sanitize your ducts by flushing or pulling out dust and debris with a vacuum device that uses compressed air. The price will depend on the size and location of your home and the company you choose, so shop around without squelching on quality service. Duct cleaning takes about two hours for the average home and should be done twice yearly. If you’d rather do some of the work yourself, there are simpler tasks, such as changing the HVAC filter or wiping down the surface of the unit. If vacuuming, use a HEPA filter.

In addition to improving air quality, duct cleaning removes odors, reduces surface dust, and improves HVAC efficiency. Smells from pets, rodent droppings, mold, and mildew are removed, and dust from mites and pollen that settle on bed linen and carpets is reduced. Airflow is improved when ducts are unclogged of debris, thus leading to lower energy costs and extending the system’s life.

You should never compromise your indoor air quality by letting spring allergens run amok. You can keep yourself healthy and your HVAC system in good working order by following a regular maintenance plan for cleaning your air ducts. Although the procedure to sanitize and disinfect could be costly, it’s money well-spent as opposed to racking up enormous energy and medical bills. When you invest in cleaning your air ducts, you invest in your health and happy home, so make it a priority for this season.

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.

By and photo credit: HomeKeepr 

As exciting as it is to be relocating to a new home or new city, very few actually look forward to the “moving” part! It can be as expensive as you choose, but as a new homeowner, the budget is always on your mind. Check out these ways you can cut costs when it comes time to move: 

• Before you put the first item in a packing box, toss, sell, or give away as much as you can. You may have already decluttered when your current home was put on the market, but give everything one more look before you start packing. 
• Moving.org has an up-to-date list of discounts and coupons offered to senior citizens, various occupations, and membership organizations. 
• Rent a truck, then pack it and move everything yourself. It will be hard work, but get the family involved, have a plan in place, and save hundreds by DIYing your move. 

• Portable storage can be more affordable than hiring a full mover. Reduce stress by having the container delivered a few weeks before the move, as you can pack it over several days, then have it sent to the new house once you are ready to go. 
• If you choose to use a pro, contact at least three reputable moving companies at least a month in advance of the move. Ask if a fixed rate is available, and inquire about possible additional costs: charging more for a weekend move, or extra for wrapping furniture or moving items up and down stairs.  
• Packing in advance when hiring a moving pro that charges by the hour will add to your savings. Have all containers ready in one convenient place, preferably in a garage or the room nearest the front door. 
• Save on packing materials by getting boxes from grocery store produce departments, or ask in online forums for used packing items for free. Some containers are already in your home: suitcases, tote and duffel bags, as well as linens for packing material. 
• Long-distance movers normally charge by weight, so taking items like a weight bench or furniture that you do not have room for in the new house will cost more. Consider selling them before the move. 

Probably the most important thing to remember is to plan at least a month ahead of the move, as it is not unusual to pay too much when in a rush. In one study, moving has been found to be one of the top three stressors in life! Keeping costs down as much as possible during the move can help reduce some of that stress. 

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.

Photo credit: Apartment Therapy

State of the Market

• Overall sales rose 31.1% from February to March. There were 2,936 sales in March, up 696 from the 2,240 sales recorded in February.
• Overall sales in March 2023 were 28.4% lower than March 2022 when there were 4,100 sales.
• Inventory dropped 9.1% – from 5,555 homes in February to 5,052 homes in March.
• Inventory in March 2023 (5,052) was 103.9% higher compared to March 2022, when it was recorded at only 2,478 homes.
• New listings spiked 22.1% from February to March, with 3,442 new homes on the market in March, compared to 2,820 in February.
• The median home price for March was recorded at $365,000, up from $358,000 in February. This is the second month in a row with rising median home prices.
• March’s interest rate was recorded at 6.7%, up from 6.4% in February. This is the fourth straight month with rising rates.
• Homes spent an average of 57 days on the market (DOM) in March, down from 62 days in February. This is 111.1% higher than March 2022 when homes spent an average of 27 days on the market.
• “Spring has sprung in the Central Florida housing market. March data shows increases in new listings, home prices and overall sales, and a reduction in inventory as buyer activity picked up significantly,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “The good news for buyers is that they have plenty more options to choose from. There were twice as many homes on the market in March compared to this time last year, and the median home price was only slightly higher than it was a year ago.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates increased from 6.4% in February to 6.7% in March. This is 59.4% higher than March 2022 when interest rates were 4.2%.
• Pending sales held steady, with 4,184 in February and 4,220 in March.
• 28 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.0% of all home sales in March. That represents a 27.3% increase from February, when 22 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory decreased by 9.1% from February to March – from 5,555 homes to 5,052 homes. Inventory in March 2023 was 103.9% higher than in March 2022.
• The supply of homes decreased to 1.72 months in March, down from 2.48 months in February. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings increased from February to March by 22.1% – from 2,820 homes to 3,442 homes.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for March can be found here.

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.

By: www.orlandorealtors.org

It is time for favorite summer pastimes: grilling, dining al fresco, or relaxing in a hammock, and many homeowners realize they would better enjoy them if they had a patio or deck. Outdoor spaces can be an extension of our indoor living space, so if you are considering adding either a deck or patio, here are a few tips to get your ideas rolling: 

• For outdoor spaces with level ground, constructing a patio from brick, pavers, stone or poured concrete is usually more cost-effective than building a deck. 
• Soften the hard surface and add privacy by adding landscaping. Plant a perimeter of shrubs or tall grasses or add plants of varying heights in containers–even trees! 
• Because of the availability in many colors and styles, making a final decision on patio surfacing can be overwhelming.  Landscaping Network has done the homework for you, making it easier to choose your materials. 

• Backyards with in-ground pools are better suited for a patio for ease of use and maintaining the pool. Another bonus is that there is less grass to mow! 
• Create a path from the front approach of your home to your backyard courtyard if there is enough room on the side of your home. This will help keep a lot of extra traffic out of the house. 
• Because they can be built on virtually any surface, including slopes and rocky ground, decks are the most popular outdoor space addition. 
• Determine what size you will need as well as other aspects of the deck by how you want to use the space: grilling and/or dining, simple entertaining, or maybe a private space for a hot tub.  
• If you have the know-how, by all means, DIY a new deck. This Old House offers a thorough guide to building a deck, from materials to designs. 

• Two advantages to building a deck: increasing your home’s value, and cooler entertaining. Add screening and a roof for an all-weather space to protect you from the elements and insects. 
• If your local building codes require railings for the new addition, do it in style! Check out these deck railing ideas. 

Once your new outdoor “room” is complete, do not waste the time and expense it took to create it by not utilizing it! Add seating, shade, grill, or firepit, and enjoy summer evenings with family and friends or a good book. An investment in outdoor improvements can be an investment in your well-being! 

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.

Photo credit: Progressive Design Build 

During the house hunt, many potential homeowners take an interest in a home that is being offered For Sale By Owner (FSBO). What is the risk to the buyer? These tips will guide you through the decision-making process: 

• The buyer will need to know how to negotiate the asking price. Since the majority of FSBO sellers do not have the experience to set a good market value on their home, their price will likely be too high. 
• There may be a wait time to see the home. Most homeowners have work and other responsibilities and can only show the property at their convenience. 
• Unless you have real estate experience, you will have some unfamiliar responsibilities: making sure you are paying the right price for the property by performing a comparative market analysis, negotiating credits or repairs with the owner after the inspection, finding the right title insurance company, and deciding how much each party will pay during closing.  

• A seller may try to discourage a house hunter from getting a home inspection, stating that their house is in well-maintained condition. Even brand-new houses should be inspected before changing owners, and the seller is required to have a disclosure statement ready for you to read over. 
• Once you make an offer, the owner may want to wait before accepting in hopes they receive a higher offer from someone else. In a scenario like this, and there is no urgent need for them to move, you may have to walk away from the deal. 
• When you are represented by a buyer’s agent, and there is no disclosure in the property listing that the seller will pay buyer agent fees, ask the seller directly or walk away. Your agent has put a great deal of time and effort into the house hunt and deserves proper compensation. 
• Do your own research on the house, make sure the person you have talked with is the actual owner, and proceed with caution. Some scams involve an empty house, FSBO signs, and criminals who will take your money and run, all while posing as the rightful owner. 

All said and done, not every seller is going to be dishonest, but the best tip for a potential homebuyer is to ask a RealtorⓇ to represent them. A licensed real estate agent knows all of the ins and outs of purchasing a home and will protect your interest as a home buyer, whether you want a home that is being sold by its owner or one being marketed by another agent. Either way, you will need the experience and knowledge that a real estate agent has to offer. 

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.

Photo credit: Budgeting the Nest

Energy audits are becoming more common among homeowners as a way to save money on energy costs as well as check their carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an energy audit is a process to “assess how much energy a home consumes and evaluate measures to make the home more energy efficient.” Is an energy audit something your home needs? This checklist will assist you in answering that question! 

• Musty Odors:  When certain rooms, mainly bathrooms, have a musty smell or form mold quickly in between cleanings, there could be a hidden moisture problem that can cause more serious issues if it remains unchecked. 
• Window Problems:  Can you feel cold or hot air seeping in from the outside when near a window? Is there condensation on the glass, no matter the season? These are obvious signs that your windows are interfering with the energy efficiency in your home. 
• Insulation: Attic insulation requirements have changed over the years. When you are in the attic, can you see most of the joists in between the insulation? That is a sure sign there is not enough insulation to keep it heated and cooled efficiently. 

• Comfort Level:  Are some rooms too cold, some too hot, or just the opposite? While everyone feels differently as a matter of personal preference, your home should not have major differences from room to room when it comes to temperature and comfort level. 
• High Energy Bills:  The different components that use electricity in your home can add up if they are not running properly. If your HVAC is short-cycling, or you have outlets and/or electric cords that get too hot, or light bulbs burn out before they should, these are all problems that will add up on your power bill if not checked. 
• There are two different levels of an energy audit for a house. Level one is a basic walk-through assessment, and level two begins with the basics in level one and includes an energy survey and analysis. 

• Homeowners can perform their own level one audit, and the U.S. Department of Energy offers a list of what you can check for without paying a professional. 
• This Old House offers a video that demonstrates a level two energy audit using different pieces of equipment and processes the pros use to assess your home’s energy use.  

The age of your home does not matter! Newer homes can be as energy inefficient as older homes! Once you have determined that your home could use some help to become a better consumer of energy, use the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) Home Energy Rating member finder for a list of energy audit professionals in your area. Do your homework on each one in your area to find the right one for your needs and budget. 

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.

Photo credit: Green Mountain Energy

When it comes to the smaller rooms in the house, window treatments play an important part in the feel of the space. You do not, however, have to give up style or privacy in these areas; check out these unique ways you can add pizzazz to your windows, and “space” to your small room: 

• If drapes are your only choice, install the hardware higher on the wall than the top of the window. This simple trick will add a spacious feel to the room. 
• Using a simple roller shade keeps an open feel to the room. Rollers come in many colors, or you can create a custom shade with adhesive-back shelf paper, fabric, or even wallpaper. 
• Hanging a neutral valance will keep the room light, and add color to the window by hanging an old stained glass window section, or create your own “stained glass!” 

• A simple way to add style and make the room seem larger by drawing the eye up is to use a cornice or a pelmet covered in colorful fabric and paired with plain sheer panels. 
• Using shutters instead of curtains gives you privacy while allowing light to come through when you have adjustable louvers on the shutters. Most are made of wood and can be painted or stained to match your room’s decor or make a statement. 
• Need privacy but need to keep the room well-lit? This is an easy DIY using “frosted glass” film or spray paint! A textured glass look can be created using clear glass craft paint. 
• A sunny window is a perfect place for plants, so use them as your window treatment! Purchase shelving and install, or make shelves for your green thumb display. 
• Window screens made of laser-cut metal are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable. Styles are seemingly endless and can be easily purchased at online home decor sites or even craft websites with laser-cutting machines becoming more common for crafters. 

The window treatments, placement and size of the furniture, and scale of the room’s decor are all factors for making a room seem open or stuffy. Choose wisely so time spent there will not leave you with a “cooped up” feeling! Simple is more in a small room! 

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.

Photo credit: milesandlincoln.com

State of the Market

• Overall sales rose 33.8% from January to February. There were 2,240 sales in February and 1,674 sales in January.
• Overall sales in February 2023 were 30.0% lower than February 2022 when there were 3,198 sales.
• Inventory dropped from 6,115 homes in January to 5,555 homes in February.
• Inventory in February 2023 (5,555) was 140.2% higher compared to February 2022, when it was recorded at only 2,313 homes.
• The median home price for February was recorded at $358,000, up from $350,000 in January. This comes after three straight months of declining median home prices.
• February’s interest rate was recorded at 6.4%, up from 6.1% in January.
• Homes spent an average of 62 days on the market (DOM) in February, up from 57 days in January. This is a 106.7% increase compared to February 2022 when homes spent an average of 30 days on the market.
• New listings decreased slightly from January to February, with 2,820 new homes on the market in February, compared to 2,911 in January.
• “In February, we saw a spike in sales due to closings that started during the holiday season. After the New Year, we tend to see those contracts close as home buying and selling activity rises,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “The Orlando housing market continues to look positive as we look ahead to a strong spring selling season.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates increased from 6.1% in January to 6.4% in February. This is 64.5% higher than February 2022 when interest rates were 3.9%.
• Pending sales increased by 21.2%, from 3,453 in January to 4,184 in February.
• 22 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.0% of all home sales in February. That represents a 57.1% increase from January, when 14 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory decreased by 9.2% from January to February – from 6,115 homes to 5,555 homes. Inventory in February 2023 was 140.2% higher than in February 2022, when inventory reached a record low.
• The supply of homes decreased to 2.48 months in February, down from 3.65 months in January. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings decreased from January to February by 3.1% – from 2,911 homes to 2,820 homes.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for February can be found here.

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.

By: www.orlandorealtors.org

Sometimes, homeowners can get into financial trouble by circumstances beyond their control. Job loss, divorce, medical bills, or the death of a family member are usually the culprits. While foreclosure seems to loom over an already bad situation, it does not have to get to that point! Here are some tips that can help keep foreclosure proceedings at bay: 

• Contact the lender before the first late mortgage payment, especially if there is equity in the home. Lenders normally do not begin the foreclosure process until payments are 120 days behind, so there is still time at this point. 
• The mortgage servicer can offer several options to avoid losing the home to foreclosure: refinance the mortgage, a loan modification, working out a repayment plan, or forbearance. Two procedures that will affect the borrower’s credit score are the short-sale of the property, or going through a “deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.” 
• Selling expensive items–a boat that is only used a few times per year, for instance–can cut monthly expenses, and any proceeds can go towards the mortgage. 

• Keeping mortgage payments current is more important than paying credit card bills! Credit scores will be affected by late credit card payments, but a foreclosure will do far more damage. 
• Do not allow mail from the lender to go unopened if payments are currently behind. Mortgage lenders normally want to avoid foreclosing on the home as much as the homeowner. 
• Credit counseling can never begin too early, and the HUD website offers lists of local credit counselors. Find other helpful information through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling®. 
• Resist any quick-fix offers advertised on the internet, television commercials, and junk mail, or even from so-called investors. These “rescue mortgages” could be scams, and a home can be lost before foreclosure procedures can even begin. 
• When the house payment is simply no longer affordable, get advice from an attorney whose specialty is foreclosure, as most will do a one-time consult at no cost. Legal Aid can assist the borrower in finding a pro bono lawyer. 

The best tip is to contact the lender as soon as finances become difficult to manage. Being proactive before the installments become overdue will allow more options to be available. A house is an important investment, and it is home. A homeowner should do all they can in order to keep 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.

Photo credit: USDA