Mold is a common household issue that can cause significant health problems and structural damage if left unchecked. As a homeowner, understanding how to prevent, identify, and remediate mold is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. Here are some essential tips and information to help you tackle mold in your home.

Getting your home ready to sell requires thorough cleaning and decluttering, but once your belongings are packed and ready to move for the new owners to move in, you may see things that were hidden by furniture and other items. While most contracts state that the home should be “broom clean” at the time of closing, some extra cleaning will be necessary.

• Once the walls of every room are bare, use a vacuum, flat duster, or sweep mop to go over all of the walls, permanent fixtures, and ceilings. Wipe the walls and ceilings down with mild cleaner and water, and a flat mop is a great tool to make this work go quickly and efficiently.
• Vacuum all drawers and cabinet interiors, then wipe down with a mild cleaner and allow to dry before closing.
• Ceiling fans and light fixtures should be turned off, dusted, and wiped down thoroughly.
• Clean and disinfect bathrooms and kitchens from top to bottom.
• Move appliances to clean beneath and behind them, and ensure interior surfaces are completely clean.
• Have your agent reach out to the buyer’s representative to ask the buyer if they would like for you to leave any extra paint, tile or flooring, vinyl siding, etc., especially if they are not planning on a remodel. If so, stack them neatly in the garage or storage area.
• All outdoor areas should be free of debris, do not leave garbage behind, and mow the lawn shortly before closing.
• The best time to vacuum carpets and clean hard flooring is after everything is out of the home.

At best, the house should be sparkling clean upon the final walk-through. Sometimes, a dirty home can hold up closing, and that is never a good thing. If you simply do not have time to do a thorough cleaning before moving out, hire a professional team to do the dirty work for you.

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.

As the summer sun blazes down, your pool becomes the ultimate backyard oasis, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. However, to keep your pool in top condition throughout the season, regular maintenance is crucial. Proper pool care ensures that the water stays clean, clear, and safe for swimming. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your pool during the summer months.

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows record median home price for second time this year.

State of the Market

• The median home price for June was recorded at $395,000, up from $385,000 in May. This is the highest monthly median home price on record in the Orlando area. This is the second time in 2024 the record has been broken.
• Inventory for June was recorded at 10,796, up 5.0% from May when inventory was recorded at 10,282. This is the sixth month in a row inventory has risen. The last time inventory was this high was November 2015.
• Overall sales fell 10.6% from May to June. There were 2,601 sales in June, down from 2,909 sales in May. This breaks a four-month streak of rising sales.
• June’s interest rate was recorded at 6.7%, up from 6.6% in May.
• Pending sales fell by 8.3%, with 4,298 in May and 3,940 in June.
• New listings fell 8.4% from May to June, with 4,143 new homes on the market in June, compared to 4,521 in May.
• Homes spent an average of 54 days on the market (DOM) in June – the same as in May and April.
• “Demand in the Orlando market is holding strong this summer, as evidenced by yet another record-breaking median home price in June,” said Rose Kemp, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “The good news for buyers is that we are continuing to see inventory rise. More inventory gives buyers more options and more power to negotiate with the seller in the home-buying process.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates rose from 6.6% in May to 6.7% in June.
• Pending sales fell 8.3%, with 4,298 in May and 3,940 in June.
• 25 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.0% of all home sales in June. That represents a 47.1% increase from May when 17 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory increased 5.0% from May to June. Inventory in May was 10,282, and inventory in June was 10,796.
• The supply of homes rose to 4.15 months in June, up 17.4% from 3.53 months in May. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings decreased from May to June by 8.4% – from 4,521 homes to 4,143 homes.

You can find ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for May here.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association and the Stellar Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor StellarMLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or by StellarMLS does not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.

ORRA REALTOR® sales represent sales involving Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association members, who are primarily – but not exclusively – located in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month may be revised in the future as new data is received.

Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any REALTOR® association, not just members of ORRA.

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.

Independence Day, better known in the US as the Fourth of July, will soon be in full swing with barbecues, backyard games, and fireworks. It became an official holiday in 1870, when Congress approved several national holidays. Here are some other little-known facts about our favorite Summertime holiday: 

America’s Independence 

• July 2 is the actual date that Congress voted to cut ties with England, but July 4 became the official date when all changes to the wording of the Declaration of Independence was finalized and accepted by all members. 

• Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on a laptop.  A laptop desk, that is.  It is still on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 
• The first Independence Day celebration was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 8, 1776 after the first public reading of the Declaration, with bands and ringing of bells. 
• To protect the lives of the signers of the Declaration, their names were withheld from public knowledge until independence from England was certain.  Otherwise, the men would’ve been hanged for treason! 
• John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration who later became President, died hours apart on July 4, 1826. 

Holiday Celebrations 

• In the years after 1776, July 4th was celebrated with booming cannons and artillery fire.  Once the use of these became impossible because of their age and condition, fireworks took their place. 
• The National Retail Federation tells us that in 2017, Americans spent an estimated $850 million on fireworks alone! 
• Legend has it that the first hot-dog-eating contest was held among friends at Nathan’s at Coney Island on July 4, 1916 to settle a dispute.  The contest is now a national affair and is broadcast live on ESPN! 

• Red, white and blue are out modern-day colors of choice for decorations, but George Washington had his troops adorn themselves with greenery in their hats to celebrate the independence anniversary, reports James Heintze in his book, The Fourth of July Encyclopedia. 
• Bristol, Rhode Island boasts the longest continuous Independence Day celebration, with the first observance in 1785.  The modern-day events include a parade, an orange crate derby, and a drum and bugle corps competition. 

Even if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll find Fourth of July decorations and fireworks available world-wide, thanks to Americans who settled in foreign countries in years past, and our many soldiers who are stationed at bases in other countries, according to International Business Insider.  It’s a celebration that is heard around the world! 

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.

As a pet owner, your furry friends bring immense joy and companionship to your home. However, they also come with their own set of challenges when it comes to maintaining a clean and well-functioning household. From shedding hair to pet odors and potential damage to furniture, keeping your home in top shape with pets can seem daunting. Luckily, with some strategic planning and regular upkeep, you can create a pet-friendly environment that is both welcoming and well-maintained. Here are some essential home maintenance tips and tricks for pet owners.

1. Manage Pet Hair and Shedding

Regular Grooming: Brush your pets regularly to reduce the amount of loose hair in your home. This not only keeps your pet’s coat healthy but also minimizes shedding.

2. Control Pet Odors

Frequent Cleaning: Clean pet bedding, toys, and living areas regularly. Washing these items helps eliminate odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

3. Protect Your Floors and Furniture

Area Rugs and Mats: Place area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and near entrances to catch dirt and debris brought in by your pets. Choose washable rugs for easy cleaning. Consider investing in paw scrubbers to keep at the entry and exits of your home!

4. Maintain a Clean Yard

Regular Cleanup: Regularly clean up pet waste from your yard to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain a healthy environment for your pets. It should be picked up right away (or at least daily) to avoid attracting unwanted insects that love to feast on pet waste!

5. Organize Pet Supplies

Designated Storage: Keep your pet’s supplies organized in a designated area. Use bins or shelves to store food, toys, grooming tools, and medications. Remember to keep the area dry as to not grow mold on your pet food and regularly clean up food that falls onto the ground!

6. Regular Home Maintenance

HVAC Filters: Change your HVAC filters regularly to ensure they effectively trap pet hair and dander. This helps maintain good indoor air quality. Although recommended to change them every 3 months, if you have furry pets, it’s often better to change them every 2 months!

Maintaining a clean and well-functioning home with pets is entirely possible with a bit of extra care and organization. By managing pet hair and odors, protecting your floors and furniture, keeping your yard clean, organizing pet supplies, and performing regular home maintenance, you can enjoy a harmonious living environment with your furry companions. Start implementing these tips today and create a home that’s both pet-friendly and pristine. Your efforts will not only enhance your living space but also ensure a happy and healthy life for your pets.

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: Homekeepr

Looking to add a touch of style and personality to your home? An accent wall is a perfect way to transform any room, adding depth, color, and a focal point that captures attention. Whether you’re an avid DIYer or considering hiring a professional, creating an accent wall can dramatically enhance your living space. Let’s explore the benefits of accent walls and what to consider when deciding to do it yourself or hire a professional.

Benefits of Creating an Accent Wall

1. Adds Visual Interest

An accent wall can break up the monotony of a room and introduce a bold statement. It draws the eye and creates a focal point, making the space more engaging and dynamic.

2. Defines Spaces

In open-plan homes, an accent wall can help define different areas without the need for partitions. It can distinguish the dining area from the living room or create a cozy nook in a large bedroom.

3. Showcases Personal Style

Accent walls are a fantastic way to express your personal style. Whether you choose a vibrant paint color, a textured wallpaper, or a unique material like wood or stone, your choice can reflect your taste and personality.

4. Cost-Effective Transformation

Compared to a full-room makeover, an accent wall is a relatively low-cost project that can have a high impact. It allows you to experiment with bold colors or materials without committing to an entire room.

DIY Accent Wall: Pros and Cons

Pros

Hiring a Professional: Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Choose Your Wall and Design

Select the wall you want to accentuate and decide on the design. Consider factors like the room’s lighting, existing color scheme, and overall style.

2. Gather Materials and Tools

Depending on your chosen design, you may need paint, wallpaper, stencils, wood panels, or other materials. Gather all necessary tools, such as brushes, rollers, levels, and measuring tape.

3. Prepare the Wall

Clean the wall thoroughly and repair any holes or cracks. If you’re painting, apply a primer to ensure even coverage and adhesion.

4. Apply Your Design

Painting: Use painter’s tape to outline the area and apply paint with a roller or brush. For patterns, use stencils or create designs with tape.

5. Finishing Touches

Once the design is complete, remove any tape, clean up any drips or mistakes, and allow the wall to dry completely.

Elevate Your Home with an Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall is a stylish and effective way to add personality and value to your home. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, understanding the benefits and considerations will help you make the best decision for your space. A DIY approach offers cost savings and creative freedom, while a professional touch ensures expertise and efficiency. Start planning your accent wall today and transform your living space into a more vibrant and personalized environment. Take action now and enjoy the beauty and charm an accent wall can bring to 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.

By: Homekeepr

While not everyone considers themselves a Weekend Warrior, every homeowner should have certain tools on hand.  A small hammer and duct tape are just the basics every person should own, and while a large toolset isn’t necessary, some items are. Keep this guide in mind the next time you head out to the home center or local hardware store. 

• Toolbox:  It may seem obvious, but keeping everything in one place will save time when you need an item in a hurry, and keep the box in a dedicated place in your garage or storage closet. 
• Claw Hammer:  Every home needs a hammer, preferably with a clawed end to remove nails or for prying hard-to-open objects. 
• Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench takes the place of a wrench set, and, hence the name, can adjust to most average-size bolts. 

• Screwdriver:  Most people have two standard screwdrivers: flathead and Phillips.  There are screwdrivers that have changeable bits for different sized screws, and they are especially convenient. 
• Pliers:  Many types of this versatile tool are available, and the basic design is perfect for all sorts of jobs.  You can get specialized styles:  needle-nosed, pliers with wire cutters–the choices are endless.  Get what you think is best for your needs. 
• Boxcutter/Utility Knife:  A folding or disappearing blade would be best for this tool, especially if you have children. It’s a great tool to have for many uses, such as cutting insulation, trimming shingles, as well as repairing drywall. 
• 25-foot Tape Measure:  You never know when you’ll need to measure more than a yard-stick’s length, and a 25-foot style is great for measuring rooms, or outdoor projects. 
• Cordless Drill: Brian Kelsey, host of the online video series, Kelsey on the House, says a cordless drill will become your “…most-used tool in your tool kit,”  

Home centers will have an array of pre-filled toolboxes, and if that’s what suits your needs, purchase one of those. But if you know what you want, assemble a custom tool set to use for all your home projects/minor repairs.  Bob Vila provides a list with some extras not listed here, so if you’re a go-getter in the DIY field, see his recommendations for a little more than the basics. 

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.

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows inventory surpasses 10,000 homes for first time since 2016.

State of the Market

• Inventory for May was recorded at 10,282, up 9.7% from April when inventory was recorded at 9,376. This is the fifth month in a row inventory has risen. The last time inventory was this high was September 2016.
  • Inventory was 99.7% higher than May 2023.
• Overall sales rose 5.4% from April to May. There were 2,909 sales in May, up from 2,759 sales in April. This is the fourth month in a row that sales have risen.
• The median home price for May was recorded at $385,000, down from $388,500 in April. April was the highest monthly median home price on record in the Orlando area.
• May’s interest rate was recorded at 6.6%, down from 6.9% in April.
• Pending sales fell by 1.8%, with 4,379 in April and 4,298 in May.
• New listings rose 6.9% from April to May, with 4,521 new homes on the market in May, compared to 4,230 in April.
• Homes spent an average of 54 days on the market (DOM) in May – the same as in April.
• “Although May’s inventory did show a slight increase, it’s important to remember that our market is still very active. While there may be a few more options available compared to recent months, the high sales volume means homes are still moving quickly,” said Rose Kemp, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “With inventory levels remaining below the six months of supply that is considered a balanced market, buyers should be prepared to act fast if they find a home that meets their needs. The past four months have seen consistent sales growth, and I expect that trend to continue into the summer, making inventory a key factor for buyers.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates fell from 6.9% in April to 6.6% in May.
• Pending sales fell 1.8%, with 4,379 in April and 4,298 in May.
• 17 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.6% of all home sales in May. That represents a 34.6% decrease from April when 26 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory increased 9.7% from April to May. Inventory in April was 9,376, and inventory in May was 10,282.
• The supply of homes rose to 3.53 months in May, up 4.0% from 3.40 months in April. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings increased from April to May by 6.9% – from 4,230 homes to 4,521 homes.

You can find ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for May here.

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association and the Stellar Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor StellarMLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or by StellarMLS does not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.

ORRA REALTOR® sales represent sales involving Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association members, who are primarily – but not exclusively – located in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month may be revised in the future as new data is received.

Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any REALTOR® association, not just members of ORRA.

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.

A day in the sun is over, and you notice that the white straps on your bathing suit have turned an ugly light brown or orange color, stained by the sunscreen we all need.  You might have just what you need to remove those stains in your cleaning supplies, and many remedies for Summer maladies can be found in your kitchen and bathroom.  Save some money with these home remedies! 

• Powdered cleansers that contain oxalic acid, like Bar Keeper’s Friend, are perfect for sunscreen-stained swimsuits and clothing.  Wet the stain, apply the cleanser, and let it sit for a few minutes.  The stain may take some rubbing, or reapplication, but it usually comes out and your suit isn’t ruined! 
• Bee stings are a common ailment, especially for those who like to be barefoot.  In the case of a minor allergic reaction, such as pain, itching and swelling, apply an ice pack for several minutes.  If the symptoms return, reapply the ice.  
• Baking soda has a long list of uses, and add “soothing heat rash” to that list.  Add one cup of baking soda to a tepid bath, and soak for at least twenty minutes.  The alkalinity of the soda will help dry the affected areas. 

• Spending a lot of time at the beach may inevitably mean getting too close to a jellyfish.  White vinegar poured on the wound will dissolve the stingers that the jellyfish leaves on the skin, allowing the pain to subside.  Fill a small spray bottle with vinegar and add it to your beach bag, just in case. 
• Your hair can suffer from hot wind, sun, and chlorine in swimming pools.  Rehydrate it with a coconut oil treatment!  Apply it from root to ends, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and allow to soak in for a half hour.  Wash it with your regular shampoo to remove the excess oil. 
• Mosquitos, biting flies, and fleas are the most common insect bites in the summer.  Dab bites with peppermint oil to cool the skin and reduce the itch. Do not apply to a bite that’s been scratched red nor to broken skin–the result will not be cooling at all! 
• Many gardeners and hikers come across poison ivy in spite of the “leaves of three, let it be” mantra.  An oatmeal bath will soothe itchy, irritated skin:  pulse one cup of oats in a blender or food processor until they’re ground, and add it directly to a warm bath. 

Use common sense with any side effects from bites, stings, or any other skin issue:  if the problem persists, by all means seek medical attention.  Don’t let your warm weather fun turn into a recuperating period!  Summertime ailments don’t always require a trip to the drug store, so look in your pantry for items you need in a pinch, and enjoy your time in the sun! 

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.