Just hearing or seeing the date, February 14^th, conjures images of hearts and flowers in our minds. Valentine’s Day.  A “holiday” named for St. Valentine.  A day set aside each year to celebrate love.  But how did Valentine’s Day begin?  And who is St. Valentine?

Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day got its name?  While it is believed that the name came from a saint, the origins of how it became attached to a day to celebrate love are a bit of a mystery. One legend claims that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.  When the Emperor during that time decided that single men made superior soldiers than those with wives and children, he outlawed marriage for young men.  Valentine felt this was unjust, so he defied the Emperor and continued to secretly perform marriages for young lovers.  Another story contends that Valentine may have sent the first “valentine” letter while imprisoned in a Roman prison.  He allegedly fell in love with a young girl, possibly the jailer’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement.  It is said that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine”, an expression that is still used today.  While we may never know the true story about St. Valentine, the common theme throughout these stories is that he was sympathetic, heroic, and most significant…a romantic figure.

The origins of Valentine’s Day began with a pagan festival during the month of February. By the end of the 5^th century, February 14^th was declared Valentine’s Day by Pope Gelasius. It wasn’t until much later that the day became associated with love.  During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in England and France that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the date should be celebrated as a day of romance. While Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.  The oldest known Valentine known of was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.  It is also believed that King Henry V hired a writer to compose a Valentine note to a woman he admired.

It is believed that people began exchanging hand-made Valentine’s in America in the early 1700s.  By 1840, a woman named Esther Howland was selling the first mass- produced Valentines in America. Known as “the Mother of the Valentine”, she created elaborate cards using real lace, ribbons and colorful paper. Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, and estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making it the second largest card sending holiday behind Christmas.

While exchanging, cards is the most common way to observe Valentine’s Day, there are numerous other ways that people celebrate love on February 14^th.  Check out this list of unique gifts/activities that go beyond cards, candy and flowers!

• Get a couple’s massage. What could be better than escaping the stress of every-day life together and spending time together in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere?
• Take your sweetheart on a scavenger hunt. Ask him/her to answer riddles to find the clues to items that you placed somewhere around town. The last item should give instructions that lead to your Valentine’s Day activities.
• Make a meal with symbols of love. For example, write “I love you” with string beans, make a pizza in the shape of a heart or go on a picnic and use a cookie cutter to make heart shapes sandwiches.
• On individual notecards write all the reasons you love your partner and place them in a small photo album. You can put photos of times spent together in the album as well.

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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.

Moving is such a huge task, and not only takes a physical toll on you and your family, it takes an emotional toll as well. While those unpacked boxes are staring at you, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed, and wonder when the new house will feel like home.  After making a few decisions, then getting to work, it will not take as long as you may think;  follow these tips! 

Before you move, think about how you want to set up and decorate your new home.  Here are a few factors you can focus on: 

• If you love the layout of your current home, do the same in your new house as closely as you can.  Use the same furniture placement, arrange your focal wall close to what you are familiar with, and keep your kitchen arranged as you do now. 
• Is there something you really dislike about where you are now? Switch things up in the new house for a completely different look that you love. Paint and furniture slipcovers go a long way if a total overhaul is not in the budget. 

• Those who thrive on change are going to have an easier time of moving to a new place.  Many go from one decorating extreme to another: farmhouse rustic to sleek and modern or from mid-century decor to a cottage style.    

• If it is in your plan to do any painting or other work, have that done before moving, or get it completed as soon as possible.  The longer it takes to unpack and put your personal things in place, the longer you will feel unsettled. 
• Getting unpacked as quickly as you can; no one feels at home having to maneuver around boxes that are stacked up around the house. If there are storage items that need to be put away, get them in the attic. Some rooms can be set up easily, such as the kitchen and eating areas, as well as bedrooms.  
• Forgo the take-out food after a couple of nights.  If you simply do not have time for cooking, at least seat everyone at the table with your usual dishes and silverware.  
• Having younger children’s rooms arranged with all their favorites will help them settle in.  Is there a family clock that chimes the hour? Get it unpacked and chiming as soon as possible.  Whatever is an “expected thing” in your home, the sooner it is in place, the more comfortable everyone will feel. 

• No matter the season, get your landscaping and outdoor items placed where you would like them. Personalizing with a monogrammed flag, your favorite flowers (in pots, as that is easier to care for after a recent move), and outdoor furnishings.  
• Get into your normal routine as best you can, and if there are new jobs or places to be, go about them as you would have in your former home.  Keeping everything, you need for the everyday running of life in the same general way and area they were in before will make for some normalcy. 

Even if you are happy and excited about living in a new place, wanting to make it feel like home is important to everyone involved. Whether approached with a casual “whenever,” or a planned out unboxing and setting up, the comfort of home may take a few weeks or months to achieve.  Taking care of the little things will certainly get you on your way to feeling some home, sweet 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.

Have you ever thumbed through a home magazine spread and wondered where the electrical outlets, electric cords, thermostat, or HVAC vents were?  Those every day necessities are in those homes, they’re just edited from the photos.  Since we can’t use photo editing inside our homes, we must find ways to make those mundane things blend in or edit them with some tricks to make them more stylish.   

• A thermostat isn’t the prettiest thing on the wall, and if yours is in a prominent area in the house, you can help it blend in if you surround it with framed items on a gallery wall. 
• Having the Wi-Fi router in a central place gives us better connections, but they’re not an attractive piece.  Hide it in an empty box with holes cut in the back for cords, an inexpensive basket, or get crafty and make a screen from old book spines! 
• If electronic devices clutter up counter space when they’re charging, there are outlets made specifically for drawer installation, but should be done by an electrician.   

• Stainless appliances in the kitchen are sleek and beautiful, and when our gadgets are a dull white, we can make them look like new with stainless steel stick-on decals! Find these online or in your local home center. 
• Removing popcorn ceilings can be exhausting, not to mention messy.  It may take a little time, skill and effort, but covering them instead with prefinished wood planks and crown molding will add style and charm to your rooms. 
• Canvas art usually has an open back, and you can hang these pieces over flat screen television, thermostats, and window unit air conditioners (when not in use). 
• Those return air vents aren’t pretty at all, and there are many ways you can hide them: purchase a stylish cover that is made specifically for return vents, hang a repurposed open door mat over the vent, create a panel with decorative sheet metal to put in place of the slatted cover, or turn an old shutter into a vent cover.  Talk to your HVAC serviceperson before you start this project to make certain your system will still run smoothly once you’re done. 
• Add a bit of style to the plain front of your bathtub with self-stick tiles.  These products come in all shapes, colors and styles, and don’t require any tile installation know-how. 

• To hide all the cords in the office area, use cup hooks under the table or desk to keep the length of the cords up and out of the way. 
• Wall-mount televisions have become the norm, and the cords hanging from the screen can be unsightly.  Home centers have kits to install a cord holder in the wall for those who feel confident enough to use some power tools, and there are covers in endless colors and styles.

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.

Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association releases overall 2023 data, revealing that rising interest rates were the biggest factor affecting housing market in 2023, slowing sales and boosting inventory.

December 2023 Summary

State of the Market

• “The housing market in 2023 continued to stabilize from the frenzy we saw during COVID-19. Many buyers chose to wait on
  buying a home amid rising interest rates,” said Rose Kemp, 2024 Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “Interest
  rates fell near the end of 2023, which enticed buyers who were waiting on the sidelines. Looking ahead, these rates will continue
  to be the biggest factor in the market.”
• The overall median home price in 2023 was recorded at $370,500, an all-time high and a slight increase of 1.5% compared to
  2022 when the overall median home price was recorded at $365,000.
• Overall sales in December decreased slightly – 0.7% – from November, with 1,982 sales recorded. Overall sales in 2023 decreased
  by 20.1% with a total of 30,499 sales. Overall sales in 2022 were recorded at 38,162.
  Single family home sales decreased in 2023 by 19.6% for a total of 22,530 sales compared to 28,022 sales in 2022.
  Condo sales decreased in 2023 by 22.5% for a total of 4,007 sales compared to 5,168 sales in 2022.
  Townhome sales decreased by 19.7% in 2023 for a total of 2,853 sales compared to 3,551 in 2022.
• In November 2023, inventory was recorded at 8,202 – 4.11 months of supply. This was the highest inventory in the Orlando area
  since January 2019. (The real estate market is considered balanced when there is 6 months of supply.) Closing the year, inventory
  was recorded at 7,838 in December – 3.95 months of supply.
• Interest rates rose nearly every month in 2023. In October 2023, interest rates reached 7.8%, their highest point in more than 22
  years. Interest rates began to fall in the two subsequent months, closing out the year at 6.6%.
• New listings dropped in December, with 2,409 new listings, compared to 3,188 new listings in November.

2023 Annual Market Recap

(Cumulative 2023 totals compared to cumulative 2022 totals)

• The overall median home price in 2023 was recorded at $370,500, an all-time high and a slight increase of 1.5% compared to 2022 when the overall median home price was recorded at $365,000.
• Overall sales in 2023 decreased by 20.1% with a total of 30,499 sales. Overall sales in 2022 were recorded at 38,162.
  • Single family home sales decreased in 2023 by 19.6% for a total of 22,530 sales compared to 28,022 sales in 2022.
  • Condo sales decreased in 2023 by 22.5% for a total of 4,007 sales compared to 5,168 sales in 2022.
  • Townhome sales decreased by 19.7% in 2023 for a total of 2,853 sales compared to 3,551 in 2022.
• “The housing market in 2023 continued to stabilize from the frenzy we saw during COVID-19. Many buyers chose to wait on buying a home amid rising interest rates,” said Rose Kemp, 2024 Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “Interest rates fell near the end of 2023, which enticed buyers who were waiting on the sidelines. Looking ahead, these rates will continue to be the biggest factor in the market.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates rose nearly every month in 2023. In October 2023, interest rates reached 7.8%, their highest point in more than 22 years. Interest rates began to fall in the two subsequent months, closing out the year at 6.6%.
• The average interest rate in 2023 was 6.8%.

Inventory

• At the start of the year, inventory was recorded at 6,115 – 3.65 months of supply. Supply dipped in the following months before rising again.
• In November 2023, inventory was recorded at 8,202 – 4.11 months of supply. This was the highest inventory in the Orlando area since January 2019. (The real estate market is considered balanced when there is 6 months of supply.)
• Closing the year, inventory was recorded at 7,838 in December – 3.95 months of supply.
• The average monthly inventory for 2023 was 6,243. The average monthly inventory for 2022 was recorded at 4,997.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for December can be found 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 September 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.

Here are some fun activities to keep the kids busy while staying inside at home or away from home so they can’t cry “I’m bored!” 

• Empty water bottles and a soft ball or a ball of yarn make for a fun game of bowling! Set the water bottles up and start rolling! 
• The cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper can be used for several projects, including a marble run, bird feeders, and even STEM activities! 
• Different sized plastic storage bowls and a rubber ball can provide lots of fun by creating a bouncy maze.  Set up a path with the bowls, and make a game of bouncing the balls to land in each bowl. 

• Have a family competition using straws and pom-poms or cotton balls.  Using a smooth surface, place the pom-poms side by side and blow on them with the straws.  See who can get them to the finish line first! 
• Empty food boxes are great oversized blocks for building towers and forts. 
• A simple thin ice game can be played by placing a tissue over a large mug and securing it with a large rubber band, leaving the tissue as tight as possible without tearing.  Place a quarter on the top, and roll a die.  The roller must poke as many holes in the tissue with a sharpened pencil, trying not to send the quarter “through the ice.” 
• Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube channel has tons of videos to choose from with different themes.  This is a fun activity to get the kids to chill and have fun at the same time. 
• The older kids don’t have to be left out.  Check out these great ideas for tweens ranging from art to math to STEM activities from whatwedoallday.com. 
• Many museums offer hands-on exhibits for children, and even free admission if the kids are under a certain age.   
• Go roller skating or take advantage of the cold temps and hit up an ice skating rink.  Grab a hot chocolate afterwards at a local coffee shop. 
• Find a family-friendly Escape Room studio in your area and spend the afternoon working together to get out! 
• Many local artists are offering inexpensive paint-and-take sessions for kids and families.  Search on Facebook or your local arts councils for this memory-making venture. 

Don’t let cabin fever rule in your home.  Whether you choose to stay inside and play some DIY games, or get outside and enjoy some local indoor activities, Wintertime doesn’t have to be boring.  

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.

Congratulations on becoming a first-time homeowner! Owning a home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a whole new set of responsibilities. From maintenance to budgeting, there’s a lot to consider. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with essential tips to help you navigate the world of homeownership with confidence. Let’s dive in!

1. Prioritize Home Maintenance:

Keeping your new home in good shape is crucial. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs down the line. Create a schedule for tasks like cleaning gutters, inspecting HVAC systems, and changing air filters. Don’t forget to maintain your lawn and garden too! A little effort now will go a long way in preserving the value and comfort of your home.

2. Understand Your Finances:

Owning a home comes with financial responsibilities beyond the monthly mortgage payment. Take time to understand your budget, including property taxes, insurance, and utility bills. Create an emergency fund to cover unexpected repairs or maintenance issues. It’s also wise to review your homeowners’ insurance policy and make sure it adequately covers your needs.

3. Get to Know Your Neighborhood:

One of the joys of homeownership is becoming part of a community. Take the time to explore your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and get involved in local activities. It’s a great way to find out about resources, services, and amenities that can enhance your living experience.

4. Stay Organized with Important Documents:

Keep all important documents related to your home in a safe, accessible place. This includes your mortgage agreement, insurance policies, warranties, home improvement receipts, and contracts with service providers. Having everything organized will save you time and stress if you need to refer to them later.

5. Plan for Home Improvements:

Make a list of home improvements you’d like to tackle over time. Prioritize them based on urgency and budget. Whether it’s updating the kitchen, remodeling the bathroom, or adding a deck, having a plan will help you achieve your vision for your home while staying within your means.

6. Learn Basic DIY Skills:

While it’s always good to call professionals for complex repairs, learning some basic DIY skills can save you time and money. Simple tasks like fixing a leaky faucet, changing light fixtures, or painting a room are handy skills to have. There are plenty of online tutorials and workshops available to help you get started.

7. Build a Reliable Support Network:

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from family, friends, or even online communities of homeowners. They can offer valuable insights and share their experiences. Additionally, having trusted professionals like plumbers, electricians, and contractors on speed dial will give you peace of mind when you need help.

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: blog.homekeepr.com/essential-tips-for-first-time-homeowners-a-comprehensive-guide

You are reading that correctly–classes for home buyers! If you are just starting the home-purchase process, you may get overwhelmed when you find out all that is involved. Sadly, it is not as easy as finding a house, paying for it, then moving in. It is a great idea to learn all you can about the purchase process as well as being a homeowner. 

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development has a list of free classes in every state, from credit counseling and home maintenance to housing for seniors. Select your state and find all that are available. 
• Sign up before you have found a house you want to purchase! However, if you are purchasing your home through FHA, USDA, or other agency, you may be required to take the courses. 
• Before deciding what workshop is best for you, make sure it is certified through HUD, and any credit courses are nonprofit and accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.  

• Credit counseling should take place about six months before you start looking at homes so you can learn about improving your credit score and creating a budget. You want the highest credit score possible in order to receive pre-approval for a mortgage. 
• HUD-approved counseling agencies usually offer one-on-one sessions so you can get a better understanding of your financial situation, as well as answers to questions you may have. 
• Many workshops have more than one “instructor;” you will hear from lenders, appraisers, inspectors, and insurance agents who will discuss their roles in the home-buying process. 
• If there is no way to save or pay a 20% down payment, taking a workshop can help you find low down payment mortgages, as well as any grants that may be available in your community. 

When dreaming of buying your own home, do not allow the amount of information to overwhelm you and keep you from even trying! All it takes is this first step, and you will find that a home-buyer course will show you will not be alone on the road to homeownership. Once you learn the ropes of the process, you will feel confident when you contact a RealtorⓇ to begin your search. 

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 year, new you, right? Oh, we all seem to resolve to eat healthier, lose weight, kick dirty habits and all kinds of other things, but by the end of February, we find ourselves just trying to remember what our resolutions were, much less actually sticking to them! Homeownership is the same way–we start out with big ideas of what we’ll be doing to maintain it, then life gets in the way, and we fall short.  Get started with this guide: 

• Having an energy audit performed on your house will help you save not only energy but money, too. 
• Your dryer’s lint trap should be cleaned routinely after each load, but your vent and vent tubing should be cleaned at least annually.  Removing as much lint as you can helps dry your laundry faster and reduce the risk of fire. 
• Home security systems aren’t foolproof against hackers, and neither are smart home accessories.  Change passwords frequently, and don’t reuse passwords.  To make it even more difficult to hack, use two-factor authentication.  

• The Family Handyman has several tips for keeping the yard and yard tools in tip-top shape. 
• Resolve to cut the clutter in your house. While the temps are cool, and you’re spending more time inside anyway, take one room in your home per week to clean out and clean up. 
• Repair the little things that you overlook because they’re not necessarily a safety issue:  doorknobs that aren’t working, dripping faucets, or squeaky floors. Fix now to save you from something bigger happening and costing you more later. 
• Get your personal finances in order!  Commit to saving money, not only in the literal sense, but get the best rates on insurance, or consider refinancing your mortgage. NerdWallet has some great tips for building equity in your home. 
• Print out this free home checklist, and you won’t miss a thing each season! 

Find a good balance of taking care of home and taking care of you and your family.  Don’t spend every spare minute maintaining your home. Some projects can combine family and work time, like a big cleaning job, or yard work.  As important as it is to keep up your home, it’s important to keep up with family as well.   

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.

It is an exciting day (or week, in some cases!) when the holiday decorations are brought out of storage, dusted and fluffed, then set up to make the darkest days of the year merry and bright. Reversing the process is not always as fun, especially if there were problems with light strings, broken ornaments, or flattened faux greenery. How can we store these items while keeping them safe from breakage and possible ruin? Maybe these ideas will help remedy that situation:

• The very thought of storing strings of tiny lights can send us running away! Many stores carry plastic reels to wrap lights around as well as companion containers. It is also possible to store the lights in the exact way they shipped from the factory, and all that is needed is a zip tie. This video shows you this simple storage tip.
• To keep decorations and greenery from being flattened, store artificial wreaths in a hanging position from hooks; just be sure to cover them with a plastic trash bag to keep them from getting dusty.
• If the storage area has enough space, store artificial trees standing up. Rolls of shipping plastic can be wrapped around the tree from top to bottom to keep it dust-free or use contractor trash bags to cover the tree. Otherwise, keep the original container, and store it as close to the original packing as possible. Use zipper storage bags for any loose pieces.
• Unused or old suitcases are perfect for ornaments or odd knick-knacks. If at all possible, keep the original packaging, and your treasured items will be safe and snug no matter what container they are in.
• Bows are expensive and keeping them fluffy and new-looking can be a challenge. Use a coat hanger to attach them to, and store them hanging with a plastic garment or trash bag to cover. If you fear that heat will cause them to sag, stuff bow loops with balled-up wrapping paper that would have otherwise been tossed.
• Artificial garlands do very well coiled up in 55-gallon garbage cans.
• Precious ornaments–especially those made by the kids out of natural materials–should be placed in zipper storage bags, then stored in the unused cookie tins. That is a double storage win!
• Visit your local grocery’s produce manager and ask for covered apple and orange shipping boxes, as they are quite sturdy. Many of them come with indented trays as well as moisture-wicking padding, making them perfect for storing treasured holiday items.

Sure, there are plenty of specialty storage containers for most of your holiday decorations, but they usually come with a specialty price tag. The safety of your stored treasures depends on how well you pack them and put them away, not on how much you paid for a specialized storage container.

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 spikes as interest rates reach new heights.

State of the Market

• Inventory for November was recorded at 8,202, up 5.0% from October when inventory was recorded at 7,813. This is the eighth month in a row inventory has risen.
• Overall sales fell 17.8% from October to November. There were 1,996 sales in November, down from 2,429 sales in October. This is the sixth month in a row that home sales have fallen. A double-digit drop in sales from October to November is not out of the ordinary heading into the holiday season.
• November’s interest rate was recorded at 7.3%, down from 7.8% in October, when rates reached their highest level in more than 22 years.
• The median home price for November was recorded at $375,000, down slightly from $377,000 in October.
• Homes spent an average of 46 days on the market (DOM) in November, up from 44 days in October.
• New listings fell 7.8% from October to November, with 3,188 new homes on the market in November, compared to 3,456 in October.
• “A balanced market is a six-month supply of homes. In November, for the first time since January 2019, we have more than four months of supply,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “With an increase in inventory and with interest rates showing signs of coming down, we have conditions for a strong, healthy market heading into 2024.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates fell from 7.8% in October to 7.3% in November. This is 10.3% higher than November 2022 when interest rates were 6.6%.
• Pending sales fell 3.6%, with 2,900 in October and 2,796 in November.
• 21 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.1% of all home sales in November. That represents a 16.0% decrease from October, when 25 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory increased 15.6% from September to October. Inventory in September was 6,758, and inventory in October was 7,813.
• The supply of homes increased to 3.22 months in October, up 21.8% from 2.64 months in September. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings decreased from September to October by 2.5% – from 3,545 homes to 3,456 homes.

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

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