When selling your home, it’s important to remember that prospective buyers will be looking at it with a fresh perspective. Things you might not even notice could stand out to them. To make sure your home is in the best possible shape, keep these seven things in mind:

• Curb appeal is the first–and very important–impression! At the very least, keep the grass cut and shrubbery trimmed. Go a step further and lay down fresh mulch in the flowerbeds and add a pot of flowers near the front steps–don’t forget to keep them healthy!
  
• When you declutter, don’t pack everything in storage containers and leave them in the garage. Temporarily renting storage or keeping them in a shed will keep your home looking neat, and rooms will appear larger without all the “stuff.”

• If you have mice or insects in your home, have them exterminated before you put a sign in your yard. Rodent traps or insect baits sitting around are discouraging to buyers.
  
• Dripping faucets or cracked windows will not be appealing to buyers, so have these repaired.
  
• If you can’t find the time to deep-clean the house, hire a professional. Potential buyers will be turned off by a grimy stove or mildewed bathroom grout.
  
• Unpleasant odors will have buyers wrinkling their noses as soon as they walk in. Cleaning is important to remove dirt, but you need to clean for odors, too. Follow these tips from realtor.com^® for removing any funky smells from your home.
  
• Natural light is important to many home buyers, so window treatments that block light need to come down, cleaned, and stored for moving. Let the sunshine in by using sheers or easy-pull blinds or shades while your home is on the market.

You control the impression your house makes on potential buyers. Think of it as a sales pitch: your effort is what will draw them in, grab their attention, and keep it. The care you put into the small details will be reflected in the feedback and offers you receive.

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.

All your pre-sale tasks are finally done — the home is clean, staged, and your RealtorⓇ is lining up the marketing strategy. It’s officially go-time! But before those buyer showings turn into serious offers, now’s the perfect moment to think ahead to the home inspection process.

While a home inspection doesn’t technically come with a “pass or fail,” it can become a major roadblock if you haven’t tackled basic repairs and maintenance. A good-looking home is only half the battle — what’s behind the walls (and under the sink) matters just as much.

Here’s a 2025-ready checklist to help you avoid costly surprises:

---

🔍 2025 Home Inspection Prep Checklist

🐜 1. Inspect for Pest Damage or Infestation

Rodents, termites, or other pests can cause serious structural and health issues — and you might not even know they’re there. Book a professional pest inspection to ensure your home is critter-free before potential buyers find out the hard way.

🚰 2. Look for Leaks and Plumbing Issues

Turn on every faucet and check under sinks for drips. Test toilets for running water and make sure all drains flow smoothly. Even small plumbing issues can raise red flags for inspectors.

🌫️ 3. Check for Mold and Mildew

Inspect dark, damp areas like the attic, crawl spaces, and basement for any signs of mold or mildew. Look especially at the underside of the roof. Addressing moisture issues now prevents a major inspection hang-up later.

🏚️ 4. Examine Your Roof

From the ground or using a drone (a service many inspectors and roofers now offer in 2025), look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or other damage. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, be prepared to address it in negotiations.

❄️ 5. Service the HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system should be in good working order. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and cleaning. This is often a line item on inspection reports, so having documentation of a recent service can offer buyers peace of mind.

💡 6. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs

Yes, really. If a light doesn’t turn on during the inspection, the inspector may flag it as a possible electrical issue. Replace any missing or dead bulbs so every switch and fixture functions properly.

🪟 7. Repair Window Cracks and Drafts

Check window sills for cracks and ensure windows open, close, and lock smoothly. Leaky or damaged windows are often noted in inspections and can be a concern for energy efficiency.

🧱 8. Address Foundation or Wall Cracks

Any visible cracks in walls (inside or out), ceilings, or the foundation should be assessed by a professional. If needed, complete the repair work before listing — or at least be prepared to offer documentation and repair quotes.

---

👷‍♂️ Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection in 2025

If you’re a motivated seller in today’s market, you might want to go one step further: hire your own inspector before you list.

A pre-listing inspection gives you insight into any problems before buyers do. This way, you can:

• Make repairs proactively
• Price your home accordingly
• Offer repair credits instead of losing buyers to surprise issues

In 2025’s competitive housing market, showing buyers that you’re transparent and proactive about your home’s condition builds trust — and that can lead to a faster, smoother sale.

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.

While summer may be seen as the peak season for real estate, in Orlando, fall offers its own unique advantages—especially for homeowners looking to sell in a competitive and ever-growing market. If circumstances have you thinking about listing your home outside the traditional spring/summer window, this fall could be the perfect time.

Despite the changing season, buyer demand in Central Florida remains strong, and with the right strategy, you can take advantage of the opportunities that fall brings.

🏡 Serious Buyers Are Still Actively Looking

Many fall buyers are motivated to find and close on a home before the holidays. Whether they’re relocating to Orlando for work, downsizing, or buying their first home, these buyers are often on a timeline—which puts you in a stronger position during negotiations.

🏘️ Less Competition Means More Attention on Your Home

After the summer rush, the Orlando housing market typically sees fewer new listings in the fall. That means your home won’t be competing with as many others, giving it more visibility and a better shot at standing out—especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Winter Park, Lake Nona, or College Park.

👨‍💼 Expect a Different—and Motivated—Type of Buyer

While families with school-age children often move in the summer, fall attracts a different buyer pool—including millennials, empty-nesters, and corporate transferees moving into the area. Orlando’s growing tech and healthcare sectors, along with its strong job market, mean more people are relocating year-round. Many fall buyers are ready to move quickly and close fast—which can result in fewer contingencies and stronger offers.

🕒 Faster Closings Are More Likely

One hidden advantage of selling in the fall? Shorter wait times for appraisals, inspections, and loan processing. With fewer overall transactions taking place, industry professionals—from mortgage lenders to title companies—tend to have more availability. That can help move your sale along faster and more smoothly than during the peak of summer.

🍂 Fall Curb Appeal in Florida? Yes, Please!

While we may not get the leaf changes of the northeast, fall in Orlando still offers beautiful weather and a chance to make your home look warm and inviting. Think seasonal flowers, tasteful autumn décor, and cozy staging to create a welcoming environment that buyers connect with. Plus, with cooler temps and sunny skies, showings become a more pleasant experience for potential buyers.

---

Thinking About Selling in Orlando? Don’t Wait Until Spring.

The truth is, the right time to sell is when it works best for you—and fall in Orlando provides an ideal mix of motivated buyers, low inventory, and faster processes.

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.

Homework time doesn’t usually spark joy, especially for kids and sometimes even parents. But with a little planning, you can take some of the struggle out of the daily grind by creating a designated, organized study space at home. Whether you have a full room to spare or just a corner to work with, these creative tips can help you build the perfect “homework hub” for your student(s).

🍽️ 1. Rethink the Dining Room

Your kitchen or dining room table can pull double duty as a homework zone—especially for families with more than one child in school. These spaces often have great lighting and plenty of room to spread out.

Pro tip: Give each child a caddy or container with their own school supplies and color-coded file folders to keep things tidy and organized.

🖥️ 2. Share the Home Office

Already have a home office? Make room for your kids to join you! Add an extra desk or small table, and use labeled bins or baskets to keep everyone’s supplies in order. It’s a great way to model good work habits and still be close by to help when needed.

🛠️ 3. DIY a “Cloffice”

Short on space? Transform an underused closet into a mini office—or “cloffice.” With a little creativity and basic tools, you can create a compact but efficient study nook. (Check out Lowe’s or YouTube for some weekend project inspiration!)

🛏️ 4. Create a Private Teen Study Zone

Older kids and teens usually prefer some privacy when working. Loft-style beds with built-in desks underneath offer a compact solution, combining sleep and study in one footprint. Some even include shelving and drawers for extra storage.

🛋️ 5. Make Use of Unexpected Spaces

Look around your home with fresh eyes—an empty corner, unused attic space, or a wide hallway might be just right for a small table and some organizational tools. Resources like This Old House can give you ideas for turning overlooked areas into efficient study stations.

🧹 6. Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free

Just like adults, kids work best in a tidy space. Encourage them to clean up after homework each day. Use containers for supplies and file folders to sort homework, graded assignments, and test prep materials. Staying organized can reduce stress and help them focus.

🛒 7. Go Mobile with a Homework Cart

If there’s truly no way to carve out a dedicated space, try a rolling homework cart. Assign each child a section with their essentials, and they can turn any surface—dining table, coffee table, or even a corner of the floor—into a temporary workstation.

---

Final Thought:

A well-thought-out study space, no matter how small, can make a big difference in your child’s attitude toward homework. Pair it with a solid after-school routine, including time for reviewing notes, reading, and prepping for the next day, and you’ll turn homework from a hassle into a habit.

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 interest rates reach lowest level this year.

State of the Market
– “Nationwide reports show that mortgage rates have now dipped to their lowest point in nearly a year, and that’s welcome news for both buyers and sellers across Central Florida,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “As we move into the final months of summer, this drop could help reinvigorate the market by increasing affordability and bringing some hesitant buyers back into the mix.”

– The median home price for July was recorded at $389,999 – keeping in line with May and June’s median home price of $390,000.

– Overall sales increased by 1.5% from June to July. There were 2,513 sales in June and 2,551 sales in July.

– Inventory for July was recorded at 13,557, down 1.7% from June when inventory was recorded at 13,793.

– July’s interest rate was recorded at 6.5%, down from 6.7% in June. This is the lowest interest rates have been in 2025.

– 21 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.8% of all home sales in July. This is a 19.2% decrease from June, when 26 distressed homes sold.

– New listings fell 1.7% from June to July, with 3,788 new homes on the market in July, compared to 3,854 in June.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for July 2025 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

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.

Why Local Schools Matter When Buying a Home

When purchasing a home, several key factors often come to mind—location, price range, style of the home, condition, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and features on your wish list, both inside and out. One often overlooked, yet incredibly important, consideration is the quality of the local school system.

For many families, access to a strong school district is a top priority. In fact, studies have shown that buyers are often willing to compromise on other aspects of their home—such as square footage or finishes—in order to live in an area served by higher-performing schools. That speaks volumes about how much parents value education. While private schools are an option for some, many families depend on public education, making the quality of local schools a critical part of the home-buying decision.

Even for buyers who don’t have or plan to have children, the school district still matters. Properties in areas with highly rated schools tend to hold their value better and often sell faster and at higher prices.

Here in Orange County, our public schools have made significant strides over the past year. Thanks to thoughtful strategic planning and a commitment to continuous improvement, our schools are not only maintaining high standards but also continuing to grow and evolve. We are fortunate to have access to many excellent public schools that provide our children with the education they need—and the kind of learning environment we all hope for them to experience.

If you’d like to learn more about Florida’s school systems and how they’re evaluated, visit the Florida Department of Education.

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 a drop in new listings as some Orlando sellers pull out of the market.

State of the Market

“Sellers may delist for many reasons, but the recent national increase in delistings, including a 47% jump reported by Realtor.com, emphasizes the importance of pricing realistically from the start,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “Trends in real estate come and go, but setting the right price early on can help avoid the need to pull a home off the market.”

The median home price for June was recorded at $390,000 – the same as May.

Overall sales decreased by 1.5% from May to June. There were 2,551 sales in May and 2,513 sales in June.

Inventory for June was recorded at 13,793, down 1.2% from May when inventory was recorded at 13,957.

June’s interest rate was recorded at 6.7%, down from 6.8% in May.

26 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.0% of all home sales in June. This is an 18.2% increase from May, when 22 distressed homes sold.

New listings fell 8.4% from May to June, with 3,854 new homes on the market in June, compared to 4,208 in May.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for June 2025 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

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.

While a vacant home is on the market, even in a safe neighborhood, it is crucial to secure it. Savvy criminals can spot an empty house, and you do not want your property compromised, especially when potential buyers are viewing the property. Follow these tips to keep your property safe:

• Always ensure all exterior doors and windows are locked. Intruders often seek easy access and prefer not to draw attention by smashing windows or making noise.
• If you do not already, have motion sensor floodlights installed around the perimeter of your home. This will help deter anyone who is creeping around after dark.
• Outdoor light fixtures and even your HVAC unit are surprisingly common targets for theft. Install motion-detection lighting and secure your HVAC unit’s circuit box with a lock. Consider adding fencing or a security cage for extra protection.
• Talk to your Realtor® about using a keyless lockbox on your entry. This allows agents access and provides a record of who entered your home and when.
• Contact your homeowners insurance agent if the home is empty for more than 30 days; you want to be sure that the property is covered while vacant.
• Keep your landscaping well-maintained to avoid signaling the home is vacant. Have a reputable landscaper or pay a former neighbor to handle it.
• Ask a trusted relative, neighbor, or a reputable house-sitter to regularly check on your home if you have moved too far away. For added presence, see if a neighbor is willing to park their vehicle in your driveway.
• Many affordable wireless home security systems do not require monthly fees. Look for options with smartphone apps that allow you to self-monitor your home and alert contacts if there is an issue.

Keeping the electricity and Wi-Fi connected to a vacant home is a small cost compared to the peace of mind and protection it offers. The expense of utilities is far less than potential repair costs for damage or replacing stolen items. Protect your investment by safeguarding your vacant property.

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.

Are you hoping to create more privacy in your backyard, or looking for a secure space where your kids can play and your pets can roam safely? Installing a fence is a smart solution — but it’s also a big decision. With so many fencing options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. In this post, we’ll break down the most popular fencing materials to help you choose the best fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

• The most common types of fencing are wood, vinyl, and metal.  
  
• The type of wood you choose depends on your budget. Pine is inexpensive and treated to resist rot and insects. Different types of cedar and Douglas fir, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to moisture and pests and will cost more upfront. 
  
• Wood composites are made of sawdust and recycled plastic. It looks like wood and comes in many styles, finishes, and colors. Most manufacturers of composites offer a warranty on their products, making it a more expensive choice, but a long-lasting one. 

• Vinyl fencing is almost maintenance-free and comes in many styles. Costs are high initially, but its durability and little upkeep pay for themselves in the end. 
  
• Wrought iron, aluminum, and chain link fencing are all long-lasting choices. Chain link is likely the easiest for DIY, but the others would be best installed by a pro. Maintenance for wrought iron mostly consists of painting and keeping an eye out for rust.
    
• If cost is not an option but security and durability are your concerns, there is the option to have steel fencing installed.  
  
• Hiring a fencing contractor is a smart move because they are knowledgeable about materials and styles that perform well in your area.  Installing fences is what they do; their expertise can save you money and time in the long run. 

Consider a living fence, grown from such plants as privet or another evergreen, but that will require some patience as the plants fill in. Remember to check with your local municipality or homeowner’s association for permits and regulations regarding your plans. 

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 nearly 14,000 homes on the market heading into busy summer season.

State of the Market

• “As we head into the summer season, the Orlando housing market is gaining momentum with more homes available and steady sales activity,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “For buyers, the increase in inventory offers more choices and a chance to explore options that fit their needs. For sellers, it’s a signal to stay competitive—pricing and presentation matter more than ever in a market where consumers are weighing their options carefully.”
  
• The median home price for May was recorded at $390,000, up slightly from $389,900 in April.
  
• Overall sales increased by 3.7% from April to May. There were 2,459 sales in April and 2,551 sales in May.
  
• Inventory for May was recorded at 13,957, up 4.9% from April when inventory was recorded at 13,304. This is the highest inventory since January 2011.
  
• May’s interest rate was recorded at 6.8%, up from 6.6% in April. April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.6%. Interest rates have hovered in the 6.0-range since October 2024.
  
• 22 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.9% of all home sales in May. This is a 8.3% decrease from April, when 24 distressed homes sold.
  
• New listings fell 6.6% from April to May, with 4,208 new homes on the market in May, compared to 4,503 in April.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for May 2025 can be found at https://www.orlandorealtors.org/statemarket

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.