Some police departments report as high as 98% of calls are false alarms. Not only is this an incredible waste of police resources that could be available for legitimate emergencies, it annoys neighbors, startles pets and results in expensive false alarm fees.

Know your codes – entering an incorrect keypad code is a common mistake leading to false alarms. The solution is to create codes that are easy for all members of the family to remember without them being obvious to potential burglars like your street number. Let everyone know when you change your code.

Secure windows and doors – be sure that all windows and doors are closed before activating your alarm. Disarm your system before opening a window or door.

House guests – tell visitors that you have an alarm system and when you normally arm it. Housekeepers, baby sitters, outside family and close friends also need to be aware of your procedures and possibly give them a code to disarm the system if it is accidentally activated.

Batteries – most systems have battery backup in case the power goes out. Know how often you need to replace the batteries; some last considerably longer than others.

Motion detectors – pets can trigger a motion detector and then, the alarm. There are sensors made for households with pets providing an alternative to turning them off. Other things that could activate motion detectors are helium balloons or curtains and plant leaves being blown in front of a sensor.

Home alarm systems are valuable to homeowners by increasing security, providing peace of mind and lowering insurance premiums. Some municipalities require a license fee for any home with an alarm. Use your alarm wisely.

By: PatZaby.com

Review.com Comparisons

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

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

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

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Kick off 2018 in style at one of Orlando’s theme parks!
This year Orlando ranks fifth on WalletHub’s Best Winter Holiday Destinations, included for its wonderfully warm weather, low travel costs and hassles and world-famous attractions. This tip of the cap for Orlando comes just a year after the destination was named the No. 1 most fun and affordable city to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the nation by WalletHub, a financial news, services and information site.

Universal Orlando: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are open 8 am New Year’s Eve till 1 am, with festivities including party zones, DJs, character appearances and fireworks at midnight.

EVE at Universal CityWalk: At Universal’s free outdoor entertainment complex, enjoy six unique party zones, each with signature drinks, along with awesome clubs with live music and unlimited gourmet cuisine. You won’t want to miss Orlando’s largest dance floor as well as appearances by celebrities, top fashion designers and prominent corporate brands.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew: Cheer on your favorite college football teams in the playoffs as they compete on nearly 100 HD TV screens throughout this unique sports-dining experience at Universal. The full dinner menu is served until 1:30 am, New Year’s Day.

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: Enjoy two nights of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks on Dec. 30 and 31 over Cinderella’s Castle.

Epcot: Celebrate all night long at Epcot with DJs and live music pumping beats from around the globe. Two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks spectacular light up the sky, followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the new year.

Hollywood Studios: Rock ‘n’ roll into the new year with a brilliant fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: Swing in the new year at Atlantic Dance Hall with the sounds of a live big band. Party hats and horns, a viewing of the Epcot fireworks at midnight and a champagne toast included.

Raglan Road at Disney Springs: This lively Irish pub is popular year-round at Disney Springs and especially on New Year’s Eve. Come for dinner and the late-night, Irish menu and stay for the live entertainment on both stages. Guests enjoy complimentary champagne toasts when it’s midnight in Ireland (7 pm ET) and again at midnight.

SeaWorld Orlando: Celebrate your connection to the sea, sea life and the world with special music and fireworks at SeaWorld.

Legoland Florida – Kid’s New Year’s Eve: Spend New Year’s Eve with the family at Legoland Florida, where the giant Lego brick drops at a very kid-friendly 7 pm, followed by fireworks and a dance party DJ.

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

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

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

Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!

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

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

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

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During the holidays as throughout the year, getting cash from an ATM is normal for many people. ATM’s are available 24 hours a day and they’re located in bank branches, convenience stores, grocery stores, malls, airports, sports venues and on street corners.

Unfortunately, the convenience aspect can compromise personal safety especially if you are distracted or not paying attention. Planning for an ATM withdrawal and applying common sense can help you avoid trouble.

• Be aware of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction like people sitting in a nearby parked car or someone offering to help you.
• Safeguard your PIN. Don’t share it with anyone. Don’t write it down. Don’t use your birthdate, last four digits of your phone number or other obvious numbers.
• If there are other people at the ATM to make a withdrawal, shield the keypad when entering your PIN number.
• Keep your car doors locked and windows raised, except for your driver’s window, when using a drive-up ATM.
• Minimize the time spent at the ATM by being prepared with your card ready, what you plan to do and do not count your money until you are in a safe place away from the ATM.
• Take your receipt with you and destroy it if you decide to discard it.
• Be aware that some thieves use skimming devices to steal account and PIN numbers. If something doesn’t look “just right”, consider finding another machine to use.
• Especially at night, pay attention to locations with adequate lighting and being visible from the street. Don’t compromise your safety just because it is convenient.
• After you have your money, pay attention to see if someone might be following you. If you are concerned, go to a nearby police or fire station or well-trafficked business and call the police.
• If you feel uneasy during a transaction, cancel it, remove your card and LEAVE.

There may be a time in the not too distant future when we don’t have a need for cash anymore. Until that time, paying attention to simple safety precautions can help protect us during the holidays and throughout the year.

By: PatZaby.com

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

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

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

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With the new year approaching, many people start thinking about resolutions.  If you’re seriously considering buying a new home, you’ll definitely need to be thinking about having your down payment ready when you find the perfect house.  Follow these ideas for saving as much as you possibly can.

• First and foremost, know your house-purchasing budget, and estimate needing 20% of that budget.
• Set up a hands-off down payment high-yield savings or money market account.
• Start cutting out expenses, or find ways to make extra money. Every little bit counts.
• If you plan on getting an end-of-year bonus or income tax refund, set aside that money to begin your new nest’s egg.
• Sign up with your employer to deposit a portion of your pay into a down payment savings account if you’re not great at putting money into savings. Most of the time, if you don’t see it, you don’t miss it.
• Receiving gifts from family members towards your down payment require documentation so your lender, as well as the IRS, knows where the money is coming from, and that the money doesn’t require re-payment.  More information about down payment gifts are here from The Mortgage Reports website.
• Start paying off your credit card debt by paying more than the minimum payment. Lowering and/or eliminating your card balance also lowers your interest rates, so you can start taking what you’d normally pay on credit cards and depositing it towards your down payment fund.
• If you have investments in stocks or bonds, plan on liquidating those assets when it’s time to purchase your house. Make sure you document these sales.
• A pay raise at work is great, but if you happen to get one, stay on your old budget, and have the extra pay direct deposited into your down payment account.
• You can always borrow from your 401k or IRA, but make sure you’re not having to pay penalties. Talk with your account holder before you make any withdrawals.

A down payment, especially at twenty percent, can look daunting.  If it just looks impossible, do your research.  There are many first-time buyer programs available, as well as lower down payment options through the USDA, the VA and state-specific programs.  Zillow has a terrific guide on low down payment guidelines and opportunities. Planning ahead and keeping your eye on your goal will get you well on the way to home ownership.

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

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

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

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Photo credit: northeastfunding.com

It’s the holiday season, and there are almost always unplanned visits from friends or family. Don’t get caught with a messy house or without a few snacks to serve guests–follow these guidelines to make a last-minute get-together almost effortless.

Quick Housekeeping
● Keep your focus only on the rooms you’ll be using while guests are there.
● Grab a basket and stash anything that is considered clutter, and place them in the basket, tucking it away in a bedroom. This is a fun activity you can get the kids involved in, calling it a Ten-Minute Tidy.
● Have disinfectant wipes in the bathroom cabinet, and give everything a quick swipe, put a fresh roll of paper on the dispenser, hang a clean hand towel, and add a seasonal air freshener.
● If you have dirty dishes in the sink and don’t have time to wash them before your unexpected guests arrive, stash them in the oven (not while it’s on!), or the dishwasher. Wipe sinks and counters down with disinfectant wipes, and your kitchen will sparkle.
● Have extra hangers in a closet or spare room available to stash guests’ coats and cold weather apparel.
● Place a waterproof mat set beside the door to leave wet or snowy boots and shoes.
● Plump up sofa and chair cushions and pillows. Add a cozy throw to a chair arm, and give the middle of the carpet a quick go-over with the vacuum.

Feed Them
● Keep coffee, cocoa mix and tea on hand so you’re not stuck without a nice warm beverage to serve to your drop-ins. It only takes a few minutes to heat water or brew a few cups of coffee. Apple cider can be refrigerated and heated in small amounts, adding some Raven’s Original Instant Mulling Spice, making your guests think you’ve slaved away making hot spiced cider.
● Splurge on a few expensive hors d’oeuvres or cookies for that extra-special feel food like this can bring even to an unexpected visit.
● For a homey touch, have refrigerated cookie dough in the fridge or freezer and pop some in the oven for a nice snack. If your guests have children with them who are old enough, have them decorate cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar.
● Make a cheese tray, add bite-sized smoked sausages, sliced pepperoni or salami from the deli, and cut veggies, and store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. Remove the plastic, add some fancy crackers, and you have an instant party.
● Snack mixes, spiced pecans, gourmet popcorn and other seasonal savory snacks are great to have in the pantry for quick holiday fare.
● If guests are stopping in around dinnertime, a simple meal of pasta with jarred prepared sauce is easy to prepare quickly. Add homemade garlic bread, and you’ll have a great company meal everyone loves.
● Frozen pies and cakes or even appetizers can be heated or thawed quickly, and are usually on sale this time of year, so dessert is an affordable luxury splurge.
● Good Housekeeping offers some quick tips for foods and snacks that’ll look like you’ve just been waiting to serve guests!

Unexpected guests can get us all in a tizzy, but if we have a plan in place, it can be a breeze to pull off. This time of year is all about gathering together, and even though you aren’t expecting certain guests, be ready for them. Add some holiday music in the background–Pandora has excellent playlists for all genres–sit back, and enjoy your drop-in company.

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

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

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

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Photo credit: newsok.com

December 21-24, 2017

Walt Disney Theater
445 South Magnolia Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801

Orlando Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” returns.

A Christmas Eve gift of a toy nutcracker from her godfather transports Clara on a magical journey to a world of fantasy complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger. Enjoy falling snow and candy canes at this holiday classic the week before Christmas.

Show dates: Thursday–Sunday, December 21–24, 2017
Show times vary

Tickets: start at $19
Groups: discounts on 10+ tickets

Prices, shows, artists, dates, and times are subject to change at any time without notice.

No children under 2 for mainstage performances

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

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

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

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If you’re beginning to feel the pressure of running out of time to find the perfect gift, here are a few suggestions that may not be on their “list” but will certainly be appreciated.

The gift of really listening without interrupting, daydreaming or planning your response can be exactly what people want when they have something important to say.

The gift of affection with appropriate hugs, kisses and pats on the back can demonstrate your love for family and friends better than words.

The gift of laughter by sharing articles, cartoons and funny stories will say “I love to laugh with you.”

The gift of a simple, written note shows sincerity and real heartfelt sentiment that may be remembered for a lifetime and could even change a life.

The gift of a sincere compliment supports a person’s need to be accepted and appreciated. “You look great in that color”, “That was outstanding” or “I really enjoyed that” can make someone’s day.

The gift of random kindness or good deeds like holding a door or allowing someone to move ahead of you in a checkout lane shows respect for others.

Your smile, however, may be your most rewarding gift. Invariably, the person receiving the smile will in turn, smile back. The gift you gave will now be given back to you. It will be the right size and you can always use one more smile.

By: PatZaby.com

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

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

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

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The Windermere Real Estate Market Trends Report shows the average sales price was $510,876 in November 2017 compared to $605,913 in November 2016. Homes were on the market for an average of 67 days compared to 96 days last year. Homes sold for 97% of the list price.

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

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

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

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The Kissimmee Real Estate Market Trends Report for 34741 shows 41 homes sold in November 2017 up from 36 in November 2016. The average sales price was $205,841 compared to $150,900 in November 2016 and homes were on the market an average of 42 days, down from 61 days in November 2016.

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

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

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

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