If you’re considering buying an Orlando FL home here are some key questions to ask before you commit…

Why are you buying a home? Simon Sinek is the author of a book called Start With Why. It’s a business book, but is very applicable to life’s decisions. Sinek says that you must know why you’re doing something before you start figuring out how to do it. His advice surely applies to buying a home!

According to a survey by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University, the top four reasons for buying a home have nothing to do with money. Typical reasons given were…

• I want to have control over my living spaces
• I want my children to go to good schools
• We need more space for our growing family
• We want to have influence over our neighborhood

There is no right or wrong reason for you to want to buy a home. It’s personal. The decision to buy also tends to be more emotional than financial. Make sure you know what your personal reasons for buying are, and use them to guide your decisions. You can’t avoid the financial issues, but that’s not the place to start.

Where are home values headed? According to the last quarterly survey by Pulsenomics.com the average predictions of over 100 economists said national home vales would rise 4.28% in 2014. That is a national average. So, ask your favorite Realtor what they think concerning future values of homes for sale in Orlando FL.

Buying a home is not an investment in the real sense of that word. A home should be seen as a hedge against inflation. Therefore, you want to feel secure the home values are likely to grow more than the inflation rate. The NAR has predicted home values will increase 6% in 2014. That’s higher than Pulsenomics’ survey predicted. It is also higher than inflation is expected to be.

Where are interest rates headed? NAR predicted interest rates could hit 5.4%, or 1% higher than the end of 2013. That news should be saying to buyers there is no point waiting to buy. Don’t sit around hoping that mortgage interest rates will drop. Keep up with interest rates here.

That all says it’s probably a good time to buy. So, know your credit score and arrange your finances to make sure you qualify for a loan.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping 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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Keller Williams offers a monthly real estate report. Here are just a few of the national real estate numbers we are tracking for you now…

• The number of projected home sales rose to 4.65 million. Up from 4.59 million the month before.
• Median home price of existing home sales increased from $196K to $201K. A 2.5% increase from last month and 5.2% from last year.
• Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is down from 4.33% last month to 4.14%

If you are considering selling your home, now may be a good time! Find out what your home is worth with our Market Snapshot!

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping 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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Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for January 2014.

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2014

Orange County saw 81 fewer homes sold in January 2014 than January 2013, a 7 percent decrease. The average sales price increased by 13 percent and the median sales price increased by 14 percent from January 2013.  Market times decreased by 22 days or 19 percent.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2014

Osceola County homes saw home sales decreased by 30 homes, a 7 percent decrease. Prices increased with the average sales price up 10 percent and the median price increased by 13 percent.  Market Times decreased by 12 days or 7% compared to January 2013.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2014

Seminole County residential sales decreased by 5 percent with 22 fewer homes sold in January 2014. The average sales price increased by 11 percent, and the median sales price increased by 16 percent compared to January 2014 levels. Market times decreased by 13 days or 9 percent.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2014

Residential sales in Lake County increased with 7 more homes sold a 2 percent increase. The average sales price increased by 5 percent, and the median sales price increased by 5 percent for the month compared to January 2013.  Market times decreased by 34 days.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – January 2014

Polk County saw 45 fewer homes sold in January 2014 compared to January 2013.  The average sales price increased by 9 percent, and the median sales price increased by 10 percent.  Market times decreased by 27 days compared to January 2013.

Curious about the value of your home? Get it here!!

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping 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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In December, the number of properties that received a foreclosure filing in Orlando, FL was 23% lower than the previous month and 24% lower than the same time last year, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Orlando Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Orlando foreclosures were 0.11% above national statistics, 0.04% below state figures, and 0.01% below Orange County numbers in December.

Orlando Foreclosure Status Distribution

The current distribution of foreclosures based on the number of active foreclosure homes in Orlando, FL.

Pre-foreclosures accounted for 22.7% of the foreclosure activity in December, Auctions 59.3%, and Bank-owned properties 18.0%.

Miami FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

In December, the number of bank-owned properties decreased 22.3% from the previous month and decreased 73.4% from the previous year. The number of auctions decreased 15.0% from the previous month and increased 3936.6% from the previous year. Pre-foreclosure activity decreased 38.0% from the previous month and decreased 63.3% from the previous year.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping 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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Below are predictions for real estate in 2014 from Steve Harney at Keeping Current Matters:

Making predictions in what is still a somewhat volatile housing market can be tricky. That being said, we are going to give you what we believe will be the five biggest headlines for housing in 2014.

Home Sales Will Surge

Many housing pundits are calling for home sales to do slightly better in 2014 than they did in 2013. To the contrary, we strongly believe that home sales will skyrocket with increases of 10-15% in 2014.

Supply Will Struggle to Keep Up with Demand

With a dramatic increase in demand, it will be up to real estate professionals and builders to make sure there is the necessary inventory to satisfy this demand. This will be a challenge for much of the year.

Interest Rates Will Increase Significantly

Most experts are calling for an increase in mortgage interest rates in 2014. However, we believe the increase will be more dramatic than is being projected. We believe rates will be closer to 6% than 5% by year’s end.

Consumers Will Demand More from Real Estate Professionals

Home search will become a given to the real estate consumer in 2014. In order to differentiate themselves from other agents, real estate professionals will need to bring strong, meaningful content to the table in all their offerings

Go Mobile or Go Home

Any content strategy the industry contemplates must have a mobile component. All information will be accessed 24/7 in every conceivable environment. The professionals who understand and act on this will dominate 2014.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping 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!

Orlando FL Real Estate For Sale:

5154 Beach River Road, Windermere FL 34786
MLS# O5200255

Beauty Warmth and Value!

Beauty Warmth and Value! A traditional sale with a paver entry. This home is surrounded by fruit trees: papaya, lemon, banana, and lime. This 3/2 with separate study/den is in mint condition and extra savings as the TV, washer and dryer stay.   Open front porch adds to the charm.  A private, screened patio with furniture also adds to the value.  The Chef’s kitchen boasts beautiful 42″ cabinets plus the refrigerator stays… more savings making it move in ready.  Gas appliances here include range, water heater, and dryer. Yes, the washing machine is also included. Enjoy the convenient breakfast bar location. Even the stools stay. 17×17 tile throughout with carpet in the bedrooms and check out the master closet space…WOW.  Master bath with his and her sinks, separate tub and shower.  The kitchen overlooks the family room, just open the French doors to the lanai so everyone can enjoy the party. A quiet tree-lined street, close to Disney and just a short walk to neighborhood amenities which include: community pool, lake access, recreation building, playgrounds, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.  Walk around a gorgeous lake to the community pool and gym.  Some special extras here are all blinds, bike rack and garage shelving staying too. Rear entry garage. Easy access to kitchen when carrying in groceries.  Quick access to restaurants, shopping, and major highways. Seller would appreciate mid-April closing but is open to options.  This one’s a gem. Don’t miss out come look inside today.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home shopping 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!

Movoto.com surveyed some of the best real estate agents in the business and put together a summary called “64 Tips For First Time Home Buyers“.

If you’re thinking about purchasing an Orlando home, check out these 67 tips. Then contact us for help with your next Orlando home purchase.

Also check out our new search page and share with your friends, Buy407.com.

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 17 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!

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – October 2013

Orange County saw 136 fewer homes sold in October 2013 than October 2012, a 9 percent decrease. The average sales price increased by 20 percent and the median sales price increased by 26 percent from October 2012.  Market times decreased by 27 days or 19 percent.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – October 2013

Osceola County homes saw home sales decreased by 4 homes, a 1 percent increase. Prices increased with the average sales price up 28 percent and the median price increased by 26 percent.  Market Times decreased by 18 days or 12% compared to October 2012.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – October 2013

Seminole County residential sales decreased by 15 percent with 79 fewer homes sold in October 2013. The average sales price increased by 14 percent, and the median sales price increased by 16 percent compared to October 2012 levels. Market times decreased by 32 days or 23 percent.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – October 2013

Residential sales in Lake County increased with 9 more homes sold a 2 percent increase. The average sales price increased by 10 percent, and the median sales price increased by 12 percent for the month compared to October 2012.  Market times decreased by 7 days.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – October 2013

Polk County saw 55 fewer homes sold in October 2013 compared to October 2012.  The average sales price increased by 11 percent, and the median sales price increased by 10 percent.  Market times decreased by 16 days compared to October 2012.

It’s still a great time to get your best price on an Orlando home.

The Orlando Sentinel reports….

Orlando has a starring role when “The X Factor” goes live Tuesday. Three acts from Central Florida are among the Top 16 that will perform in the singing contest at 8 p.m. on Fox.

“It goes to show that Orlando is the best-kept secret,” said Rachel Potter, 29, who lived in Orlando six years. “I played at the Abbey over the summer. I hired a band to be my musicians. I’ve worked with musicians in New York and Nashville, and they blew them out of the water. There’s so much talent in Orlando.”

Alex Kinsey, 22, of New Smyrna Beach agrees. “It’s pretty amazing,” he said. “Our area has so much talent to share.”

Kinsey and Sierra Deaton, 22, of Winter Springs perform as the duo Alex & Sierra. The two — she is a University of Central Florida grad, he is a UCF student — are mentored by Simon Cowell.

Read the entire article here.

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

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 17 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!

The Fed recently announced they would continue their current pace of purchasing bonds until the economy was stronger. This bond purchasing program is the reason that mortgage interest rates are at historic lows. Rates began to increase over the last several months just on the anticipation that the Fed would announce that they would be reducing the level of bond purchases last month. When that didn’t happen, rates actually decreased.

That was great news for any buyer in the process of purchasing a home. However, this window of opportunity is expected to close in the very near future as most experts expect the Fed to taper the bond purchasers in December.

So, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Leverage your buying power NOW while rates remain low. Contact us today for help!

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for September 2013.

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics – September 2013

Orange County saw 9 more homes sold in September 2013 than September 2012, a 1 percent increase. The average sales price increased by 10 percent and the median sales price increased by 18 percent from September 2012.  Market times decreased by 33 days or 21 percent.

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics – September 2013

Osceola County homes saw home sales increased by 18 homes, a 4 percent increase. Prices increased with the average sales price up 24 percent and the median price increased by 19 percent.  Market Times remain consistent compared to September 2012.

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics – September 2013

Seminole County residential sales increased by 6 percent with 37 more homes sold in September 2013. The average sales price increased by 22 percent, and the median sales price increased by 24 percent compared to September 2012 levels. Market times decreased by 26 days or 18 percent.

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics – September 2013

Residential sales in Lake County increased with 63 more homes sold a 15 percent increase. The average sales price increased by 20 percent, and the median sales price increased by 17 percent for the month compared to September 2012.  Market times decreased by 3 days.

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics – September 2013

Polk County saw 52 more homes sold in September 2013 compared to September 2012.  The average sales price increased by 22 percent, and the median sales price increased by 21 percent.  Market times decreased by 42 days compared to September 2012.

It’s still a great time to get your best price on an Orlando home.