As 2026 begins, many of us are setting fresh goals and resolutions for the year ahead. While it’s easy to feel motivated in January, staying consistent is often the real challenge. If buying a home in Orlando is on your 2026 vision board, a few smart financial resolutions can make a big difference in turning that dream into reality.

Central Florida’s real estate market continues to attract buyers, which means preparation matters more than ever. Here are some key homebuyer resolutions to help you stay competitive and confident this year.

1. Pause on Opening New Credit Cards

Retail offers and instant credit approvals are everywhere, but opening new credit cards can negatively impact your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. If purchasing a home in 2026 is your goal, it’s best to avoid opening new lines of credit unless absolutely necessary.

2. Pay Student Loans on Time—Every Time

Student loans play a major role in your credit profile. Late or inconsistent payments can quickly hurt your score. In a competitive Orlando market, buyers with strong payment histories often stand out to both sellers and lenders.

3. Stay Consistent with Credit Card Payments

Even if you can only make the minimum payment, paying your credit cards on time every month is essential. Consistency shows lenders that you’re reliable and financially responsible—qualities that matter when applying for a mortgage.

4. Build and Maintain a Cash Reserve

Having savings in the bank is more important than ever in 2026. Lenders want to see that you can manage unexpected expenses beyond your monthly mortgage payment. A healthy cash reserve also helps with closing costs, inspections, and moving expenses.

5. Keep Job Stability a Priority

While career growth is important, frequent job changes can raise red flags for mortgage lenders. If possible, staying with the same employer for a steady period shows financial stability and can improve your loan approval chances.

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Making these homebuyer-focused resolutions now can put you in a strong position to purchase a home in Orlando this year. With the right planning—and guidance from a local real estate professional—you’ll be one step closer to owning the home you’ve always dreamed of in Central Florida.

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.

State of the Market
–  “November’s slowdown reflects typical market behavior heading into the holiday season. Buyers tend to be less active, while many sellers hold off on listing their homes or take them off the market to avoid navigating a slower time of year,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “This leads to fewer listings and less competition, which can create opportunities for buyers but also limit inventory for those actively searching. As we approach the new year, it’s important to keep an eye on interest rates and inventory levels, as these will continue to impact both buying and selling decisions.”

–  The median home price for November was recorded at $385,000, up 1.3% from October’s median home price of $380,000.

–  Overall sales fell by 22.1% from October to November. There were 2,335 sales in October and 1,820 sales in November.

–  Inventory for November was recorded at 12,516, down 4.1% from October when inventory was recorded at 13,047.

–  November’s interest rate was recorded at 6.1%, up from 6.0% in October.

–  New listings fell 21.4% from October to November, with 2,891 new homes on the market in November, compared to 3,676 in in October.

–  24 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.3% of all home sales in November. This is a 7.7% decrease from October, when 26 distressed homes sold.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for November 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.

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows a drop in sales, inventory, and new listings as Orlando continues to shift to a buyer’s market

State of the Market
– “Over the past month, we’ve seen a drop in inventory and homes sitting on the market for longer periods of time,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “When you take this, and couple it with the lowest interest rate we’ve seen all year, this certainly makes it a great time for buyers to enter the market. For sellers, they must be pricing their home reasonably to avoid it sitting on the market and having to lower the listing price.”

– The median home price for August was recorded at $382,950, down 1.8% from July’s median home price of $389,999.

– Overall sales decreased by 9.6% from July to August. There were 2,551 sales in July and 2,306 sales in August.

Orlando area inventory fell 1.9% from July to August. Inventory in July was 13,557, and inventory in August was 13,306.

– August’s interest rate was recorded at 6.4%, down from 6.5% in July. This is the lowest interest rates have been in 2025.

– 29 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.3% of all home sales in August. This is a 52.8% increase from July, when only 21 distressed homes sold.

– New listings fell 11.5% from July to August, with 3,353 new homes on the market in August, compared to 3,788 in July/

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for August 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.

If you’re currently renting in Orlando, you’ve probably noticed that rent prices continue to climb. With the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovering around $1,700 per month, many renters are starting to ask: Would buying a home actually be more affordable?

The short answer: It could be—if you’re prepared.
Homeownership doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, the process can begin up to a year before you’re ready to start house hunting. The first and most important step? Create a homeowner budget.

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Step 1: Define What You Want—and What You Need

Start by making a list of what you’re looking for in your future home. Break it into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Be realistic about what you can afford in the Orlando market, where the median home price is currently around $385,000.

Consider factors like:

• Square footage
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Type of neighborhood or school district
• Commute times and access to public transportation
• Yard size
• Garage or no garage
• Home age (new build vs. resale)

Once you’ve made your list, set a realistic price range based on your income and savings—and stick to it.

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Step 2: Build Your Budget

Create a detailed list of your monthly income and expenses to understand your current financial picture. You can use an online budget calculator or spreadsheet to help. If you’re barely breaking even each month, it’s time to cut unnecessary spending and start saving.

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Step 3: Eliminate Debt

Paying off existing debt—like credit cards, car loans, or personal loans—not only frees up your monthly budget, it also improves your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders use to determine your loan eligibility.

Once a debt is paid off, start redirecting that money into a savings account. You’ll need funds not just for a down payment, but also for:

• Appraisals
• Inspections
• Moving costs
• Closing costs (which can add 2–5% of the purchase price)

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Step 4: Explore Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Even if you have a modest income, homeownership is still possible in Orlando thanks to several government-backed loan programs:

• FHA Loans: Require as little as 3.5% down and are ideal for first-time buyers.
• USDA Loans: Available for rural areas around Central Florida with zero down payment.
• VA Loans: Offer competitive rates and no down payment for eligible veterans.
• Florida Hometown Heroes Program: Assists frontline workers, teachers, and first responders with down payment and closing cost assistance.

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Step 5: Monitor Your Credit

Your credit report and score will play a big role in determining your mortgage terms. Most lenders require a minimum score of 620, but the higher your score, the better your loan options.
Keep paying your bills on time, reduce credit usage, and check your report regularly for errors.

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Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Orlando might feel out of reach, especially with rising costs. But with a clear budget, smart debt management, and the right support, owning a home can become a reality—no matter your income level.

It will take time, discipline, and planning, but the reward—a place of your own in one of Florida’s most dynamic cities—is well worth it.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows strong sales and inventory as market heats up.

State of the Market

– “April’s housing data projects a promising summer for those looking to make a move in Orlando’s real estate market, with a notable increase in both sales and inventory,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “As interest rates remain steady, buyers and sellers alike are taking advantage of more available homes, creating a balanced dynamic market as we head into the busy summer season.”

– The median home price for April was recorded at $389,900.

– Overall sales increased by 62.4% from the start of the year to April. There were 1,514 sales in January and 2,459 sales in April.

– Inventory for April was recorded at 13,304, up 41.9% from April 2024, when it was recorded at 9,376. April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.6%. Interest rates have hovered in the 6.0-range since October 2024.

– There were 4,503 new listings in April.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for April 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.

Your home is your sanctuary, but without proper security measures in place, it can be vulnerable to intruders and threats. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to enhance the safety and security of your home. Whether you’re looking to deter burglars, safeguard your family, or simply enjoy greater peace of mind, consider implementing these ten essential security improvements:

1. Install a Smart Security System

A smart security system allows you to monitor your home remotely and receive instant alerts in the event of suspicious activity. Look for systems that include features such as motion detectors, door and window sensors, and video surveillance cameras.

2. Upgrade Door and Window Locks

Strengthen the security of your home by upgrading to high-quality deadbolt locks on exterior doors and secure locking mechanisms on windows. Consider installing smart locks that allow you to control access to your home remotely.

3. Illuminate Outdoor Spaces

Keep would-be intruders at bay by illuminating the exterior of your home with motion-activated lights. Install lights near entry points, walkways, and dark corners to deter trespassers and increase visibility around your property.

4. Secure Garage Doors

Don’t overlook the security of your garage, as it can provide easy access for burglars. Install a garage door opener with rolling code technology and consider adding a lock or security bar for extra protection.

5. Reinforce Entry Points

Strengthen the security of your home’s entry points by installing reinforced doors, doorjambs, and strike plates. Consider adding a peephole or video doorbell to screen visitors before opening the door.

6. Trim Overgrown Foliage

Keep shrubs, trees, and bushes trimmed to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders. Clear away any overgrown vegetation that could provide cover for burglars attempting to gain entry to your home.

7. Upgrade to Smart Home Automation

Take advantage of smart home automation technology to control lights, thermostats, and security systems from your smartphone or tablet. Program lights to turn on and off at random intervals to create the illusion of occupancy when you’re away from home.

8. Install a Home Safe

Protect your valuables and important documents by installing a home safe in a secure location. Choose a fireproof and waterproof safe with a secure locking mechanism to keep your belongings safe from theft and damage.

9. Invest in Security Cameras

Install security cameras in strategic locations around your property to monitor activity and deter would-be intruders. Choose cameras with high-definition resolution, night vision capabilities, and motion detection alerts for maximum effectiveness.

10. Join a Neighborhood Watch Program

Work together with your neighbors to keep your community safe by joining a neighborhood watch program. Stay informed about local crime trends, share information with your neighbors, and work together to identify and report suspicious activity.

By implementing these essential security improvements, you can enhance the safety and security of your home and protect your loved ones and belongings from harm. Whether you choose to invest in a comprehensive security system or make simple upgrades to reinforce entry points and increase visibility around your property, taking proactive steps to improve home security can provide invaluable peace of mind.

Ready to get started? Assess your home’s security needs, create a plan of action, and take steps to implement the necessary improvements. With a proactive approach to home security, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your home and family are protected around the clock.

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: Homekeepr Blog, Brian Friemel

While preparing to move to a new home, the thought of packing your belongings can be overwhelming. The first step is to purge anything you no longer want or use, including clothing, decor, and kitchen items. Once you have gotten rid of unwanted items, it is time to start packing! Here are eight hacks to make this more convenient, before and after the move:

• Your local grocery’s produce department is a great place to get free boxes, especially fruit cartons. The packaging is heavy-duty and includes covers.
• Use luggage to pack practically anything, and wheeled pieces are perfect for transporting heavy items.
• Cover hanging clothes with trash bags for easy packing. Another way to move clothing is to spread a flat sheet on the bed, lay the clothes on it, and tie the sheet hems around the hanger tops.
• Pack an “open first” box with necessities such as toiletries, sleepwear, and a clean outfit for the next day.
• Instead of buying bubble wrap or other protective wrap, use linens to wrap fragile items.
• While unassembling anything, place hardware or cords in clear storage bags, label them, and attach them to their appropriate item with sturdy tape.
• Protect fragile items using stuffed animals or throw blankets to keep them from shifting in their boxes.
• Label packed boxes on their sides for easy viewing.

A most important tip: keep the weight of items in mind while packing. Place heavier items–books, for instance–in small boxes, and lightweight items in large boxes. Moving is difficult enough, and the easier you make it on your back and your energy, the better!

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.