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.

Every Monday, ORRA’s Monday Morning Quarterback Report gives you a snapshot of the previous week’s market activity, including sales, prices, days on market, and much, much more.

Monday Morning Quarterback for January 19th, 2025 – January 25th, 2025

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes decreased to 228 during the week of January 19, from 315 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes decreased to $415,000 a change of -6.5%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions decreased to 2 from 4 the week prior
• The number of single-family short-sale transactions remains constant at 2
• Single-family inventory increased by 67, and now sits at 7,713

Condos, townhomes, and villas

• Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to 77 during the week of January 19, from 81 the week prior
• The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas increased to $278,000 a change of 4.9%
• The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions increased to 2 from 1 the week prior
• The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Condo inventory increased by 47, and now sits at 3,997

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: orlandorealtors.org

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows The median home price reached a new all-time high in 2024, increasing 3.9% from 2023.

State of the Market
– “As interest rates rose throughout 2023 from historic lows during the pandemic, many buyers and sellers waited on the sidelines, hoping for a drop. In 2024, these buyers and sellers accepted the current rates and re-entered the market to secure a home,” said Lawrence Bellido, 2025 President of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “The market is now much more stable and balanced than in previous years. In 2025, I expect sales to increase. For anyone hoping to secure a home this year, now is the time
to connect with a local REALTOR® and a loan officer to make these dreams a reality.”

– The overall median home price in 2024 was recorded at $385,000, an all-time high and increase of 3.9% compared to 2023 when the overall median home price was recorded at $370,500. 2023 previously held the record for highest overall median home price. For further comparison, the overall median home price in 2022 was $365,000.

– Overall sales in 2024 decreased by 7.1% with a total of 28,321 sales. Overall sales in 2023 were recorded at 30,499. Single family home sales decreased in 2024 by 5.3% for a total of 22,216 sales compared to 23,464 sales in 2023. Condo sales decreased in 2024 by 17.9% for a total of 3,290 sales compared to 4,007 sales in 2023. Townhome sales decreased by 7.0% in 2024 for a total of 2,815 sales compared to 3,028 in 2023.

– At the start of the year, inventory was recorded at 8,217 – 4.78 months of supply. Supply continued to rise in the following months. In November 2024, inventory was recorded at 11,604 – 6.43 months of supply. This was the first time since February 2011 that the Orlando area witnessed a balanced market. (The real estate market is considered balanced when there is 6 months of supply.) Closing the year, inventory was recorded at 10,049 in December – 4.67 months of supply.

– Interest rates decreased from 6.7% in November to 6.5% in December.

– New listings dropped, with 2,510 new listings in December, compared to 3,185 new listings in November.

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

¡El informe completo sobre el estado del mercado de ORRA se encuentra en 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.

Our resolutions for the new year normally focus on eating healthier, losing weight, kicking dirty habits–the list goes on. Sadly, by the end of February, we find ourselves just trying to remember what our resolutions were, much less sticking to them! Homeownership can be the same way; we start out with good intentions and fall short. While the next seven items are not everything a homeowner needs to keep up with, they are easy to do!

• Keep the yard in tip-top shape year-round with these tips from The Family Handyman.
  
• Resolve to cut the clutter in your house one room per week.
  
• Repair the little things that are not necessarily safety issues: door knobs that are not working, dripping faucets, or squeaky floors. Letting the little things go can cause bigger problems and may cost more later.
  
• Having an energy audit performed on your house can save energy and money. Many power companies offer this service free; check with your provider for more information.
  
• Home security systems are not foolproof against hackers, nor are smart home accessories. Change passwords frequently, and do not reuse passwords. Make it even more difficult to breach by using two-factor authentication.
  
• Get those finances in order! Commit to saving money, not only in the literal sense, but get the best rates on insurance, or consider refinancing your mortgage. NerdWallet has some great tips for building equity in your home.
  
• Print out this free home checklist so that season by season, nothing is overlooked!

Find a good balance between spending time on home maintenance and caring for yourself and your family. Some projects incorporate the whole family, such as a big cleaning job or yard work. As important as it is to keep up your home, it is important to keep up with family.

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.

Every Monday, ORRA’s Monday Morning Quarterback Report gives you a snapshot of the previous week’s market activity, including sales, prices, days on market, and much, much more.

Monday Morning Quarterback for December 29th, 2024 – January 4th, 2025

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes increased to 278 during the week of December 29, from 266 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes decreased to $400,000 a change of -3.6%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions decreased to 1 from 4 the week prior
• The number of single-family short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Single-family inventory decreased by 143, and now sits at 7,337

Condos, townhomes, and villas

• Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to 92 during the week of December 29, from 95 the week prior
• The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas increased to $295,000 a change of 15.0%
• The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions increased to 1 from 0 the week prior
• The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Condo inventory decreased by 117, and now sits at 3,691

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: orlandorealtors.org

State of the Market

• “We have watched our market slowly settle over the last 12 months, and we now have what we consider a ‘balanced market’ for the first time in many years,” said Rose Kemp, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “As we near the end of 2024, I expect sales to cool as families focus on the holiday season, then ramp back up as we move toward springtime. Now is the perfect time to connect with your local REALTOR® to discuss your real estate goals for 2025. Start planning to take advantage of this balanced market’s exciting opportunities for buying or selling in the year ahead.”

• The median home price for November was recorded at $380,000, down from $388,990 in October.

• Overall sales decreased by 13.4% from October to November. There were 2,085 sales in October and 1,805 sales in November.

• Inventory for November was recorded at 11,604, up 2.2% from October when inventory was recorded at 11,357.

• November’s interest rate was recorded at 6.7%, up from 6.4% in October

• 16 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.9% of all home sales in November. This is a 5.9% decrease from October, when 17 distressed homes sold.
  
• New listings fell 2.3% from October to November, with 3,185 new homes on the market in November, compared to 3,260 in October.

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.

Every Monday, ORRA’s Monday Morning Quarterback Report gives you a snapshot of the previous week’s market activity, including sales, prices, days on market, and much, much more.

Monday Morning Quarterback for November 24th, 2024 – November 30th, 2024

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes decreased to 250 during the week of November 24, from 365 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes increased to $435,000 a change of 1.2%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions increased to 3 from 1 the week prior
• The number of single-family short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Single-family inventory decreased by 152, and now sits at 7,694.

Condos, townhomes, and villas

• Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to 70 during the week of November 24, from 102 the week prior
• The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas remains constant at $263,000
• The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions decreased to 0 from 1 the week prior
• The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Condo inventory decreased by 91, and now sits at 3,787.

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.

Every Monday, ORRA’s Monday Morning Quarterback Report gives you a snapshot of the previous week’s market activity, including sales, prices, days on market, and much, much more.

Monday Morning Quarterback for November 17th, 2024 – November 23rd, 2024

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes increased to 365 during the week of November 17, from 305 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes decreased to $430,000 a change of -6.0%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions decreased to 1 from 2 the week prior
• The number of single-family short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Single-family inventory increased by 3, and now sits at 7,846.

Condos, townhomes, and villas

• Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas increased to 102 during the week of November 17, from 83 the week prior
• The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to $263,000 a change of -7.7%
• The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions remains constant at 1
• The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Condo inventory increased by 43, and now sits at 3,878.

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.

Every Monday, ORRA’s Monday Morning Quarterback Report gives you a snapshot of the previous week’s market activity, including sales, prices, days on market, and much, much more.

Monday Morning Quarterback for November 10th, 2024 – November 16th, 2024

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes decreased to 305 during the week of November 10, from 329 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes increased to $457,500 a change of 8.9%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions increased to 2 from 1 the week prior
• The number of single-family short-sale transactions decreased to 0 from 1 the week prior
• Single-family inventory increased by 24, and now sits at 7,843.

Condos, townhomes, and villas

• Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to 83 during the week of November 10, from 98 the week prior
• The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas increased to $285,000 a change of 9.6%
• The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions remains constant at 1
• The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
• Condo inventory increased by 43, and now sits at 3,835.

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.