October 22nd, 2020 by tisner
There are several so-called “smart assistants” on the market now, providing users with hands-free access to information and services from their smartphone or dedicated smart devices. One of these, the Google Assistant, has recently introduced a number of new features that can be used with Google Home devices. If you have a Google Home device or are thinking of getting one, here are some of the new features that you can look forward to using.
Making the Smart Home Smarter
One big focus of the Google Assistant’s changes for Home is expanding the number of smart home devices that Google Home is compatible with. There are a lot of companies selling devices for smart homes these days, including both major companies and new startups. Google is trying to accommodate more of these devices than ever, making sure that small but innovative companies aren’t left out when people try to automate their homes using Google Home.
Easily Adding Devices
Along with adding compatibility with more devices, the Google Assistant is also streamlining the process by which you add devices. This is done both to reduce the steps required to add devices and to prevent confusion for homeowners who might not be quite as tech savvy. By streamlining the process, Google hopes to make the Google Home into a device that anyone can use effectively even if they don’t have a lot of experience with technology or the Google Assistant app.
Scheduling Actions
A big feature being added to the Google Assistant is the ability to schedule actions on connected devices more naturally through Google Home. By simply telling it what action you want taken and when, Google Assistant can schedule the connected coffee maker to start brewing before your alarm goes off or the connected thermostat to change the temperature in the middle of the night. The goal is to make scheduling actions easier and more intuitive for Google Assistant users.
Improved Privacy
As data breaches and other privacy concerns continue to make headlines, the Google Assistant has taken steps to improve the privacy and security of Google Home devices. In addition to overall better security, these changes also make it easier to remove searches and other bits of your history from memory. Instead of having to go in and manually remove items from the app or a website, you can use voice commands to remove these items directly from a Google Home device. You can even tell Google that something you said wasn’t meant for it and the Google Assistant will go ahead and delete the last item right then and there.
Smart Display Notes
One neat feature being added to Google Assistant is the ability to add virtual notes to compatible smart displays from anywhere in the house. The notes are viewable to anyone who has access to the displays and are left simply by telling Google Home to leave a note and providing what you want the note to say. The notes then appear and remain until someone removes them after they’ve been read.
Workday Routines
In response to the large number of people who have started working from home this year, Google has added workday routines to the Google Assistant. This doesn’t mean that they’re only intended for those working from home, though. These routines break down your day into a variety of activities, including appointments, reminders to get up and stretch, lunch dates, and more. Working with both the Google Assistant app and Google Home devices, these little reminders help to give structure to your day and make sure you don’t miss out on anything important.
Smarten Up Your Home
Smart homes are becoming increasingly mainstream, making devices like Google Home increasingly more convenient. If you would like a smarter home but aren’t sure where to start, HomeKeepr can help you find the pros you need to recommend and install a wide range of Google Assistant-compatible smart devices. Sign up for a free account today to get started.
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!
By: Homekeepr, Rob Morelli
Tags: google, Google Home Assistant, orlando avenue top team, smart assistants, smart homes, Teri Isner
Posted in Home Tips from Teri | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2020 by tisner
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!
Tags: home sellers, homeowners, orlando avenue top team, Orlando Sellers, selling your home, Teri Isner
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 20th, 2020 by tisner
When listing pros of owning a home in comparison to renting one, many think of things like lower monthly payments for the roof over their heads, the freedom to renovate or simply paint as they desire, or the opportunity to finally have a garden of their dreams. Tax benefits, however, are not something many consider; learn about some of the main tax-related advantages homeownership can bring:
- Tax deduction on mortgage interest: when a homeowner’s mortgage is no greater than $750,000, the interest on that mortgage is tax-deductible.
— In 2017, the IRS made changes to this deduction, reducing the mortgage limit. If your mortgage was taken out before December 2017 and is $1 million or less, this deduction applies to your situation as well.
— Having a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that meets the above standards will receive the interest tax credit as well.
— In case a homeowner has two mortgages that are each less than the $750,000 limit, but the total of those mortgages exceeds the limit, not all interest is deductible. Learn more from the IRS Newsroom.
— According to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this benefit will stand through 2026!
- When the home was purchased, were mortgage points used as part of the loan transaction? This may qualify for a tax credit. Use this handy worksheet from the IRS to determine eligibility.
- Many have used their homes for office space this past year, but not everyone qualifies for a home office tax credit. Those who are independent contractors or self-employed are the only taxpayers allowed this credit.
- Your lender is required to include property taxes paid on the 1098 form they send at tax time. Property taxes paid up to $10,000 are eligible for a tax deduction.
- If you are paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), the law to receive a tax credit for this has been reinstated as well as being retroactive. House Logic has more information about the changes and benefits.
Do not miss out on these tax deductions! Normally, hiring a professional tax preparer will get the most benefits for you if you give them all the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that using an online tax prep service will ask homeowner-related questions as you work through your return, and self-tax prep is generally less expensive, depending on the software company you choose.
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!
Photo credit: Desmond Wealth Management
Tags: homeowners, homeownership, orlando avenue top team, property taxes, Tax Benefits of Home Ownership, tax deductions, taxes, Teri Isner
Posted in Financing | No Comments »
October 16th, 2020 by tisner
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!
Tags: home sales, home stats, housing market update, orlando avenue top team, Teri Isner
Posted in General Real Estate | No Comments »
October 15th, 2020 by tisner
The Windermere Real Estate Market Trends Report shows the average sales price was $720,424 in September 2020 compared to $535,664 in September 2019. Homes were on the market for an average of 84days, compared to 59 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.
Get Orlando Daily News delivered to your inbox! Subscribe here!
Tags: home prices, home sales, home values, housing market update, orlando avenue top team, Teri Isner, windermere florida, Windermere Florida Real Estate Market Report
Posted in Windermere | No Comments »
October 15th, 2020 by tisner
The Kissimmee Real Estate Market Trends Report for 34741 shows 45 homes sold in September 2020 up from 37 in September 2019. The average sales price was $252,521 compared to $214,900 in September 2019 and homes were on the market an average of 50 days, compared to 37 days in September 2019.
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!
Tags: home prices, home sales, home values, housing market update, kissimmee florida real estate, Kissimmee Florida Real Estate Market Report, orlando avenue top team, Teri Isner
Posted in Kissimmee | No Comments »
October 15th, 2020 by tisner
The Celebration Real Estate Market Trends Report for 34747 shows 148 homes sold in September 2020 compared to 138 in September 2019. The average sales price was $317,728 compared to $326,985 in September 2019 and homes were on the market an average of 62 days, compared to 56 days in September 2019.
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!
Tags: celebration florida, Celebration Florida Real Estate Market Report, home prices, home sales, home values, housing market update, orlando avenue top team, Teri Isner
Posted in Celebration | No Comments »
October 15th, 2020 by tisner
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!
Tags: Contract Amendments and Addendums, orlando avenue top team, real estate contracts, Teri Isner
Posted in Financing, General Real Estate | No Comments »
October 15th, 2020 by tisner
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!
Stats courtesy of StellarMLS
Tags: home sales, home stats, housing market update, orlando avenue top team, Teri Isner
Posted in General Real Estate | No Comments »
October 14th, 2020 by tisner
Good lighting is important in many places in the home. When you’re working in the kitchen, though, having sufficient lighting to see what you’re doing is vital. Poor lighting in your kitchen can make cooking and other tasks a pain, especially if the lighting leaves shadows in areas that you use a lot. Fortunately, there are a number of options available when it comes to adding new lighting to your kitchen. Here are some of the best for you to consider.
Recessed Lighting
One popular lighting option for kitchens is recessed lighting. This is especially useful if you have relatively low ceilings, as you can have multiple light sources in the kitchen without having large fixtures hanging down. Recessed lighting can also be used to accent other lighting solutions as well, giving you more light where you need it while only taking up a small amount of space on the ceiling.
Under-Cabinet Lights
Cabinet space is a must-have in the kitchen, but if you have a lot of cabinets then they can actually block some light from reaching your countertops and stove. A great way to take care of this problem is to install under-cabinet lighting that can provide some extra light right where it’s needed. Similar lighting can also be placed under stove hoods or other overhead spaces to ensure that you have the light that you need in the parts of your kitchen that you use the most often.
Track Lighting
If your lighting needs change depending on what you’re doing in the kitchen, track lighting might be a good option for you to consider. As these lights are mounted on tracks and can be moved and turned as needed, they let you adjust the lighting to meet your current needs. While the concept of track lighting often brings to mind clunky light units that seem more like theater spotlights than a kitchen lighting solution, modern track lights for the kitchen can provide the light and adaptability you need while also creating some tasteful accents that match your personal style.
Oversized Light Fixtures
Sometimes you want more than just ensuring sufficient lighting in the kitchen. If you want to light things up while also contributing to the overall decorative look of your home, you might consider some oversized light fixtures to get the job done. These fixtures are designed to stand out and draw the eyes so that they become as much a part of your decorating style as a source of light for your kitchen area.
Pendant Lighting
Lighting can play a big part in your home’s look and feel, which is why there are so many different types of lighting fixtures available. If you have higher ceilings in your kitchen, you might consider installing pendant lighting to give you the light that you need while also adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen area. These fixtures are suspended from the ceiling by cables or pipes, bringing the light closer to where you’ll be working without the need for stronger bulbs or harsher light. There are a number of styles of pendant lights available to help you illuminate your kitchen while also customizing the overall look of your home.
Tube Lighting
A lot of people think that tube lighting is ugly and out of place in the home, but modern tube lights have come a long way from the fluorescent lights of old. Many of these lights have switched to LED lighting, providing more consistent lighting at a fraction of the energy cost. The tubes and enclosures themselves have also evolved, offering stylish accents that illuminate while still adding to the overall look of your home.
Installing Your Lights
Need to find a pro to help you get your kitchen lighting issues solved? It’s time to check out HomeKeepr. We can help you find the pros you need based on real recommendations from people you trust. Sign up for a free account today to get started.
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!
By: Homekeepr, David Weinstein
Tags: house lighting, lighting, orlando avenue top team, Teri Isner, Top Lighting Options for Your Kitchen
Posted in Home Tips from Teri | No Comments »
