The California real estate research firm, Clear Capital, issued a report predicting that Orlando FL real estate will have the largest increase in prices for 2012 with an 11.7% gain in values. According to the report, 2012 is expected to play out much like the last half of 2011, with a very subtle price change. A minimal decline in the beginning of the year is expected to turn into a gain by year’s end.

If you are thinking of buying Orlando FL real estate, NOW is the time to buy while prices are still low. Although the
increase is only projected to be at 11.7% that is still $11,700 on a $100,000 home. Who wouldn’t want to save $11,700?

Contact me today to save $11,700! 

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.

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

Week of December 5, 2011

Single-family existing homes

• Sales of single-family homes increased to 404 during the week of Nov 27, from 168 the week prior
• The median price of single family homes increased to $138,000, a change of 4.0%
• The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions increased to 74 last week, from 24 the week of Nov 20
• The number of single-family home short-sale transactions increased to 141 from 67 the week prior
• Single-family inventory decreased by 59, and now sits at 10,618

Condos, townhomes, and villas
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There were 10,317 Orlando FL foreclosure homes in October, 2011, according to RealtyTrac.com. 1 in every 1,961 housing units received a foreclosure filing. The average sales price of an Orlando home was $121,127 and the average sales price of a foreclosure home was $102,742, a $96,284 savings.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage was 4.07% in October and there were 1,961 new foreclosures.

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Orlando FL foreclosures were 0.37% above national statistics, 0.18% above Florida figures and 0.03% above Orange County numbers in October.

Orlando FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

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Orlando was among cites showing a slight decline in home prices in September. The decrease of 1.4% was among the lowest decrease recorded in cities being tracked during the month. With continued record foreclosure sales amid a weak economy and tight underwriting standards that continue to constrain housing demand, home prices are expected to remain weak despite low interest rates and renewed government efforts to keep people in their homes. FNC’s latest Residential Price Index™ (RPI), released Monday, indicates U.S. home prices decreased as expected in September, consistent with weak housing activities reported for the month. The trend marks the second month of price declines after a relatively robust summer home-buying season.

Based on the latest data on non-distressed home sales (existing and new homes), FNC’s RPI shows that single-family home prices fell in September to a seasonally unadjusted rate of 0.4%. As a gauge of underlying home value, the RPI excludes sales of foreclosed homes which are frequently sold with large price discounts reflecting poor property conditions. The RPI is the industry’s first hedonic price index − built on a comprehensive database blending public records with real-time appraisals of property and neighborhood attributes. By modeling observed sales prices as being determined by property and neighborhood attributes, one of the key advantages of the RPI is its ability to capture intrinsic home price trends.

Two broader RPI indices (the National and 30-MSA composites) showed month-to-month declines in September at 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Although both indices mark a second month of price weakening, smaller declines were realized in September when compared to the August measures. Meanwhile, the 10-MSA composite index showed a small uptick from the previous month. On a year-to-year basis, home prices are about 3-4% lower than September 2010.

In addition to Orlando’s 1.4% decline, several other metro areas tracked by the FNC 30-MSA composite index, also recorded weakened prices in September, including Charlotte (-1.8%), Cleveland (-1.6%), Las Vegas (-1.6%), Tampa (-2.4%), Sacramento (-1.5%), San Francisco (-1.4%), and Miami (-2.8%). Growth momentum in Detroit, which has seen prices rising consistently month over month since April for a cumulative total of 9.4%, subsided in September and prices were flat during the month. In Chicago, home prices enjoyed another strong rebound: up 3.1% from the previous month following August’s 2.8% increase. On average, Chicago home prices rose 3.0% during the third quarter.

Year to date, Boston, Houston, Detroit, San Antonio, Minneapolis, and Chicago are among those showing the best price appreciation, up 6.0%, 5.4%, 4.2%, 4.2%, 3.8%, and 3.7% respectively. Foreclosures sales and the glut of foreclosure inventory continue to depress the Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Tampa markets, where prices are down 8.5%, 8.3%, 6.6%, and 6.2%, respectively, year-to-date.

Year to year, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Tampa continue to lead the nation in annual price depreciation in double digits, down 14.4%, 13.0%, and 11.6%, respectively. Only two cities − Boston and Detroit − showed modest annual price appreciation, with home prices rising 2.2% and 2.0% in the last 12 months. As of September, home prices in San Francisco and Chicago also remain slightly higher than a year ago.

Information courtesy of:

Seth Klein Marketing Production Coordinator
Phone: (662) 236-8277 ▪ E-mail: sklein@fncinc.com
FNC Inc. ▪ 1214 Office Park Drive ▪ Oxford, MS 38655
www.fncinc.com<http://www.fncinc.com/> ▪ www.collateralvision.com<http://www.collateralvision.com>

“Not a drive by” is real estate talk for letting another Realtor know that they have to really work at getting a buyer to go inside to check out the home because the curb appeal just isn’t there. People would drive by and keep going thinking the inside was as unappealing as the outside. When potential Orlando home buyers are looking for a new place, they want a home that looks like it was loved and cared for.  They have a sense that if there is pride in the landscaping and the outside of the home, there will be pride on the inside, too. Curb appeal is both a visual and emotional hook for buyers. It says “Someone was happy here. I could be happy here, too.” In a tough housing market, the curb appeal of a home makes it stand out and can ultimately make a difference in selling the home.

One of the most inexpensive renovations to a home is landscaping. Combined with other small outdoor touches that improve curb appeal, you increase the value of your most important investment. A home is not just a place to live, it is one of the most important investments you can make. Landscaping investments will actually appreciate if they are properly maintained. Orlando plants and trees in nurseries to find some that appeal to you. An investment of $500 to $3000 will help trigger the sale of your home. Nurseries have experienced staff who are eager to help you redesign your yard.

You could hire a landscape architect to re-design your outdoor space and create an ideal look for your neighborhood. Or, you could do it yourself for much less of an investment. Be sure to consult with local nurseries to find the best trees and shrubs for your climate, and determine how to properly care for them.

Here are some additional tips for improving your Orlando home’s curb appeal:
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Aside from fires, gas leaks, and spills, a lot of us are unaware of the other potential dangers in our homes. Either that or we have forgotten about the other possibilities because they tend to be rather small. And by small, it does not mean that the consequences can’t be detrimental, it means that the incident just may not be as obvious or immediate as a fire or spill. It is true that virtually everything in a home can be seen as dangerous in one way or another, but there are definitely certain things that you should be careful of. To do so does not involve much effort, simply just some awareness and memory. So to jog your memory, here are some common potentially dangerous things to beware of in your Orlando FL home. This information can be especially useful if children are running around the abode.

• TALL & HEAVY FURNITURE. This is mainly for children, but for adults too – dressers, bookshelves and the like are privy to crushing people when being climbed on or knocked over. A quick fix would be to attach furniture to the wall.
• CORDS. Not only are cords dangerous due to their electrical components, but if placed inappropriately can act as an object to trip over. Make sure your cords are organized and out of the way.
• BATHTUBS. Like cords, bathtubs are dangerous in more than one way. People are very prone to slipping in tubs, so be sure to place a good mat in your tub. Secondly, if you have young children, watch them at all times while bathing to avoid drowning. This also goes for when preparing a bath for yourself – don’t leave a full bathtub unattended.
• MEDICINES & CLEANING PRODUCTS. The same rule is applied to both medicines and cleaning products – do not leave them in reach of children and pets. They can be very toxic, harmful and even deadly. It is likely we have all been taught this rule, but it can be easy to forget when rushing around the house.
• EXERCISE EQUIPMENT. Similar to the last tip, make sure exercise equipment is out of children’s reach. Heavy, mobile objects like weights can be tripped over or can be dangerous if a child decides to make them their new play toy. Also remember to clean your equipment after use because they can harbor sickness-inducing germs.
• PESTICIDES & MOTHBALLS. While both can be very useful in removing unwanted pests, the chemicals in each can be very harmful in the long run. You may choose to limit use to when very necessary, find a safe alternate solution, or opt for not using them at all. It may be a small sacrifice to make in order to ensure good health.

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.

A number of research studies have shown that home ownership provides social and societal benefits. Not only is home ownership one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, providing resources for a more comfortable retirement, but it also fosters an immeasurable sense of community and stability vital to growing families. NAR’s “Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing” report reveals that home owners are happier and healthier. They tend to vote more, volunteer more and contribute more to their neighborhoods. Home owners do not move as frequently as renters, which encourages more neighborhood stability, and children of home owners are more likely to participate in organized activities and spend less time in front of the television.

Now take a look at how the Orlando market performed in August.  

Orange County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2011  

Orange County saw 173 fewer homes sold in August 2011 than August 2010. A 10 percent decrease. The average sales price increased by 9 percent and the median sales price increased by 19% from August 2010.  Market times increased by 20 days or 20 percent.  

Osceola County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2011

Osceola County homes saw home sales decrease by 173 homes, a 27 percent drop. Prices decreased with the average sales price down 12 percent. The median price decreased 2 percent.  Market Times increased by 24 days or 24 percent. 

Seminole County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2011

Seminole County residential sales increased by 7 percent with 39 more homes sold in August 2011. The averages sales increased 11 percent and the median sales price increased by 18 percent from August 2010 levels. Market times increased by 16 days or 16 percent. 

Lake County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2011  

Residential sales in Lake County increased with 67 additional homes sold for a 17 percent increase. The average sales price increased by 20 percent, and the median sales price decreased by 14 percent during the same time period.  Market times increased by 20 days or 14 percent.  

Polk County Real Estate Sales Statistics - August 2011  

Polk County saw 22 fewer homes sold, a 3 percent decrease.  The average sales price increased by 1 percent, while the median sales price decreased by 7 percent. Market times increased by 25 days or 21 percent. 

Now is the time to get your best price on an Orlando home, before the prices move upward.  

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.

Irene skirted us but we not be so lucky the next time. Katia has already formed and heading this way.  I put together a checklist, which will help everyone who might be affected by another storm.

Home Preparation Checklist for Hurricanes

1. Get to the Bank early and take out extra CASH (credit card machines may not be working).

2. Extra gallon jugs of water, bottled water (put bottled water in freezer to thaw later if power outage.

3. Batteries for flashlights, radio, etc. – extra candles, matches, etc.

4. Stock up on canned and dry foods (PET foods if appropriate)

5. Get extra bags of Ice for your freezer, which can go into a cooler if necessary to evacuate.

6. Get a Power inverter for your car (plugs into cigarette lighter with elec. outlet at

7. Put plenty of gas for your grill which hopefully has a “side stove” to boil water.

8. Fill your bathtubs with water for flushing toilets or washing.

9. Wash all clothes beforehand.

10. Have a manual can opener for opening canned food. 

11. Have on hand water-purifying supplies such as chlorine or regular household bleach. 

12. Remove or secure everything in your yard, Deck and Screened Porch – flower pots, furniture, hose reels etc. (These things become missiles and can break through windows.

13. Keep all windows closed (Hurricane speed air entering a home can lift the roof).

14. If you have a cell phone or laptop computer, charge it fully.

15. Keep an “old fashioned” phone (not electronic) which can plug directly into the wall jack. They usually work well with power is out or cell towers fail.

16. If you have important info or photos on your computer that you want to keep, transfer files to a flash drive and keep the flash drive with you.

17. Prepare “evacuation bags” for all members of the family (including pets) which contain important papers, extra clothes, toiletries, pillows, blankets, first aid kit, medications, food, passports, etc., in case you need to evacuate.

18. Find a safe place in your house where there are no windows, and stay there during high winds.

19. Have an evacuation route planned out where you can go. Make hotel reservations early (they can always be cancelled).

20. If you have to evacuate, drive AWAY from the line of the hurricane (west, south, end) where you can charge your cell, radio, laptop, etc. or “Make coffee!”

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.

If you’re a bit of a shopaholic or have just found your possessions piling up over time, then you’ve probably found yourself in a bit of a cramped bedroom closet situation. For those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to enjoy walk-in closets about the same size as a bedroom, we’ve had to cleverly attempt at organizing and fitting our clothes, shoes and accessories into our normal sized closets like a puzzle. Dressers and drawers are pretty straightforward when it comes to accommodating our belongings, but when it comes to closets, there is definitely room for flexibility. Whether you’re looking to make the most out of the space in your closet in your Orlando home, or making it look most presentable – here are some helpful tips regarding both those goals and more…

• PURGE. This can be extremely tough for most of us, but seriously consider getting rid of items that you haven’t used in a year. It is often that items at the back and sides of our closets have become completely forgotten. Just take a bit of time to sweep through your entire closet and really consider what is worth keeping or throwing out. And if throwing out belongings is a bit too extreme for you, opt for moving the item to a drawer or to a storage area for safekeeping.
• CATEGORIZE. An excellent way of keeping your closet mess free is to place like with like. This means, dresses with dresses, pants with pants, and shirts with shirts. This makes it so items are easy to find and easy to put back, so that you don’t end up making a tornado out of your closet when trying to find things. Plus, this saves you time.
• ADD MORE. By this I don’t mean more clothes, but more organizational units. Assess your closet to see if another rod can fit into your closet, or if the floor or back areas of your closet are vacant. We tend to forget about those areas, which can be perfect for smaller storage cubes and shelves. Sometimes making a trip to the home/furniture store can give us amazing storage ideas, and can offer closet organizer units you never even knew existed.
• UNIFORM. This is not a must, but if you want to make your closet look presentable, having it look uniform is key. Your storage and organizational units should be the same, meaning cubes/shelves should be relatively similar, as well as hangers. Refer to home catalogues or furniture store displays for examples.
• BE CRAFTY. Make the most out of your hangers by hanging smaller, similar items. Hang tops or even pants over the bar of the same hanger.

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It’s pretty rare to come across a homeowner who doesn’t want his or her Orlando home to come across as expensive or even possibly luxurious to some extent. Your home is most likely your largest investment, your pride and joy, and so why wouldn’t you want it to look its finest. It can be seen as a reflection of who you are, and especially when used to entertain guests it can be utilized to potentially “show off” just how hard you’ve been working. The tricky part in this whole expensive appearance scheme is the financial aspect. The cost of your Orlando home itself may have burned through your home budget alone, and so the money left over for its interior decorations may be limited. For those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to spend infinite amounts of money on interior designers and on the most lavish foreign furniture and paintings, we have to make some clever choices. Just like with clothing, an impeccably dressed person does not necessarily have to buy their garments from the top fashion designers to look good. And the same can be said for homes! The price tags of a couch or dining room table are not the only indicators of class and luxury. How you arrange your home, and how you choose specific things to compliment its layout can make a world of difference with just how pricey your abode appears. And even if your bank account does allow you to afford the more luxurious décor items, you too can make use of these tips to making your Orlando home appear more expensive:

• MAINTENANCE. It seems so logical, but often homes can go without a good cleaning for a lengthy period of time.  Keeping your home clean and tidy is most definitely the simplest way to looking more expensive. Clutter and mess absolutely degrades its worth.
• WALLS. The quality of your walls says a lot about the quality of your entire home. A fresh coat of paint is always refreshing to see, and be sure to cover chipped areas and to remove marks.
• FRAMES. Posters and pictures taped up on walls just looks sloppy. Buying frames for your posters and pictures that are worth displaying looks absolutely polished and presentable. Nice looking frames need not be expensive either. This also goes for people who have not displayed anything on their walls. Hanging framed posters and pictures and pieces of art always looks very appealing.
• TEXTURE & PATTERNS. From your pillows to your rug, opt for regal looking patterns, most likely in deep tones. Window drapes in one room, like your family or living room, just screams luxury, and if it’s not too daring for you, a faux fur rug can do wonders. Neither has to be pricey, but just be careful not to go crazy on the patterns. Stick to a few specific things to decide to pattern up.
• LITTLE THINGS. Focusing on small, cheaper house items can really spruce up your home. Opt for more expensive looking garbage bins, coasters and the like. For instance, choose a more visually pleasing material like glass or wood over plastic.

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