Like what you have been reading here? Subscribe now and receive email updates of our articles.

Menu

Syndicate this blog

Most Popular

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

November 19th, 2024 by tisner

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.

Orlando State of the Market October 2024

November 18th, 2024 by tisner

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows break in nine-month streak of rising inventory!

State of the Market
“We saw the end of a nine-month inventory increase in October as interest rates rose back into the 6.0s,” said Rose Kemp, President of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “While inventory has shifted, this still represents a significant improvement compared to last year, offering more opportunities for buyers. With the holidays approaching, we typically see a market cooldown, but it will be exciting to see how the rest of the year unfolds. Additionally, with the election period now over, its impact on market conditions will also be interesting to follow.”

  • The median home price for October was recorded at $388,990, up from $380,000 in September.
  • Overall sales decreased by 7.3% from September to October. There were 2,249 sales in September and 2,085 sales in October.
  • Inventory for October was recorded at 11,357, down 1.8% from September when inventory was recorded at 11,560. This breaks a
    nine-month streak of rising inventory. Inventory in October 2024 was still 45.4% higher than in October 2023.
  • October’s interest rate was recorded at 6.4%, up from 5.9% in September.
  • 17 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.8% of all home sales in October – the same as in September.
  • New listings fell 7.6% fell 7.6% from September to October, with 3,260 new homes on the market in October, compared to 3,530 in September.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for September can be found here.

¡El informe completo sobre el estado del mercado de ORRA para octubre de 2024 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.

Things to Know About Purchasing a Foreclosure

November 15th, 2024 by tisner

Many people turn to the “Foreclosures” section of online house hunts or newspaper ads. Sure, the price is a bargain, but there is normally a different process when purchasing a home that is in foreclosure. Consider these tips before heading to the auction or making an offer:

  • If the property is on the auction block, the bidder will likely need the full purchase amount in cash. The lender is looking to recoup as much from the defaulted loan as possible, which does not allow time for the financing process.
  • Most foreclosures have been unoccupied and will be affected by that. The new owner will need to be ready to put in some work and cash to bring it up to code/living conditions.
  • Some states allow redemption to the homeowner, and HUD defines this as “…a period after [the] home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale when [a homeowner] can still reclaim [their] home.”
  • Because a foreclosed property is sold “as is,” the buyer will not receive any disclosures, meaning, a home inspection is a must!  Depending on who owns the property will make a difference in how much time the buyer has to complete the inspection. 
  • On the other hand, if the property is REO (real estate owned), the buyer will be able to go through the home-buying process in the usual way and have time to secure financing for the purchase.
  • An REO will be sold as-is just like an auctioned property, and all repairs will have to be done by the new owner–there are no repair requests or contingencies granted.
  • For buyers who are new to the foreclosure-purchase game, going through a bank to buy the property is their best bet versus bidding at an auction.
  • For distressed properties, it is recommended that the interested party have a title search performed. Buying a foreclosure takes long enough, and this will help remove any roadblocks.

For foreclosure-hunting convenience, realtor.com® has a search page specifically for foreclosures! Municipality offices also publish notices on tax foreclosures, and if the funding is available, pre-foreclosures and short sales are other great property bargains. Remember to contact a Realtor® that is experienced in distressed sales. Their knowledge and expertise can make a drawn-out process go smoothly!

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.

Should You Tint Your Home’s Windows?

November 7th, 2024 by tisner


Window tinting, or filming, can be a budget-friendly way to take your home’s windows to a higher level of energy efficiency, especially if it is not in the budget to upgrade all the windows in your home.  Learn more about this alternative to new window installation:
 

  • Window film comes in three types: decorative, privacy, and solar. 
  • Decorative films are just that–for aesthetics. They are not necessarily energy efficient. 
  • Film in the privacy/security category is made of a thicker material than decorative, and its purpose is to keep prying eyes out of your home, as well as help keep glass together in case of breakage. 
  • Solar film is made in different ways, but the sole reason homeowners have it installed is to reflect or absorb UV rays. Some more costly films will work both ways–reflecting and absorbing UV rays–so your home and energy bills benefit from the changing temperature needs of your home. 
  • Other varieties include removable/reusable film, semi-permanent, and permanent. Your window’s film/tint depends on the type of window and needs you may have. Learn more with a free e-book from the International Window Film Association. 
  • Many electric companies offer a rebate when a homeowner installs energy-saving window film. There is also a federal tax credit for making your home more energy efficient! 
  • Added benefits to using window film in your home’s windows are protecting furniture, carpets, draperies, and even wood flooring from the damaging long-term effects of UV exposure. 
  • In case you have newly installed windows, check your paperwork, or call the manufacturer, as adding window film to the glass can void the warranty. 
  • Window film is available at home stores and online, and there are many DIY instructions online, so it can be done yourself. Application does require some patience; if done in a hurry, you can leave unsightly bubbles throughout the film or uneven trim around the window glass. When hiring a pro for this job, you may receive added protection from some film manufacturers with an offer of a lifetime warranty on their product when it is professionally installed. 
  • When purchasing the type of film, you want to apply to your windows, make certain the product is certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council.   

Protecting your belongings and energy consumption from the effects of the sun’s rays coming into your home can be taken care of with window film, but again, make sure the correct type is installed. Whatever your reason for applying film to your windows, rest assured it is a less expensive process than installing all new windows and can even be more cost effective when it comes to making your HVAC system use less energy. 

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.

Monday Morning Quarterback for October 27th, 2024 – November 2nd, 2024

November 5th, 2024 by tisner

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 October 27th, 2024 – November 2nd, 2024

Single-family existing homes

  • Sales of single-family homes increased to 493 during the week of October 27, from 440 the week prior
  • The median price of single family homes decreased to $415,000 a change of -3.3%
  • The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions increased to 5 from 3 the week prior
  • The number of single-family short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
  • Single-family inventory decreased by 73, and now sits at 7,678.

Condos, townhomes, and villas

Condos, townhomes, and villas

  • Condo inventory decreased by 58, and now sits at 3,735.
  • Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas increased to 132 during the week of October 27, from 98 the week prior
  • The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to $272,500 a change of -6.7%
  • The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions remains constant at 0
  • The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0

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.

Spooktacular Halloween Statistics for 2024

October 31st, 2024 by tisner

Halloween, the spookiest night of the year, once again will bring out the ghouls, ghosts, and witches in all their frightening glory. To celebrate, our market research company is shining a spotlight on the intriguing statistics that defined this haunting holiday.

From the top costume choices to the candy favorites that made trick-or-treating a sweet success, here are our favorite Halloween statistics for 2024. 

Top Halloween Statistics

  • Up to 94% of Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2024.
  • Spending for Halloween 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion dollars. 
  • Spirit Halloween will open 1,525 new locations this fall. 
  • Up to 97% of Americans will be giving out Halloween candy. 

Overall Halloween Spending Habits

  • Spending for Halloween 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion dollars.

        While this is still a massive figure, it’s a bit of a drop from last year’s spending which was $12.2 billion dollars. This year, shoppers are planning to spend $103.63 dollars on festive items, which is also down from last year’s $108.24 dollars. 

  • Up to 94% of Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2024

        With most everyone celebrating in some way, it’s a good thing a certain classic costume retailer is opening new locations across the country (you have to keep reading to find out)…

  • 47% of shoppers are getting their Halloween shopping done early this year. 

        This is up 10% from five years ago, and signals consumers are wanting to avoid chaotic last-minute shopping trips. The biggest fans of Halloween spending are those aged 25 to 34, with 56% of them starting their shopping before October even hits. That’s dedication. 

  • It’s believed that the global market size of Halloween costumes will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 0.5% from 2023 to 2030.

       And to the most fun part: what costumes will be popular this year? Based on some of the movie releases this year, popular costume themes may include Beetlejuice, Wicked, Deadpool, and Wolverine. 

  • Spirit Halloween will open 1,525 new locations this fall. 

        A Halloween institution! It’s believed the new locations will be hiring a total of 50,000 seasonal employees to cover needs.

  • A brave 72% of consumers would consider buying a haunted house
    Looks like they haven’t seen enough horror movies. Speaking of haunted houses, the annual revenue for haunted house tours and related festivities is over $300 million. 80% of these attractions are hosted by charity organizations.
  • IT: Chapter One was one of the highest-grossing horror movies of all time at $123.4 million dollars
    Other eerie money-makers throughout the years include The Sixth Sense ($672 million), The Exorcist ($441 million), and The Nun ($365 million). Earnings aside, some of the scariest horror movies based on the viewer’s heart rate include Sinister (86 BPM), The Conjuring (86 BPM), and Paranormal Activity (82 BPM). 

Halloween Candy Statistics 

Let’s be real, the candy was always the best part about celebrating Halloween as a kid (and we think it still is). But when it comes to which house has the best candy, that’s a whole other level. 

Whether you enjoy chocolates or sugary candies, everyone has a staunch opinion on which sweet treat is number one. Check out these candy-related Halloween statistics we found…

  • Up to 97% of Americans will be giving out Halloween candy. 

       That’s the spirit! And of that figure, two thirds say they give out two or three pieces of candy to trick-or-treaters. Common candy favorites include gummies, lollipops, and chocolate.

  • In the past, Halloween candy spending has gone over $3 billion dollars
    Each year, the typical household will shell out $25 on Halloween candy – equating to over $2 billion dollars. But where’s the best spot to buy all this candy? Wal-Mart comes out as the most popular location to grab treats, with Target following closely behind.
  • Preferred candy varies from state to state
    No shocker here, but Reese’s was number one for many states…but not all. In Arizona, Skittles comes out as number one. Michigan loves its Starbursts, and Montana goes crazy for Hot Tamales.
  • Cotton candy was invented by a…dentist?!
    It’s true. A more niche Halloween treat, cotton candy was created by dentist William Morrison in 1897. However, the sweet treat went by the name of “Fairy Floss”–not cotton candy–in its early days.
  • Tootsie Pops take between 364 to 411 licks to finish
    There was always at least one of these in our trick-or-treat bags. Believe it or not, Tootsie Roll Inc. actually has licking machines to test how many licks it takes to get to the soft center.

Halloween Celebration Statistics

Whether you prefer a laid-back Halloween, handing out candy at home, or heading out to a costume party, there are many different ways to celebrate the day. 

  • Up to 94% of Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2024

      With most everyone celebrating in some way, it’s a good thing more Spirit Halloween locations are in the works!

  • 47% of people wear costumes to celebrate the day
    We already gave you some ideas for costumes. Let’s not forget parties, though. Below are a few fun themes that everyone can enjoy:
    • Murder mystery
    • Nightmare Before Christmas
    • Pumpkin carving
    • Horror movie night
  • Americans spend roughly $804 million on pumpkins
    Ready to hit the patch? The average price of a pumpkin comes out at around $5, which is up by 11% in 2022.
  • Trick-or-treating goes way back to the 1600s
    Referred to as “guising” back in the day, children in Scotland and Ireland would dress in costume and ask neighbors for candy. Adaptations of this now-classic tradition began in the US in the early 1900s. 

Final Thoughts

Do you feel Halloween-ready yet from these Halloween statistics?  A chance to get festive each year, this holiday provides those who celebrate with the opportunity to dress up and eat plenty of candy. 

While down slightly, spending stats for Halloween this year are high and will likely continue to be so for the years to come. While some Americans may be cutting costs by recycling costumers or reducing decorations, the spirit of this classic holiday is still very much alive! 

By: Lark Allen, https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/2022-fun-sized-halloween-statistics/

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.

Trick or Treat Home Safety

October 24th, 2024 by tisner

It won’t be long before the streets of your neighborhood are filled with children, and some parents, will be costumed and carrying bags and buckets for Halloween treats!  Since many homeowners don’t regularly use the front entrance to their home, they may not think about all the little feet that will be tramping up the path to your door.  Make sure everyone has a safe trip for their candy by following these tips before October 31! 

  • Do your own walk-up to your front door, and examine everything, including the driveway and front steps.  Make sure there are no loose pieces or large cracks that can cause anyone to take a tumble.  Porch railings should be secure. 
  • Yard decor should be fixed securely so the wind can’t blow it over, or curious little hands cannot pull it down. 
  • Battery-operated LED tea lights are inexpensive and much safer to use in place of lighted candles.  Many options are available for LED’s, including a flickering light that is perfect for your jack o’ lantern. 
  • Speaking of lights, make sure that not only is your porch light switched on, but that the path you’ve created is well-lit. 
  • Decor that hangs from the trees is scary and fun, so make certain they are hanging at least ten feet from the walkway, making certain they don’t obstruct anyone’s view. 
  • Take an afternoon close to Halloween to be sure any shrubbery, trees or edging isn’t in the way of where trick-or-treaters must walk.  Inspect for loose branches in nearby trees and remove them. 
  • If you have room in the garage, consider parking the car there.  The folks that are coming and going would likely appreciate the extra room to pass others. 
  • A constantly-ringing doorbell or persistent knocking can cause your pets some distress and a lot of barking.  Confine them to a room, or even better, to their crate.  Check out these other great tips about your pets and Halloween from the ASPCA. 

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.

Orlando State of the Market September 2024

October 17th, 2024 by tisner

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows highest inventory in nearly ten years.

State of the Market

  • Inventory for September was recorded at 11,560, up 0.4% from August when inventory was recorded at 11,511. This is the ninth month in a row inventory has risen. The last time inventory was this high was September 2015.
  • Inventory in September 2024 was 71.1% higher than in September 2023.
  • September’s interest rate was recorded at 5.9%, down from 6.1% in August. This is the lowest interest rates have been since August 2022.
  • Homes spent an average of 58 days on the market (DOM) in September – up slightly from 57 in August. 
  • This is a 41.5% increase compared to September 2023 when homes spent an average of 41 days on the market.
  • The median home price for September was recorded at $380,000, down from $384,500 in August. 
  • Overall sales decreased by 15.3% from August to September. There were 2,655 sales in August and 2,249 sales in September. 
  • Pending sales fell by 1.9%, with 3,556 in August and 3,490 in September. 
  • New listings fell 8.5% from August to September, with 3,530 new homes on the market in September, compared to 3,856 in August.
  • “Lower interest rates and rising inventory levels are setting the stage for a balanced Orlando housing market as we enter Q4,” said Rose Kemp, President of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “With the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts and a significant increase in available homes, many buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines are now finding opportunities to achieve the American dream of homeownership.”

Market Snapshot

  • Interest rates fell from 6.1% in August to 5.9% in September. 
  • Pending sales fell 1.9%, with 3,556 in August and 3,490 in September. 
  • 17 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.8% of all home sales in September. This is a 54.5% increase from August, when 11 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

  • Orlando area inventory rose 0.4% from August to September. Inventory in August was 11,511, and inventory in September was 11,560.
  • The supply of homes rose to 5.14 months in September, up 18.6% from 4.34 months in August. A balanced market is six months of supply. 
  • This is the highest supply of homes has been since January 2015.
  • The number of new listings decreased from August to September by 8.5% – from 3.856 homes to 3,530 homes.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for September can be found here.

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.

Monday Morning Quarterback for October 6th, 2024 – October 12th, 2024

October 15th, 2024 by tisner

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 October 6th, 2024 – October 12th, 2024

Single-family existing homes

  • Sales of single-family homes decreased to 142 during the week of October 06, from 452 the week prior
  • The median price of single family homes increased to $439,950 a change of 3.5%
  • The number of single-family home foreclosure transactions decreased to 2 from 5 the week prior
  • The number of single-family short-sale transactions decreased to 0 from 3 the week prior
  • Single-family inventory decreased by 119, and now sits at 7,542.

Condos, townhomes, and villas

  • Sales of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to 42 during the week of October 06, from 123 the week prior
  • The median price of condos, townhomes, and villas decreased to $282,500 a change of -5.8%
  • The number of condo, townhome, and villa foreclosure transactions remains constant at 0
  • The number of condo, townhome and villa short-sale transactions remains constant at 0
  • Condo inventory decreased by 13, and now sits at 3,720.

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.

Down Payment Savings Savviness

October 10th, 2024 by tisner


When you have started considering buying a new home, the first thing you will need to work on is a down payment. While many lenders offer different programs with variable down payment amounts, saving as much as you can is necessary.  Check out these tips a
nd start saving now! 

  • It is important to know, realistically, how much house you can afford, and start shooting for a 20% down payment of that amount. 
  • Turn your $4.50-per-day cup of coffee into $90/month in the piggy bank. Add up similar purchases, decide what you can live without, and move that money (set up automatic transfers) every day from your checking to a hands-off savings account. 
  • Put your savings egg into a nest of high-yield savings or money market account. 
  • Sign up with your employer to deposit a portion of your pay into a down payment savings account.  Most of the time, if you do not see it, you do not miss it. 
  • If a pay raise comes your way, save that unexpected pay:  stay on your old budget, and have the difference in old and new pay direct deposited into your down payment account. 
  • When non-salary payments such as bonuses or even a tax refund come in, sock them away and give your savings a boost. 
  • Did you know that family members can gift money towards your down payment? Make certain you document these gifts correctly for your lender and the IRS.  Mortgage Reports shares more information about down payment gifts. 
  • A part-time job may provide enough each week to add to your down payment savings. Your well-being is important, however, so do not go into a second job unless you are certain it will be a benefit. 
  • If you have investments in stocks or bonds, plan on liquidating those assets when the time comes to purchase your house.  Make sure you document these sales. 
  • You can always borrow from your 401k or IRA, but make sure you will not have to pay penalties.  Talk with your account holder before making any withdrawals. 

Do not let that 20% ideal down payment stop you before you even get started. However, if it seems impossible for you, do your research.  There are many first-time buyer programs available, as well as lower-than-20% down payment options through the USDA, the VA, and state-specific programs.  Learn more about low down payment guidelines and opportunities to help you get started. Planning will help you keep your eyes on the prize of homeownership! 

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.

Teri Isner, CIPS, CRS, GRI
Keller Williams At-The-Lakes
1170 Celebration Blvd
Suite 200
Celebration, Fl 34747

This site is proudly sponsored by Orlando FL Real Estate Kissimmee and Celebration
Copyright © 2008 Orlando FL Real Estate Kissimmee and Celebration | All Rights Reserved. Sitemap