The best thing about the holidays in December is getting together with family and friends.  Adults and children alike can enjoy most of these activities: 

• Cookie swap:  This is a gathering that benefits everyone.  Invite several friends who will choose a cookie recipe to pre-bake, and bring the batch to a central location.  Sample the treats, with cocoa or coffee, and have packaging available so attendees can take home small batches of their favorites.  
• Ugly Sweater Crafts:  Instead of wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, use it to make a stocking, pillow, or small ornaments.  Have invitees bring one snack or drink each so you won’t have to worry about a lot of food prep. Get inspiration from these ideas from Better Homes and Garden’s website.  
• Hanukkah Cupcake party:  Each party goer bakes a dozen cupcakes, and brings them unfrosted to the party.  Have frosting, frosting bags and tips, sprinkles and candies available, and everyone gets to dress up their cupcakes themselves.  Swap them out so they can take home a variety.  
• Kids Christmas ornament party:  purchase clear shatterproof ornaments specifically for filling and have artificial snow, small toys, artificial greenery–anything small enough to fit in the ornament– along with ribbon, craft paints, and stickers, and have them create their own ornament.  Use adult supervision with very small children, or if using adhesives, especially hot glue. 
• Gingerbread house decorating:  Lucky guests get to make and take their own cookie house!  This can be a simple venture with a gingerbread house kit, or using graham crackers, candies and royal icing, or more advanced with home-baked gingerbread cookies and decorations. This is another fun activity for the children as well as the adults. 
• Dreidel craft:  Have the kids come over and make dreidels from craft kits or from modeling clay, skewers cut into 2” lengths and blue markers.  There are also many  inexpensive paper kits available on etsy. After the dreidels are finished, have some gelt ready, and host a spin-off tournament with prizes! 
• Kalah game for Kwanzaa:  This is something kids will enjoy.  Cut the lid off an egg carton, then cut the lid in half.  Tape each half to the end of the bottom of the egg carton to form a tray.  Using 36 pebbles, dry beans, or pasta, play the game of kalah. 

For these casual get-togethers, send invitations via email, create an event on social media and invite friends, or use an online website to help–evite can help you design a free e-invitation, and can help you track RSVP’s. Add snacks, a cocoa or coffee bar, and make it merry! 

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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.

With a little less than a month left in the year, many begin to think about charitable donations.  Once you’ve decided on an amount to give, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Did you give last year?  Do a quick check of the organization’s website, or give them a call to see what sort of strides they’ve taken.  If you’re not satisfied, or don’t see progress, consider another charity. 
• As difficult as it can be to narrow your donation to one organization, a larger gift can be more beneficial as one gift, instead of spreading your donations around. 
• Keep in mind that there are thousands of charities who don’t have it in their budgets to advertise.  Consider giving to a local charity, or a national one that’s lesser known. 
• Once you’ve narrowed down your list, call the charities if you can’t find their mission statements online, and ask questions.  It’s the best way to get the information you need. 
• Although there’s nothing wrong with giving to your alma mater or the hospital that took such great care of a family member, find out if your local homeless or domestic violence shelter needs help.  These kinds of organizations usually struggle to make ends meet in providing services.   
• Make sure your charity is legitimate, and it’s very important to check their finances. Charity Navigator’s website will let your search a charity’s name and get feedback. 
• Because donations are tax-deductible, the IRS has a search tool that allows you to see what organizations are eligible for tax-deduction gifts. There are other handy options, such as seeing what organizations are no longer allowed to be considered exempt. 
• Avoid scams–charitable giving is at a high at the year’s end, and crooks abound.  Use the above IRS search tool to make sure your charity is a legitimate charity. 
• Keep receipts, check stubs or letters of thanks for when you’re filing taxes.  If your donation isn’t monetary, but something valued at over $5,000, the IRS requires an appraisal for your deduction. 
• Do you volunteer? Any out-of-pocket directly related expenses–even mileage–are tax deductible.  
• Keep in mind that last-minute online donations made December 30-31 are eligible for a tax write-off.  

Deciding who should benefit from your generosity can be a tough or easy decision, depending on what you already know. Just look for charities that depend on your generosity to keep their doors open, or who need your physical presence to be successful.  Giving isn’t always about money.  

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.

It’s time to get the holiday house decorating in high gear, and you may have bought new light strands, but plan on mixing them with ones you have, or adding LED lights.  Safety is important this time of year, and making the days merry and the nights bright means taking a few precautions. 

• Check your old lights for frayed wires, nicks or cuts along the outer cord, and broken bulbs. Broken bulbs can be replaced, but toss the frayed strands, or those with cuts. 
• Decorating the exterior of your house means the lights you use must be made for outdoors.  Check the packaging or tag on the string to make certain. 
• Use clips or hangers that are UL-approved–do NOT nail, tack, or staple lights to any fixture. 
• If you’d like to light a tree in your yard, make absolute certain no power lines run through the branches, and keep any lighting at least ten feet from power lines. 
• Make sure your extension cords are specifically made for outdoor use, and have a three-pronged ground plug.  Your receptacle should be a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in case of electrical overload, it will shut off power.  Portable outdoor GFCI’s are available for very little cost at Amazon. 
• Read and heed all labels when it comes to connecting strings of lights.  If the label says only three can be connected to one another, start a new chain of lights after the third strand is in place.  Also keep in mind that only strands with the same number of bulbs should be connected–in other words, don’t connect a 100-strand with two 25-strands. 
• Keep extension cords away from high-traffic areas, and out from under welcome mats or pavers. 
• Many people start decorating long before Christmas, but be aware that most non-commercial light strands are only safely exposed to the elements for 90 days.  Any longer, and deterioration to the insulation will begin.   
• Avoid using a metal ladder if you’re having to get up high with your lights–use wooden or fiberglass instead. 
• Never leave lights on when you’re not at home, or asleep.   
• If you’re considering adding LED’s to your holiday display, make sure you don’t mix connecting with incandescent.  Going all-LED will be costlier upon start-up, but will save money on your power bill, as well as in replacement costs–LED’s can last up to twenty years. 

You don’t want a friendly neighborhood competition to turn into disaster, nor do you want a classic Clark Griswold power outage at home.  Know your home’s electrical limits, and use common sense and care while you’re decorating. 

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.

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, over 1 million tons of extra waste are generated in the United States! How can we reduce that number? It may take some effort on our part, but we can definitely cut back on what we use and throw away during the holidays! 

Gift-Giving 

• Besides gift cards, give presents that are about presence: a weekend getaway reservation, a year’s pass to a museum or local amusement park, memberships to spas, or concert tickets. 
• Thrift shopping is one way to reuse items, and treasures can be found by visiting thrift stores often. Other places to shop for bargains are social media marketplace groups as well as websites that specialize in resale. 

• Stop using store-bought gift wrap! Check out these alternatives from How Stuff Works. If you must by anything, look for inexpensive reusable tins, boxes, and gift bags. 
• If a gift you have purchased needs batteries, include a set of rechargeable batteries and charger. Rechargeable batteries are becoming more affordable, especially in the smaller battery sizes, and they keep nasty battery waste from going to our landfills. 

Holiday Decorations 

• Do not throw out a set of lights just because one-half of the strand is not working. Learn about how to check them over, as well as inexpensive tools that are made specifically for repairing lights. If they are truly burnt out, find a recycling center for them instead of sending them out with the garbage. 

• Live trees are used in almost half of American homes, but they should not be sent to a landfill.  Learn about different ways to reuse the tree, or contact a conservation group to see if they can use it for wildlife. 

Getting Together 

• Instead of disposable dinnerware, why not break out the “good” dishes?! Ask everyone to pitch in once the meal is over, and clean-up will be a breeze. 
• Recently, many are becoming more aware of food waste. We can cut back on what we throw away by planning well for our meals and party menus and thinking creatively with leftovers. Try using the “Guest-Imator” tool and other helpful ideas at savethefood.com. 

Cutting back during the holidays goes against what our society tells us about how we should spend these next few weeks, but even little things like using unconventional gift wrapping for just three gifts can add up. This year, commit to making three changes to reduce holiday waste, and next year, add three more to your list. Consider it a gift to the environment! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

New Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association data shows inventory spikes as interest rates reach new heights.

State of the Market

• October’s interest rate was recorded at 7.8%, up from 7.3% in September. This is the highest interest rate in the Orlando area since April 2001.
• Inventory for October was recorded at 7,813, up 15.6% from September when inventory was recorded at 6,758. This is the seventh month in a row inventory has risen and the largest monthly percentage increase in 2023 so far.
• Overall sales fell 5.0% from September to October. There were 2,429 sales in October, down from 2,558 sales in September. This is the fifth month in a row that home sales have fallen.
• The median home price for October was recorded at $377,000, up from $370,000 in September. This breaks a three-month streak of the median home price falling.
• New listings fell 2.5% from September to October, with 3,456 new homes on the market in October, compared to 3,545 in September.
• Homes spent an average of 44 days on the market (DOM) in October, up from 41 days in September. This is 15.8% higher than October 2022 when homes spent an average of 38 days on the market.
• “Sales were down and inventory was up in October as interest rates reached their highest level in more than 22 years,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “Even as rates climb, demand is keeping home prices high, creating challenges for buyers this fall. Early reports from November show rates falling, so we will have to wait and see if this offers buyers some reprieve.”

Market Snapshot

• October 2022 when interest rates were 7.0%.
• Pending sales fell 12.7%, with 3,322 in September and 2,900 in October.
• 25 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.0% of all home sales in October. That represents a 56.3% increase from September, when 16 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory increased 15.6% from September to October. Inventory in September was 6,758, and inventory in October was 7,813.
• The supply of homes increased to 3.22 months in October, up 21.8% from 2.64 months in September. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings decreased from September to October by 2.5% – from 3,545 homes to 3,456 homes.

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

his representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association and the Stellar Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor StellarMLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or by StellarMLS does not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date.

ORRA REALTOR® sales represent sales involving Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association members, who are primarily – but not exclusively – located in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month September be revised in the future as new data is received.

Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any REALTOR® association, not just members of ORRA.

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.

With online shopping having become so popular, this time of year brings stories on the news about package thieves, as well as new gadgets to help deter someone from walking away with packages delivered while someone isn’t home.  There are several options we have that can help keep our deliveries secure, as well as help from online retailers.   

• Talk to neighbors that may be home during the days you’re expecting a package, and ask them to be on the lookout for a delivery to your home so they can hold it for you or stash it somewhere out of sight. 
• There are simple ways to hide an unattended package: have a large plant to hide boxes behind, or use a lockbox at your doorstep, with key instructions for the carrier in your delivery details. 
• Most large retailers will give you a “ship to store” option, and all you have to do is pick it up at the Customer Service desk.   

• If your package is coming via USPS, there are several ways to divert package delivery, as well as ask a carrier to leave it somewhere out of sight. 
• When you place your order, if you know you’re going to be at work, make sure your boss doesn’t mind if you have your items delivered to your workplace, and use that address for shipping. 
• Your local pack-and-ship store will receive deliveries for you for a fee.  
• Installing a visible security camera at your front door can deter some thieves, and some cameras come with motion-sensor options to set off a siren or other alert if someone gets too close to your front door. 
• Amazon is offering several delivery options:  Amazon Locker, Key Smart Lock Kit, Key In-Car Delivery, and Hub by Amazon. 

• UPS offers My Choice to customize your deliveries. For FedEx deliveries, go to their Delivery Manager, create and account, and manage your deliveries. 

The best way to prevent “package Grinches” from stealing your deliveries is to be proactive.  Use text message and email alerts, as well as specific delivery company smartphone apps to notify you when a package is left at your door.

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.

It’s the visiting time of year, and some of your guests will likely be bringing little ones with them.  If your home is now child-free, you may not be aware of possible hazards for little ones.  Get your home ready for them with these tips: 

• In the case that you don’t have cabinet locks and cleaning supplies are easily accessed, go ahead and place them all in a small cleaning bucket or basket so you can just grab them and put them out of reach when or before guests arrive. 
• The kitchen is usually the hub when company comes, so keep little ones from under foot by putting some interactive magnets on the fridge door–there are some pretty nifty learning-type magnets available, as well as the traditional alphabet letters. 
• If you have candles burning, make sure they are far from the reach of any age child, and in a prominent place so that they’re always in sight of you or another adult. 

• Check blinds and drapes for long cords–either drape them over the tops of the blinds or purchase cord holders to keep them up and out of reach. 
• For homes with stairs, purchase or borrow a latching safety gate to prevent little ones from wandering up the steps. 
• Ask everyone to keep the toilet lid down, or close the bathroom door when they go in and out.  If you ask them, they’ll be more conscious of it, and oblige. 
• In case you have a cozy fire burning, at least have a screen set up in front of the fireplace door as a barrier in case a little one stumbles while they’re walking nearby. 
• Houseplants can be tempting to a little explorer, but some plants can make us sick if ingested.  Do a bit of research, and if yours are in that category, give them a temporary home out of the way. 

• Keep an eye on yard sales or thrift stores for age-appropriate toys and games in good condition.  Clean them up, and place them in a basket or on a game table in the living area; kids love “new” toys. 
• Have someone get down on all fours on the floor and look for hazardous things that could be interesting to a child, and make the temporary changes you need to so your littlest guests will be safe. 

Enjoying the holidays means enjoying your guests, and not worrying if the youngest ones are getting into something you don’t want them to, or something potentially dangerous.  Your visitors will appreciate the extra effort it took to keep their children safe and entertained, making their visit more memorable.

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.

Daylight is becoming noticeably shorter this time of year, and with Daylight Savings Time a few days away, most people will be coming home from work in the dark.  Options for lighting have come so far, you can customize your lighting inside and outside for safety, convenience and aesthetics.   

• Motion-sensor lighting has come a long way, and many have bright, long-lasting LED’s, timers, and motion sensitivity settings.  Battery-operated lights are the easiest to install and can be placed virtually anywhere.  Use them where you park when you come home, near walkways, as well as the entryway.  Stylish motion sensor lamp posts are perfect for integrating into the landscaping, as they look great besides offering some security. 
• For your garage entry, install wall sconces on either side of the door, or one light over the door, shining downwards.  Motion sensors or smart lighting that come on when you drive up are best. 
• Solar stake lights are perfect for your landscaping or walkway, but instead of a straight line of lights, place them in various places among plantings to add some interest.  When it’s dark, the low wattage of the solar lights will provide enough light for you to see well. 

• Install step or stair lights for the amazing look, as well as safety.  Add them along the sides to the railing, or on the risers.   
• If your entryway is covered with a porch, place a lamppost near the steps or install lighting on the porch posts closest to the steps, or consider adding an overhead fixture to the porch ceiling to light up the entire area. 
• Depending on the placement of your light fixtures, make certain the types you choose are going to be able to take the elements.  A light with a UL damp rating is best under a covered area, and one with the UL wet rating can handle harsh weather conditions like direct sunlight, rain and even saltwater spray. 
• As noted above, some lighting needs to be motion-sensored, but others can be managed by timers, while solar lighting usually has sensors to come on when it’s dark and turn off at daylight.   
• The type of bulb you use is a personal choice, but keep in mind that if you’re going to be using the lights all night, LED’s use far less energy, and last much longer than other types, saving you money and time.  Don’t let the memory of the harsh glare LED’s gave off when they were first produced; their technology has come a long way and the industry has taken great strides to give consumers softer, more pleasing light. 

Before adding bright security lighting that can affect the homes next door, talk with your neighbors, as they’ll appreciate you consulting with them.  You need to make certain you won’t be disturbing their rest or have your lights shining into their windows.  Not only do you want to have lighting outside for security, but for the ambience as well.  A nicely-lit home looks inviting and adds to the style of your home.

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.

Ah, rest–it is probably one thing that many people will say that they don’t get enough of.  Something we may not realize that’s vital to a good night’s sleep is a calm atmosphere in the bedroom.  Let’s look at what we can do to create a restful bedroom. 

• Keep the room free of clutter: use storage containers under the bed for clothes you may not have room for, keep jewelry neatly hanging or in a jewelry box, have a hamper tucked away for clothing that needs to be washed, and shoes should be tucked away. 
• Some smaller homes don’t have a designated room for an office, and it’s important to keep the two separate, even in the same room.  Face the work area away from the bed and use a screen if you like.  Keep the desk tidy, so you’re not looking at work that needs to be done while you’re preparing to go to bed.  Turn off any electronics that can disturb the quiet of the room when you’re not using them. 
• Low lighting is important, so use a low-wattage bulb in the bedside lamp and add a timer for it to come one just before bedtime so you won’t have to turn on the bright ceiling light when it’s time to get ready for sleep. 

• Sleep experts will tell you that the bedroom is no place for a television!  If sleep is an issue for you, keep the tv in the family room, as the light and noise will keep you from truly resting.  
• On that note, if you need some sort of noise to help you sleep, there are many white noise machines and smartphone apps, as well as playlists on many music streaming services that have a variety of relaxing background noise.  Ditch the tv and use white or “pink” noise to help you drift off. 
• Room-darkening shades can be very helpful in blocking city lights and help those who must work at night sleep during the day.   
• Pets are like family for most of us but allowing them to sleep in bed with you may not be such a good idea.   Have a special bed or crate for Spot to sleep in, so their nighttime movements won’t disturb your deep sleep cycles.  
• Room temperature is very important to rest.  If it’s in the budget, have a separate heating and cooling system for the bedroom, and keep it between 60° and 67°, and if that’s not possible, use a fan to keep you cool. 

• Choosing the color for decorating is important, as colors influence us when it comes to different activities.  Most of us know that blues, greens and grays are relaxing colors, but if you like to make a bold statement, light colors won’t work.  Royal blue, shades of teal, and browns can still make a room feel calm and add bright style to the room. 
• Obviously, your bedding is one of the most vital parts of getting a good night’s rest.  Have a comfortable mattress with good pillows and bedding appropriate for keeping you comfortable.   

Sleeping well is so important to many aspects of life, not to mention your health, and if your bedroom isn’t helping you get a good night’s sleep, it’s time to make some changes.  The Better Sleep Foundation has some other tips and information on how your bedroom can help you get the rest you need.

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.