October is National Fire Prevention Month and the perfect time to do more than just test your smoke alarm batteries — it’s also a great reminder to inspect anything in your home that could pose a fire risk if not used or maintained properly. Take this opportunity to sit down with your family and review your emergency fire escape plan.

Not sure where to begin? Start with these simple tips:

• Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach in your kitchen. If you don’t have one, be sure to purchase one. If you already do, have it inspected to ensure it’s still in proper working condition.
• Smoke alarms are essential for every home. Older models can be overly sensitive, often going off during cooking — which may lead to removing the battery and forgetting to replace it. Newer models often include a temporary sensitivity button to reduce false alarms while cooking, automatically resetting after a short time.
• If your home has more than one story, keep a fire escape ladder near an easily accessible window on the upper floor. SafeWise.com offers a helpful guide with top-rated ladder options and tips on how to choose the best one for your home’s layout and needs.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets, and use extension cords only as a short-term solution. If you find yourself constantly needing more outlets, hire a licensed electrician to install them. The cost is minimal compared to the potential damage of an electrical fire.
• Call a licensed electrician if you notice warning signs like sparking outlets, flickering lights, or frequently tripped circuit breakers. These could indicate serious electrical issues that need immediate attention.
• After every load, clean the lint screen in your dryer, and regularly clear lint from the vent and the back of the dryer to prevent buildup.
• Have your chimneys and furnaces inspected and cleaned before use to ensure they’re safe and functioning properly. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, check that the screen protector is intact and use only a flame-resistant rug in front of the hearth.
• While rare, lightning can ignite house fires. Lightning rods might seem old-fashioned, but they effectively redirect lightning to prevent fires and protect your electronics from damage.

Most importantly, every family needs a fire escape plan that everyone knows well. To help you create and practice your own plan, check out the National Fire Protection Association’s page, which offers free printable tools and step-by-step guidelines. Remember, investing time in planning and practicing your fire escape plan is invaluable when it comes to keeping your home and loved ones safe.

Final Thought: Fire prevention is a shared responsibility that starts with awareness and preparation. Taking small, consistent steps today can make all the difference in protecting your home and family tomorrow. Stay safe, stay prepared, and make fire prevention a priority every day.

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.

If you’ve been house hunting in Orlando, chances are you’ve come across multiple listings that include the words “Homeowners Association” or “HOA.” While HOAs sometimes get a bad rap in the news, the reality is that living in an HOA community can offer major benefits—especially in a fast-growing market like Central Florida.

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or buying your first home, it’s important to understand how HOAs work in Orlando’s unique real estate landscape.

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🏡 What Is an HOA (and Why Does It Matter in Orlando)?

In Orlando, as in many other metro areas, HOAs are common—especially in newer subdivisions, master-planned communities, and condo developments. When you buy a home in an HOA-managed neighborhood, you automatically become a member and agree to follow the community rules, known as covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). You’ll also be responsible for paying monthly or quarterly fees.

But here’s the upside: these rules and fees are designed to protect your property value, enhance your quality of life, and maintain community amenities.

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💡 Benefits of Buying a Home in an Orlando HOA Community

Here’s why you shouldn’t be scared off by those three little letters:

✅ Curb Appeal & Maintenance Standards
HOAs enforce rules about home upkeep, landscaping, and exterior modifications. This protects the neighborhood’s aesthetic and can boost resale value when it’s time to sell.

✅ Shared Amenities
Depending on the community, your HOA fees may cover access to resort-style pools, fitness centers, playgrounds, gated security, walking trails, or even clubhouses and events—all popular in Orlando’s family-focused communities.

✅ Convenience Services
Some HOAs in Orlando include trash collection, lawn care, pest control, and even exterior maintenance for condos or townhomes.

✅ Local Insight
HOA board members are often residents themselves, meaning they’re invested in making smart decisions that benefit the community.

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💸 What About the Fees?

In Orlando, HOA fees vary widely.

Before you make an offer, ask your Realtor to confirm:

• The current HOA fee amount
• What’s included in the fee
• A copy of the bylaws, restrictions, and financials

This helps you budget wisely—and avoid surprises later.

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🔍 Tips for Buying in an HOA Community

1. Check the Listing Details
   If the home is in an HOA, the MLS listing will usually name the association and list the fee. Use this to do some preliminary research.
2. Search the HOA Online
   Most HOAs have a website or Facebook page where you can view photos, documents, and community news. Look for downloadable CC&Rs and budget info.
3. Tour the Neighborhood
   Drive through the community at different times of day. Are homes well-kept? Are residents active and friendly? Do the amenities look clean and usable?
4. Talk to Residents
   Nothing beats a quick conversation with someone who already lives there. Ask about their experience with the HOA, how responsive the board is, and what they love (or don’t) about the community.
5. Lean on Your Realtor
   A knowledgeable Orlando Realtor can help you identify HOA communities that match your lifestyle—whether you’re looking for low-maintenance living, luxury amenities, or family-friendly features.

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🏠 Final Thoughts: Is an HOA Right for You?

Living in an HOA community isn’t for everyone—but it can be a great choice if you value community standards, shared amenities, and property value protection.

So, don’t skip over a home just because it’s in an HOA. Do your homework, ask questions, and consider how the benefits align with your lifestyle.

With so many different HOA communities across Orlando, there’s something for everyone. You just have to find the right fit.

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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 a drop in sales, inventory, and new listings as Orlando continues to shift to a buyer’s market

State of the Market
– “Over the past month, we’ve seen a drop in inventory and homes sitting on the market for longer periods of time,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “When you take this, and couple it with the lowest interest rate we’ve seen all year, this certainly makes it a great time for buyers to enter the market. For sellers, they must be pricing their home reasonably to avoid it sitting on the market and having to lower the listing price.”

– The median home price for August was recorded at $382,950, down 1.8% from July’s median home price of $389,999.

– Overall sales decreased by 9.6% from July to August. There were 2,551 sales in July and 2,306 sales in August.

Orlando area inventory fell 1.9% from July to August. Inventory in July was 13,557, and inventory in August was 13,306.

– August’s interest rate was recorded at 6.4%, down from 6.5% in July. This is the lowest interest rates have been in 2025.

– 29 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.3% of all home sales in August. This is a 52.8% increase from July, when only 21 distressed homes sold.

– New listings fell 11.5% from July to August, with 3,353 new homes on the market in August, compared to 3,788 in July/

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for August 2025 can be found at 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.

When selling your home, it’s important to remember that prospective buyers will be looking at it with a fresh perspective. Things you might not even notice could stand out to them. To make sure your home is in the best possible shape, keep these seven things in mind:

• Curb appeal is the first–and very important–impression! At the very least, keep the grass cut and shrubbery trimmed. Go a step further and lay down fresh mulch in the flowerbeds and add a pot of flowers near the front steps–don’t forget to keep them healthy!
  
• When you declutter, don’t pack everything in storage containers and leave them in the garage. Temporarily renting storage or keeping them in a shed will keep your home looking neat, and rooms will appear larger without all the “stuff.”

• If you have mice or insects in your home, have them exterminated before you put a sign in your yard. Rodent traps or insect baits sitting around are discouraging to buyers.
  
• Dripping faucets or cracked windows will not be appealing to buyers, so have these repaired.
  
• If you can’t find the time to deep-clean the house, hire a professional. Potential buyers will be turned off by a grimy stove or mildewed bathroom grout.
  
• Unpleasant odors will have buyers wrinkling their noses as soon as they walk in. Cleaning is important to remove dirt, but you need to clean for odors, too. Follow these tips from realtor.com^® for removing any funky smells from your home.
  
• Natural light is important to many home buyers, so window treatments that block light need to come down, cleaned, and stored for moving. Let the sunshine in by using sheers or easy-pull blinds or shades while your home is on the market.

You control the impression your house makes on potential buyers. Think of it as a sales pitch: your effort is what will draw them in, grab their attention, and keep it. The care you put into the small details will be reflected in the feedback and offers you receive.

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.

All your pre-sale tasks are finally done — the home is clean, staged, and your RealtorⓇ is lining up the marketing strategy. It’s officially go-time! But before those buyer showings turn into serious offers, now’s the perfect moment to think ahead to the home inspection process.

While a home inspection doesn’t technically come with a “pass or fail,” it can become a major roadblock if you haven’t tackled basic repairs and maintenance. A good-looking home is only half the battle — what’s behind the walls (and under the sink) matters just as much.

Here’s a 2025-ready checklist to help you avoid costly surprises:

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🔍 2025 Home Inspection Prep Checklist

🐜 1. Inspect for Pest Damage or Infestation

Rodents, termites, or other pests can cause serious structural and health issues — and you might not even know they’re there. Book a professional pest inspection to ensure your home is critter-free before potential buyers find out the hard way.

🚰 2. Look for Leaks and Plumbing Issues

Turn on every faucet and check under sinks for drips. Test toilets for running water and make sure all drains flow smoothly. Even small plumbing issues can raise red flags for inspectors.

🌫️ 3. Check for Mold and Mildew

Inspect dark, damp areas like the attic, crawl spaces, and basement for any signs of mold or mildew. Look especially at the underside of the roof. Addressing moisture issues now prevents a major inspection hang-up later.

🏚️ 4. Examine Your Roof

From the ground or using a drone (a service many inspectors and roofers now offer in 2025), look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or other damage. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, be prepared to address it in negotiations.

❄️ 5. Service the HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system should be in good working order. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and cleaning. This is often a line item on inspection reports, so having documentation of a recent service can offer buyers peace of mind.

💡 6. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs

Yes, really. If a light doesn’t turn on during the inspection, the inspector may flag it as a possible electrical issue. Replace any missing or dead bulbs so every switch and fixture functions properly.

🪟 7. Repair Window Cracks and Drafts

Check window sills for cracks and ensure windows open, close, and lock smoothly. Leaky or damaged windows are often noted in inspections and can be a concern for energy efficiency.

🧱 8. Address Foundation or Wall Cracks

Any visible cracks in walls (inside or out), ceilings, or the foundation should be assessed by a professional. If needed, complete the repair work before listing — or at least be prepared to offer documentation and repair quotes.

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👷‍♂️ Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection in 2025

If you’re a motivated seller in today’s market, you might want to go one step further: hire your own inspector before you list.

A pre-listing inspection gives you insight into any problems before buyers do. This way, you can:

• Make repairs proactively
• Price your home accordingly
• Offer repair credits instead of losing buyers to surprise issues

In 2025’s competitive housing market, showing buyers that you’re transparent and proactive about your home’s condition builds trust — and that can lead to a faster, smoother sale.

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.

If you’re currently renting in Orlando, you’ve probably noticed that rent prices continue to climb. With the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovering around $1,700 per month, many renters are starting to ask: Would buying a home actually be more affordable?

The short answer: It could be—if you’re prepared.
Homeownership doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, the process can begin up to a year before you’re ready to start house hunting. The first and most important step? Create a homeowner budget.

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Step 1: Define What You Want—and What You Need

Start by making a list of what you’re looking for in your future home. Break it into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Be realistic about what you can afford in the Orlando market, where the median home price is currently around $385,000.

Consider factors like:

• Square footage
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Type of neighborhood or school district
• Commute times and access to public transportation
• Yard size
• Garage or no garage
• Home age (new build vs. resale)

Once you’ve made your list, set a realistic price range based on your income and savings—and stick to it.

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Step 2: Build Your Budget

Create a detailed list of your monthly income and expenses to understand your current financial picture. You can use an online budget calculator or spreadsheet to help. If you’re barely breaking even each month, it’s time to cut unnecessary spending and start saving.

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Step 3: Eliminate Debt

Paying off existing debt—like credit cards, car loans, or personal loans—not only frees up your monthly budget, it also improves your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders use to determine your loan eligibility.

Once a debt is paid off, start redirecting that money into a savings account. You’ll need funds not just for a down payment, but also for:

• Appraisals
• Inspections
• Moving costs
• Closing costs (which can add 2–5% of the purchase price)

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Step 4: Explore Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Even if you have a modest income, homeownership is still possible in Orlando thanks to several government-backed loan programs:

• FHA Loans: Require as little as 3.5% down and are ideal for first-time buyers.
• USDA Loans: Available for rural areas around Central Florida with zero down payment.
• VA Loans: Offer competitive rates and no down payment for eligible veterans.
• Florida Hometown Heroes Program: Assists frontline workers, teachers, and first responders with down payment and closing cost assistance.

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Step 5: Monitor Your Credit

Your credit report and score will play a big role in determining your mortgage terms. Most lenders require a minimum score of 620, but the higher your score, the better your loan options.
Keep paying your bills on time, reduce credit usage, and check your report regularly for errors.

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Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Orlando might feel out of reach, especially with rising costs. But with a clear budget, smart debt management, and the right support, owning a home can become a reality—no matter your income level.

It will take time, discipline, and planning, but the reward—a place of your own in one of Florida’s most dynamic cities—is well worth it.

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.

While summer may be seen as the peak season for real estate, in Orlando, fall offers its own unique advantages—especially for homeowners looking to sell in a competitive and ever-growing market. If circumstances have you thinking about listing your home outside the traditional spring/summer window, this fall could be the perfect time.

Despite the changing season, buyer demand in Central Florida remains strong, and with the right strategy, you can take advantage of the opportunities that fall brings.

🏡 Serious Buyers Are Still Actively Looking

Many fall buyers are motivated to find and close on a home before the holidays. Whether they’re relocating to Orlando for work, downsizing, or buying their first home, these buyers are often on a timeline—which puts you in a stronger position during negotiations.

🏘️ Less Competition Means More Attention on Your Home

After the summer rush, the Orlando housing market typically sees fewer new listings in the fall. That means your home won’t be competing with as many others, giving it more visibility and a better shot at standing out—especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Winter Park, Lake Nona, or College Park.

👨‍💼 Expect a Different—and Motivated—Type of Buyer

While families with school-age children often move in the summer, fall attracts a different buyer pool—including millennials, empty-nesters, and corporate transferees moving into the area. Orlando’s growing tech and healthcare sectors, along with its strong job market, mean more people are relocating year-round. Many fall buyers are ready to move quickly and close fast—which can result in fewer contingencies and stronger offers.

🕒 Faster Closings Are More Likely

One hidden advantage of selling in the fall? Shorter wait times for appraisals, inspections, and loan processing. With fewer overall transactions taking place, industry professionals—from mortgage lenders to title companies—tend to have more availability. That can help move your sale along faster and more smoothly than during the peak of summer.

🍂 Fall Curb Appeal in Florida? Yes, Please!

While we may not get the leaf changes of the northeast, fall in Orlando still offers beautiful weather and a chance to make your home look warm and inviting. Think seasonal flowers, tasteful autumn décor, and cozy staging to create a welcoming environment that buyers connect with. Plus, with cooler temps and sunny skies, showings become a more pleasant experience for potential buyers.

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Thinking About Selling in Orlando? Don’t Wait Until Spring.

The truth is, the right time to sell is when it works best for you—and fall in Orlando provides an ideal mix of motivated buyers, low inventory, and faster processes.

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.

Homework time doesn’t usually spark joy, especially for kids and sometimes even parents. But with a little planning, you can take some of the struggle out of the daily grind by creating a designated, organized study space at home. Whether you have a full room to spare or just a corner to work with, these creative tips can help you build the perfect “homework hub” for your student(s).

🍽️ 1. Rethink the Dining Room

Your kitchen or dining room table can pull double duty as a homework zone—especially for families with more than one child in school. These spaces often have great lighting and plenty of room to spread out.

Pro tip: Give each child a caddy or container with their own school supplies and color-coded file folders to keep things tidy and organized.

🖥️ 2. Share the Home Office

Already have a home office? Make room for your kids to join you! Add an extra desk or small table, and use labeled bins or baskets to keep everyone’s supplies in order. It’s a great way to model good work habits and still be close by to help when needed.

🛠️ 3. DIY a “Cloffice”

Short on space? Transform an underused closet into a mini office—or “cloffice.” With a little creativity and basic tools, you can create a compact but efficient study nook. (Check out Lowe’s or YouTube for some weekend project inspiration!)

🛏️ 4. Create a Private Teen Study Zone

Older kids and teens usually prefer some privacy when working. Loft-style beds with built-in desks underneath offer a compact solution, combining sleep and study in one footprint. Some even include shelving and drawers for extra storage.

🛋️ 5. Make Use of Unexpected Spaces

Look around your home with fresh eyes—an empty corner, unused attic space, or a wide hallway might be just right for a small table and some organizational tools. Resources like This Old House can give you ideas for turning overlooked areas into efficient study stations.

🧹 6. Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free

Just like adults, kids work best in a tidy space. Encourage them to clean up after homework each day. Use containers for supplies and file folders to sort homework, graded assignments, and test prep materials. Staying organized can reduce stress and help them focus.

🛒 7. Go Mobile with a Homework Cart

If there’s truly no way to carve out a dedicated space, try a rolling homework cart. Assign each child a section with their essentials, and they can turn any surface—dining table, coffee table, or even a corner of the floor—into a temporary workstation.

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Final Thought:

A well-thought-out study space, no matter how small, can make a big difference in your child’s attitude toward homework. Pair it with a solid after-school routine, including time for reviewing notes, reading, and prepping for the next day, and you’ll turn homework from a hassle into a habit.

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 interest rates reach lowest level this year.

State of the Market
– “Nationwide reports show that mortgage rates have now dipped to their lowest point in nearly a year, and that’s welcome news for both buyers and sellers across Central Florida,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “As we move into the final months of summer, this drop could help reinvigorate the market by increasing affordability and bringing some hesitant buyers back into the mix.”

– The median home price for July was recorded at $389,999 – keeping in line with May and June’s median home price of $390,000.

– Overall sales increased by 1.5% from June to July. There were 2,513 sales in June and 2,551 sales in July.

– Inventory for July was recorded at 13,557, down 1.7% from June when inventory was recorded at 13,793.

– July’s interest rate was recorded at 6.5%, down from 6.7% in June. This is the lowest interest rates have been in 2025.

– 21 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.8% of all home sales in July. This is a 19.2% decrease from June, when 26 distressed homes sold.

– New listings fell 1.7% from June to July, with 3,788 new homes on the market in July, compared to 3,854 in June.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for July 2025 can be found at 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.

In today’s fast-paced real estate market, especially here in Orlando, where new developments continue to shape our skyline and suburban neighborhoods, homebuyers aren’t just looking for square footage—they’re looking for soul. That’s where your home’s character becomes a powerful selling point.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to fall in love with your home all over again, adding personality and style doesn’t require a full renovation. In a vibrant, design-savvy city like Orlando, homes that showcase charm and thoughtful upgrades tend to stand out—both on the market and in everyday living.

Here are some affordable, impactful ways to boost your home’s character—from curb to kitchen.

🌴 Exterior Enhancements: First Impressions Matter

🎨 Paint Your Brick

If your brick exterior is feeling dated, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. While it’s a job best left to the pros, if you’re a confident DIYer, check out the Do’s and Don’ts from the Brick Industry Association for expert tips. Light, neutral tones are popular in Florida and help reflect sunlight, keeping your home cooler.

🏡 Add a Porch or Portico

Want to enhance your entryway? If a full porch isn’t in the budget, consider a stylish portico that complements your home’s architecture. Not only does it boost curb appeal, it gives you a covered spot for those rainy Central Florida afternoons when you’re juggling keys and groceries.

🌿 Refresh Landscaping

Tidy landscaping adds instant style. Choose native Florida plants for low-maintenance beauty—think coontie palms, firebush, or blanket flowers. If overgrown shrubs or bare spaces are killing your vibe, a trip to your local nursery can offer the inspiration (and expert advice) you need.

🪨 Upgrade the Walkway

A basic concrete walkway is functional but swapping it out for pavers or natural stone can elevate your exterior. If a full replacement is out of budget, consider staining or painting the concrete for a fresh, customized look.

🎨 Update the Shutters

Old shutters? Give them new life with a fresh coat of paint or a style swap. It’s a small detail that can dramatically change your home’s façade—especially when paired with a newly painted front door.

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🏠 Interior Upgrades: Make It Feel Like Home

🖼️ Crown Molding

Adding crown molding instantly elevates any room. Lightweight options like polystyrene foam are easy to install and budget-friendly. This classic feature gives your home that high-end, custom-built look without the high-end price tag.

💡 Statement Lighting

Don’t settle for builder-grade fixtures. Swapping in stylish light fixtures is an easy and affordable way to inject character. Each room can have its own vibe—check vintage shops, tag sales, or Habitat for Humanity ReStores for unique finds.

🚪 Revamp Interior Doors

Can’t replace hollow-core doors? No problem. With a bit of paint, trim, or board-and-batten style upgrades, you can give plain doors a high-end look. Brands like Schlage offer DIY-friendly styles that make a big impact.

🪟 Add Trim & Architectural Details

Enhance your doorways, windows, or walls with new trim, baseboards, or wainscoting. Not only do they add charm, they’re great at hiding imperfections and making rooms feel finished.

🍽️ Upgrade Countertops on a Budget

If new countertops aren’t in the cards, resurfacing kits are a great alternative. They come in a variety of finishes and can dramatically change your kitchen’s look. For ideas and reviews, check out resources like The Spruce.

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💡 Final Thoughts

Adding character to your home doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Start small—whether it’s a lighting update or a fresh coat of paint—and build your way toward larger upgrades. Over time, your home will begin to reflect you—your taste, your personality, and the Florida lifestyle you love.

And if you’re thinking about selling? These upgrades can increase your home’s appeal and value, helping it stand out in Orlando’s competitive market.

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.