money? At Century 21 Real Estate Professionals, we have been helping home buyers and sellers make sense of the Orlando housing market since 1985, so we are accustomed to using our past experience to read and understand current trends and give informed advice to our clients.

Another hot topic for the Orlando area housing market is property taxes and homeowner's insurance. If you watch area news broadcasts you can't miss hearing about the debates and new laws that could possibly be passed, but what does it mean to you as an individual buying or selling a home? Taxes and insurance can drastically affect the affordability of your monthly house payment and must be a factor that is given careful consideration on each home that you are interested in.

We have the resources to help you make an informed decision when deciding to buy or sell a home. Our in-house mortgage company can give you several excellent loan programs to choose from and give you exact principal and interest payment information on each. Our experienced sales associates can help you shop for homeowner's insurance and receive quotes as you are shopping for homes. They can also help you estimate your property taxes and any possible increases due to a reassessment when you make a purchase. Finally, our in-house title company can give you an accurate estimate of the closing costs, escrow accounts, and pre-paid items you can expect at your closing.

There is more to your decision than payments, taxes, insurance, and closing costs...right? After all, buying a house is supposed to be fun! We understand that part of the process too! All of our associates, staff members, mortgage consultants, and title closers make their home in Central Florida and have gone through the same steps to find a place to live for their own families. And although Century 21 is the biggest name in real estate worldwide, even the owners of our company live and work in the Central Florida community. Please browse the links below for some in-depth information about the different areas to call home in Central Florida:

21 Tips to Improve the Chances of Selling Your Home in a Slow Market:

(1) Make the Most of that First Impression: A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted – or at least freshly scrubbed – front door. Rake leaves in the Fall. If it’s winter, shovel the walkways.

(2) Clean Clean Clean: Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property.

(3) Check Faucets and Bulbs: Dripping water causes stains and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don’t let little problems detract from what’s right with your home.

(4) Don’t Shut Out a Sale: If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

(5) Think Safety: Clean away potential disasters: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights.

(6) Spacious Living: Potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

(7) Bathrooms Help Sell Homes: Make bathrooms sparkle. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. Enhance your bathroom with flowers, guest towels, and your best mats and shower curtains.

(8) Pay Attention to Detail: Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, pushed-out screens and other minor flaws can detract from your home’s value.

(9) Dream Bedrooms: For a spacious look, remove excess furniture. Hang fresh curtains and use attractive bedspreads.

(10) Warmth of the Sun: Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

(11) Sweet Scents: The old trick of delicious scents still makes homes appealing. Bake cookies, pies, or other delectable treats. Or use potpourri as long as the scent you choose is not overwhelming.

(12) Coloring the Night with Light: Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

(13) Garage Neat: Organize the garage. This is often a place that becomes cluttered.

(14) Closets Are Important: Closets look their best when they are orderly and not too full. Be sure the lights work and pack away items unused to make them look more spacious. Great time to box up unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

(15) Control the Music: When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

(16) Keep a Low Profile: CENTURY 21® Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your CENTURY 21 Sales Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

(17) Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store: When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

(18) Expert at Hand: When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your CENTURY 21 Sales Associate.

(19) Make it Inviting: Be sure the front entrance is clean and inviting. Paint the gutters, downspouts and the front door. Also sweep the walks, steps and driveway.

(20) Touch Up: A small investment in paint for the inside and outside helps. Remember to choose neutral colors.

(21) Avoid Crowd Scenes: Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.