(RE/MAX Blog)- You swoon at the curb appeal and your heart flutters at the sight of the kitchen countertops, but is the home you're considering buying really The One? Before you make an offer, be sure you love these six, hard-to-change things about your potential new place.

1. Square footage

Too small and you may quickly outgrow your new space. Too big can mean unnecessary energy bills and money spent furnishing space you never use. Aim for "just right."

2. Drive time

Be sure your daily commute won't leave you sitting in traffic, rethinking your relationship with your house. Consider driving to work from your potential home a couple times during rush hour to make sure you know what you're getting into.

3. Walkability

Being able to stroll to shops, restaurants, parks and public transportation can really boost your quality of life. If it's important to you, check out your potential home's official walkability score at www.walkscore.com.

4. Community

Does the neighborhood include features that you feel are critical to your particular lifestyle, like yoga studios, late night takeout options or a safe playground for your kids (or pups)?

5. Planes, trains and automobiles

If you travel frequently, be sure you love how close your potential new home is to the airport, main highways or public transportation. Not a fan of planes flying overhead – or late night trains? Keep that in mind when scoping out areas as well.

If you're crazy about these five aspects of the house, it might really be true love. Start the search for your new home today. 

(RE/MAX Blog)- Demolishing your seventies kitchen and upgrading to stainless steel and granite can produce all kinds of happy feelings. It can also produce piles of materials you might not be sure what to do with. Here are a few ways to remove all those building by products.

1. Donate

If your stuff's in half-decent condition, there's probably a drop-off donation center willing to take it. Habitat for Humanity has a national network of home improvement stores stocked by donations. They take everything from light fixtures and appliances to counter tops and windows.

2. Reclaim, reuse, recycle

Roll up old carpet and use the Carpet America Recovery Effort website to find a company near you that will reclaim, recycle or reuse it. Check with your municipality to find out if they recycle any other types of construction material. The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association can help you locate local companies that will take materials such as asphalt shingles, gypsum drywall and concrete.

3. Options for paint

PaintCare is an organization that works on behalf of paint manufacturers in states with paint stewardship laws to set up places to safely recycle and dispose of unwanted paint. Many municipalities have drop-off days for oil-based paint, which is considered household hazardous waste.

Is your home remodeled and ready to sell? Find out your home's worth today.

(RE/MAX Blog)-  You may not think "real estate" when you think about modern technology, but several advances are making the lives of homebuyers, home sellers, and agents a lot easier – not to mention adding peace of mind with added security measures. Here are a few.

1. Drones

Fitting a small camera onto a helicopter drone lets agents capture aerial images of homes, properties and neighborhoods to feature in sales listings. Drones can also be useful for checking out things like roof damage without a ladder. The Federal Aviation Administration loosened its guidelines on commercial uses for drones in June, making it easier for more agents to adopt the technology.

2. Digital signature platforms

Years ago, an agent could spend hours driving back and forth to collect buyer and seller signatures on forms. Today, they can toss their pens and manage everything from the office – or wherever they may be – thanks to digital signing platforms. The government passed laws that make electronic signatures as valid as physical signatures. Platforms like DocuSign let agents securely send documents for clients to authorize with a simple click on a computer – or a phone.

3. Electronic lockboxes

Smart lockboxes on homes have several features that can make showing a home more secure. These new boxes allow smart phones to work as keys, which means they also can track who enters and leaves the home. Some boxes can also be programmed to host real-time information about the home and the neighborhood which visitors can access using their smart phones.

4. Wireless video monitors

Security cams help agents (and homeowners) keep an eye on vacant properties without having to physically stop by to check things out. Cameras can provide interior and exterior views, allowing agents and homeowners to monitor everything from maintenance issues, like whether leaves or mail deliveries are piling up on the porch, to basic security, like seeing if someone is parked outside.

(RE/MAX Blog) - Thinking of selling your home on your own? Online listing sites may lure you into thinking that the process is simple. Take a few photos, buy a "For Sale" sign and wait for buyers, right? But the process is much more complicated than that. If you're considering selling your home on your own, here are a few sure signs you should call a professional real estate agent.

1. You're not sure what your home is worth

Calculating the right price for your home is an art and a science. Price your home too high, and it can grow stale, sitting on the market. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table. Agents have the most current information about how much comparable homes in your neighborhood sold for and how long they were on the market. Agents use their deep knowledge of local and national market factors and the nuances of your particular home to calculate the right price.

2. You're losing sleep because this sale will be the biggest financial transaction of your life

Rest easier with an agent - research finds you'll make more money. According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical FSBO (for sale by owner) home sold for $185,000 in 2015, compared to $240,000 for agent-assisted home sales.

3. You can't decide whether or not to renovate your 1980's-era chrome and mirrored dining room before listing

Your favorite HGTV host may say buyers love the 80s, but is that what home shoppers in your area are looking for? An agent knows which features and design styles are selling now in your area, the details of competing homes in your neighborhood and the relative value of different renovation projects.

4. You think "staging" refers only to Broadway musicals

An agent knows how to best show off your home's features. He or she can provide tips for basic de-cluttering and furniture rearranging. Your agent may also have a great referral for a staging pro.

Begin the process of finding out what your home is worth.

(RE/MAX Blog)- Is the chaos on your countertop out of control? Here are a few tips to conquer the clutter.

1. Use it or move it
If you don't use a mixer, food processor, or other tool more than once a week, stash it in a cupboard. Counter space is precious real estate.

2. Wall-to-wall organization
Mount a rack on your wall for storing all those things that tend to pile up on your kitchen table and counters ­– like mail, to-do lists and receipts.

3. Look up
The space on top of your wall cabinets and fridge are great places for wire baskets that let you see the contents, or fabric bins that hide things from view.

4. What's behind Door #1?
Place over-the-door storage racks inside pantry doors to free up counter space.

5. Hang ten
Or even a dozen. Keep lightweight items such as aprons, oven mitts, large utensils and towels off counters by mounting wall hooks.

If all the organization in the world won't make you love your kitchen, it may be time to explore your options in a new home. Start your search today with RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group. 

(RE/MAX Blog)- Buying a new home is exciting – and a big deal. If you're searching for the perfect place, or you've already found it and are under contract, the next step in the process can feel more tedious: moving.

Moving can be stressful, a bit expensive and plenty chaotic. But with some planning, help from friends and a little organization, it doesn't have to be as hectic as you imagine. Here are some tips to take the stress out of your move:

1. Make a plan of attack – Whether you're moving across town or across the state lines, you'll probably want to rent a truck. Do you have willing helpers to assist in the move, or will you need to hire some help? If you're moving farther away, you'll probably want professional help. Figure out what your moving needs are, and ask friends or your real estate agent for references to a trusted mover. Also, stock up on boxes, packing tape, permanent markers and packing peanuts/bubble wrap.

2. Prioritize your packing – As you start packing your current home up, designate a few boxes for each room that you'll need quick access to. For example, you'll want to keep personal toiletries, shower curtains and liners, a first-aid kit and other necessities easily accessible for the bathroom. Label these boxes "Open Now" so you know which boxes are filled with the essentials – and which ones can wait until later.

3. Don't go it alone – Packing is a monumental task. Invite some friends or relatives over, buy some pizza and make it a packing party! Delegate the tasks you feel most comfortable entrusting others with, like packing up DVDs, books and other non-fragile items. A little help goes a long way to saving you some time – and sanity.

4. Don't take it all – If you realize you have 10 boxes of clothes and you haven't worn half of them in a few years, it's time to part ways. Create three piles: a "keep" pile, a "sell" pile and a "donate" pile. If time permits, hold a moving sale to unload some of the items you don't want anymore. Bonus: Selling items before you move gives you extra money that you can put toward moving expenses. Added bonus: You reduce the clutter.

5. Forward your mail – Believe it or not, people forget to do this all the time! It's easy to change your address with the U.S. Postal Service. Simply visit the USPS website, and in a few steps you're done!

6. Turn off your utilities – Check with your local utility providers, as well as other services (trash pickup, newspaper delivery, cable/Internet, phone), to inform them that you're moving. They'll need to know an exact date for your move so they can transition or cut off service. You don't want to be billed for charges after you move!

7. Change your address everywhere else – Contact your bank, credit card companies, healthcare providers, schools, etc. to give them your new address. Although your mail will be forwarded, you still want to update your contact information as soon as possible to avoid missing important bills or letters.

8. Be flexible – Closing day can be unpredictable, and sometimes there are delays. If you're scheduling movers or arranging for help, you might want to pick a day or two after closing to avoid a moving-day headache.

9. Consider hiring a professional house cleaner – Sellers don't necessarily leave their homes in sparkling condition when they leave. If time and budget permit, hire a house cleaner to make your new home move-in ready. It's one less thing for you to worry about!

Start the search for your new home.

GAITHERSBURG, MD–The 2017 housing market will present an array of new challenges to homebuyers and sellers currently looking to buy a new home or sell a home. Mortgage rates, which have increased over the last few months, are expected to continue to rise and the number of homes for sale in the Washington Metropolitan Area is expected to decrease, according to Ken Crowley, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group. Crowley said this will lead to a unique situation. While homebuyers may need to settle for a home due to the lack of inventory in the housing market, sellers will face their own set of challenges. They will need to place extra emphasis on their home’s appearance, condition and selling price.

“The rising mortgage rates and low inventory will be a major obstacle for homebuyers, especially those who start their search expecting to find their move-in ready dream home,” said Crowley. “Since homebuyers may not have the luxury of finding and purchasing their dream home, sellers will want to focus on the state of their home and asking price. A home in good condition and priced appropriately will sell in any housing market.”

For homebuyers concerned with the rising mortgage rates, there are options that may help offset the higher borrowing costs. For example, Crowley expects adjustable-rate mortgages to become more popular as rates increase.

Learn more about your options when buying or selling a home.

RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group is a locally owned and operated full-service real estate brokerage with offices located throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia. The brokerage has over 400 Realtors® and specializes in Residential and Commercial real estate. RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group is a proud supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. 

(RE/MAX Blog)- Moving to a new home, a new neighborhood and a new school can be tough for kids. Luckily, a variety of children’s books are out there to help parents explain things, add some fun and hopefully alleviate fears.

Here are a few classics – and you can post your favorite children's book titles about moving in the comments section below:

1. “Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move” by Judith Viorst
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995
Poor Alexander. First, the kid had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Now, his family is moving! Just like your kids, Alexander has to say goodbye to some special places and people, but with the help of his parents he learns to make the most of the situation.

2. “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Random House Books for Young Readers, 1981
Little Brother Bear’s pretty worried about moving, and more than a little scared. Kids can relate to his apprehension, and hopefully his positive change of view as moving day gets closer.

3. “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle
Aladdin Paperbacks, 1987
A little hermit crab has outgrown his shell and needs to find a bigger one – and new friends to help decorate it. This book will reassure kids that it will be easy to make new friends in their new town.

4. “Tigger’s Moving Day” by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld
Disney, 1999
Tigger needs a place with more bouncing room! His friends aren’t as close to his new house, but they still come and visit. A story to help kids understand they’ll still be able to hold on to old connections.

5. “Goodbye House” by Frank Asch
Moonbear Books, 1989
This book is a terrific way to talk about moving with preschoolers. After the moving van is packed, a little bear returns to say farewell to his old house, saying goodbye to everything, except, of course, the memories.

Other favorites include: “Big Dan’s Moving Van,” by Leslie McGuire, “Neville,” by Norton Juster, “The Moving House” by Mark Siegel, “I’m Not Moving, Mama” by Nancy White Carlstrom, and “The Leaving Morning,” by Angela Johnston.

Looking to a move to a neighborhood that’s great for kids (and parents)? Begin your search for a new home with RE/MAX Realty Group/100.

(RE/MAX Blog) - Did you receive a nice chunk of change with your tax return? Consider using it for home improvement projects that will increase your home's curb appeal. The following upgrades are all under $3,000.

1. Replace door No. 1
As one of the first things a prospective buyer sees, your front door is critical to your home's curb appeal. Buy a new door and spruce it up with shiny new knobs, locks and knockers. An energy-efficient door can help you save money on bills and may make you eligible for federal tax credits next year.

2. Refresh the garage
That dented garage door panel you no longer notice? Prospective buyers will. Two new garage doors will set you back just under $3,000 and do wonders for spiffing up your home's exterior.

3. Get lit
Illuminating your walkway, installing motion-sensor lights or adding lighting fixtures that highlight your home's architectural features or landscaping help your property look as appealing at night as it does during the day. Added light also helps keep your property secure.

4. Add outdoor living space
Decks and patios are among the top features buyers look for. Use your refund to install a stamped-concrete patio or a small deck, and it's almost like adding another room to your home.

(RE/MAX Blog)- Just because the temperature is freezing doesn't mean you can't warm buyers' hearts with your home's exterior during the winter. Here are a few tips to help make your property inviting.

1. Door Number One
Don't miss the opportunity to make a great first impression. New doors are worth the investment. Or, give your door a fresh coat of paint and upgrade your handles and knocker with some shiny bling. When appropriate, brightly colored doors can create a charming focal point, especially during winter when the world can seem white and grey.

2. Plant some green
Evergreen shrubs look terrific in pots on the porch and can add allure to your home's entry.

3. Keep it safe
Be sure that all walkways are clear of snow and ice. In addition to helping to prevent dangerous slips, the clean lines of a shoveled driveway look great and imply your property is well cared for.

4. Stash Santa
Past January 1, be sure to take down distracting holiday decorations. No blinking lights, reindeer on the roof, and no inflatable snow snowglobes. You can, however, dress up your front door with a non-denominational winter wreath.

5. To sit, porch-ance to dream
If there's room on your porch, consider adding a rocking chair or bistro set. While prospective buyers probably won't consider whiling away the evening out there in winter, the furniture can remind them how nice it is to sit there in warmer weather.

Planning on placing your home on the market? Begin the process by finding out what your home is worth.