(RE/MAX Blog)- Keeping your home looking like a furniture showroom for long stretches isn't easy. Here are a few tips to keep your house ready for showings while you're still living in it.

1. Attack the clutter
As you prepare your home for showing, start with a major decluttering. Throw out, recycle or give away things you don't use. Getting rid of junk will make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and free up space for you to neatly store things when it's time to tidy up for a showing.

2. Rent storage space
Keeping things neat is easier when you have less things. An off-site storage unit can help (and you can keep it as messy as you like).

3. Start packing
Packing most of your dishes and large baking and cooking items frees up cabinet space that you can use to stash items you use on a regular basis. It also gives you a head start on packing for your move.

4. Rope off a room – or two
If you can, temporarily rope off rooms or areas from the kids, pets or spouses to contain your mess in a smaller space while your house is listed. But remember to make those rooms look nice, too, before the showing!

5. Buy hiding spots
The home sections of discount stores are filled with attractive fabric boxes and fashionable bins that can simultaneously hide junk and match your décor.

6. If all else fails, stash it under the bed
Invest in a couple of under-the-bed bins that you can use to store everything from socks to kids' toys in when faced with a last-minute showing.

Begin the home selling process today with the number one RE/MAX brokerage in Maryland and Northern Virginia. 

(RE/MAX Blog)- Is the cost of furniture causing to you to debate if a kitchen table is a “want” or a “need”? Don’t worry! There are plenty of options for you to furnish your nest without breaking the bank. Here are some good places to start:

1. Check with Craig
Craigslist.org: the 24-hour garage sale where you never need to worry about parking! Not just for used items, many furniture warehouses use the site to move merchandise. Search by style, like “modern” or “shabby chic,” or by brand, such as “IKEA” or “Pottery Barn.” Don’t forget to compare prices on the original sale site to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

2. Give fleas a chance
If you’re patient (and lucky) you can find all sorts of treasures at flea market. Many feature vendors who focus on refurbished pieces, providing a unique way to go green.

3. Antique stores
Just because an item is an antique doesn’t mean it’s not functional. Many stores pride themselves on refurbishing old appliances and vintage pieces for everyday use, so you’re not buying a sofa that’s too fancy to actually sit on. You’ll also discover that the term “antique” is used loosely. A vintage looking chair from 2005 may be hidden among furniture from the 1970s.

4. Estate sales
You can score amazing deals when an owner needs to clear out an entire house. Arrive early and don’t hesitate to haggle.

5. Help clear the floor
Have a favorite furniture or home décor store that’s a bit over your budget? Ask if they ever sell floor models for a reduced price.

6. Online options
Wayfair.com and Overstock.com offer free shipping on purchases over $50. Both have a wide assortment of styles and price ranges on everything from headboards for your kid to cushion beds for your dog.

Wherever you shop, try to avoid the temptation to buy poor quality furniture that may end up costing you more in the long run. That sofa on super-closeout-clearance? It may seem like a steal, but if the material wears out quickly and the style isn’t timeless, you may find yourself on the market for another couch sooner than you would like.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD- Nearly two hundred real estate professionals gathered together at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center on Thursday, October 20, 2016 for the RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group Real Estate Team Summit.

The Summit, which took place from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, addressed how to build the right team with the right agents, the strengths of the team model, how to increase transactions and so much more. Attendees registered for the event included real estate agents, sponsors and locals looking to begin their career in the real estate industry.

Presenters included Real Estate Recruiting Coach and Speaker, Judy LaDeur; the number one RE/MAX Residential Team Leader in the U.S., Marti Hampton; and Mount Pleasant Magazine’s voted best Realtor and Real Estate Team, Caleb Pearson.  RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group Broker/Owner Ken Crowley also presented to attendees before serving as the moderator of a panel discussion with Marti Hampton, Caleb Pearson and The Prigal Brothers and Associates, the top team with RE/MAX Realty Group in Gaithersburg.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our first Real Estate Team Summit,” said Broker/Owner Ken Crowley. “It was truly a success. Our goal was to host an incredible event filled with beneficial information for agents in the community. As a Broker/Owner, agent success is a priority and I truly believe we reached our goal.”

RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group is the seventh largest real estate company in the Washington Metropolitan area, the number one brokerage in Maryland and Northern Virginia, and one of 120 largest brokerages in the United States.

(RE/MAX Blog)- A home inspection can be a nerve-racking part of the home-buying process – but it is also a vital step. Here are a few things an inspector may find that could add to the cost of a home – or save you from buying a lemon altogether.

1. Lurking charges

Even though a home's electrical system may seem to function adequately, inspections can reveal safety issues. This frequently happens with old wiring that's corroded or outdated, or with new wiring that was improperly installed.

2. A failing grade

Poor grading, or a slope that drains water toward your house instead of away from it, can cause all kinds of problems such as flooded crawl spaces or basements, rotting walls and framing, and mold and foundation damage.

3. Trouble on top

Roofing materials don't last forever, and inspectors often find problems with aging materials that will soon cause problems. The scale of necessary repairs can range from needing to replace a few shingles to needing an entirely new roof.

4. Mold

Especially in humid regions, mold can sprout anywhere moisture collects, like attics, basements and drywall around leaky pipes. If the inspector finds mold, a separate mold inspection may be required.

5. Foundation flaws

As a home settles over the years, the foundation can shift. Symptoms include cracks in the drywall, uneven floors, and doors and windows that won't shut. While home inspectors can identify basic foundation issues, if they see something that seems structurally suspicious, they'll often recommend you call a foundation engineer to assess the situation.

6. Not going with the flow

Inspectors often find clogged or bent gutters, or gutters that channel water too close to the house, where it can cause damage.

(RE/MAX Blog)- Every year in the U.S., more than 50,000 kids are rushed to the emergency room for home playground equipment-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. To keep kids safe, remember the following tips when it comes to creating and maintaining play space in your yard.

1. Soften the fall
If you have a play set in your yard, consider upgrading the ground around and below it, as kids will inevitably be landing on it from a tall height or at high speeds. About 60 percent of all playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground, and a more shock-absorbent surface can reduce the risk of serious injury. Consider sand, wood chips, pea gravel or shredded rubber.

2. Keep a safety zone
If you install equipment like swings or a trampoline, be sure to place them a safe distance from fences, trees or your house in case kids accidentally (or not!) launch themselves in that direction.

3. Go with a pro
While it's great to have friends or family members offer to help assemble and secure your backyard play equipment, it can pay to invest in professional installation. This will help ensure the fort doesn't collapse during your kid's birthday party or the jungle gym doesn't go sailing the next time the wind kicks up.

4. Inspect your equipment regularly
Standing up against the weather – and kids – can take its toll, even on the highest quality play equipment. Check the hardware and wood to make sure bolts and screws remain secure and rot (or splinter-causing flaking) doesn't begin.

5. Beware of lawn treatments
Know what's in any lawn treatment to make sure it's safe for kids and pets to roll around in.

Wondering how much value your backyard adds to your home's potential sale price? Begin the process to finding out what your home is worth.

(RE/MAX Blog)- Nothing lasts forever – including the "vintage" stove that came with your adorable fixer-upper or the washing machine your parents gave you when they decided to downgrade. When it's time to replace the appliances in your home, here are four considerations to keep in mind.

1. Repairing vs. replacing
Sometimes an appliance is so far gone (smoke is often a sign) that repairing it is not an option. And if the estimate for a repair is more than half the price of a new (or great, used) machine, Consumer Reports says you're better off buying.

2. Classified ads
There are several reasons someone may be selling a perfectly good appliance. They may be moving to a smaller home. They may need a bigger, more powerful version. They may no longer be able to resist the lure of a fridge with a smart panel that tells their phone when they're out of eggs. Appliance repair pros tell Angie's List that newer appliances tend to have about half the life span of past models, so just because a machine is a few years old, it doesn't mean it's time for it to go.

3. New, but not perfect
Ads may insist Labor Day weekend (and then Veteran's Day, and then the next holiday, etc.) is the very best time to find deals on appliances, but if you don't mind a cosmetic blemish or two, you can find deals year-round. Many big box and furniture stores and outlets have "scratch-and-dent" sections where you can find significant discounts.

4. Refurbished shops
Some stores specialize in repaired appliances. They often come with delivery and service offers. If you can, bring a pro (or at least a handy person) with you when you shop to take a look. If the store doesn't know a machine's age, you can look it up by serial number here: http://www.appliance411.com/.

Is it time to upgrade your home as well as appliances? Let us help you with your search for your next dream home.

(MONTGOMERY COUNTY)- RE/MAX Realty Group and RE/MAX Realty Group is hosting a Team Summit on Thursday, October 20, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Hyattsville, MD 20783. 

The Summit will address information beneficial to real estate agents who want to start a team or hire an assistant and agents who are already part of a team and want to take their team to the next level.

Presenters include:

- Judy LaDeur, Real Estate Recruiting Coach and Speaker

- Marti Hampton, #1 RE/MAX Realty Residential Team Leader in the United States

- Caleb Pearson, Mount Pleasant Magazine's voted Best Realtor and Real Estate Team

- The Prigal Brothers and Associates, the top team at RE/MAX Realty Group in Gaithersburg, Maryland

This is a free event you will not want to miss! Lunch will be provided. All agents are welcome regardless of affiliation. 

Register today at eventbrite. Seats are filling up quickly. 

(RE/MAX Blog)- By Carriann Johnson, interior designer and TV personality

I've seen the look on people's faces when I suggest something needs to be updated in their home. They become deflated, overwhelmed and oftentimes confused. Please remember, it's not personal. The goal is to make your home shine – and sell for the best possible price.

Consider making some of the following updates before listing your home. It could add to your confidence when putting your home on the market, and possibly bump up the sale price as well.

1. Do a walk-through of your home
Visit each room and make a checklist of items that need to be repaired or replaced – and be objective while doing so. Keep an eye out for outdated styles, bold patterns and colors, dated fixtures, unfinished projects, and over-cluttered closets and cabinets – these items all need to be considered to showcase your home in the best light possible. After making your checklist, develop a budget and establish dates on your calendar to complete these tasks.

2. Incorporate today's styles and trends

Our homes and our styles are as individualized as we are. So although you may love an ultramodern or country cottage look, the majority of buyers may not. Choose transitional styles if you need to replace your lighting, hardware, appliances or flooring. And don't be afraid to ask your local suppliers for help during the selection process.

3. Remember: First impressions count
It takes just 15 seconds to grab the hearts of potential buyers – or leave them completely unimpressed. Make those 15 seconds count! Fresh sealant on a driveway, vibrant and healthy plants on the front porch, a clean rug and a nice fragrance in the entryway, clutter-free hallways – these all make a huge impact but require little effort.

4. Focus on the kitchen and baths
Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most frequently used areas of any home, so put in some extra effort to freshen them up! Things like stained shower stalls and toilets, broken grout, leaky faucets or dated cabinet hardware are easily replaced at little cost. Or, instead of replacing tubs or shower stalls, consider having them professionally resprayed for a fresh new look. A small investment goes a long way in these spaces. And when it comes to hardware and supplies for kitchens and baths, consider shopping online. Many online suppliers don't have a middleman in the process, so they can sell their items for much less than local hardware retailers.

5. Let's talk paint
Paint is a minimal investment, especially if you have the skills to do the painting yourself. From walls to doors to cabinets to fixtures (and even tile), paint can drastically transform spaces. Keep your selections neutral and universally pleasing. Cover bold colors with neutral ones, making the home move-in ready. My pick for some timeless choices by Sherwin Williams are: Totally Tan SW6115, Believable Buff SW6120, Latte SW6108 and Universal Khaki SW6150.

(RE/MAX Blog)-If you would like to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, some updates may be in order. Outdated details such as that wallpaper or pink bathroom tiles that may have been on trend when you first purchased your home, may not exactly be perceived as attractive selling points from current home buyers. Therefore, it may be beneficial to bring your home up-to-date by making changes when trying to get the best offer possible. Here is a list of some items that may date your home.

Items that may date your home:

• Popcorn ceilings: Update to a smooth textured surface
• Tiled counter tops: Update to a clean sleek, easy to clean surface such as granite or quartz
• Brass fixtures: Home buyers tend to prefer fixtures that feature more neutral shades, such as black or gray.

Tips and Tricks:

• Have a low budget? Update cabinet hardware or light fixtures for a huge impact without breaking the bank.
• Get second opinion: Sometimes it is hard to tell what changes need to be made. Ask a friend or a real estate agent for their opinion.
• Grab inspiration from social media or online. Look on pinterest for idea.

(RE/MAX Blog)-If you have a large backyard and are looking into investing in a fence, there are numerous factors to take into consideration. Here are six tips to help you get started.

1. Do your Research

Check with your Homeowners Association or neighborhood organizations for specific regulations, such as fence height, materials and colors. Also check with your local municipality and utility company about buried cables and lines or required easements.

2. Consult Professionals

Fencing may impact your home’s appeal. Talk to a real estate agent or an appraise familiar with your local market to help choose materials and where to place your fence.

3. Chat with neighbors

Consider informing your next door neighbors about how you are thinking about getting a fence. Getting them on-board and in agreement about property lines before being the project, will avoid future disputes.

4. Match your house

Choose a fence that architecturally matches the style of your house for curb side appeal.

5. Understand Maintenance

Be aware of the required upkeep. For instance, some wooden fences will need frequent sealing and staining.

6. Consider living fences

Adding landscaping can increase the value of your home. Strategically placed shrubs and trees can develop into beautiful fences that also act as attractive landscaping.