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Wherever you call home, this list of odes, ballads and anthems will have you feeling nostalgic

Top 8 Songs to Make You Think About Home

Tue, August 25, 2015

By Clare Hatcher, RE/MAX Social Media Intern

In honor of your new home, your search for a new home or your ongoing love of your current home, here is the ultimate list of timeless "home" songs.  Feel free to blast them on repeat throughout your house. (Spotify users: listen along at http://rem.ax/1PwbwM9 )

1. “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes: This adorable duet between a quirky couple proclaims: “Home is wherever I’m with you.” Many will agree that it’s not four walls but the people within them that make a house a home.

2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynard Skynard: This classic song could make even the most stubborn New Yorkers want to move down south, where the “skies are so blue.” It’s too bad they don’t have their own anthem to cling to…

3. "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra: Ah yes. Who could forget the timeless ode to the “the very heart of it” all?

4. “Homecoming” by Kanye West: The somewhat surprising combination of Kanye and Coldplay’s Chris Martin makes for a fun song about missing your home city (Chicago in this case, but feel free to think about your own home town).

5. “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert: This sweet, sad song about Lambert revisiting her childhood home is very relatable if you’ve ever had a strong connection to physical place.

6. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home?” by Bon Jovi: Yes, you tell ’em Bon Jovi! Don’t let anyone say you can’t go home.

7. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver: Even if you’re not from West Virginia, you’ll likely relate to Denver’s nostalgic longing for familiar scenery.

8. “Home” by Philip Phillips: I’m sure all RE/MAX agents can relate to singer-songwriter Phillip’s cheerful confidence when he sings: “I’m gonna make this place your home.”

Ready to find a home that makes you want to sing? Start your search with a qualified RE/MAX agen

You’ve spent days preparing your home for potential buyers to tour– now what?

7 Things Sellers Can Expect From Their Open House

You’ve stashed the family jewels, power-washed the porch, and packed up your family photos. Now that the prep work is done here are a few things you can expect when people start touring your home:

1. To leave.
Let your Realtor handle the open house. You want prospective buyers to envision themselves in your home and not be distracted by your presence as they explore.

2. For curious neighbors to drop by.
At least one set of nosy neighbors is likely to show up to snoop. On the bright side, they’ll be able to talk up the neighborhood to potential buyers.

3. To stay on the grid.
Wherever you go during the open house, be sure to remain reachable by cell phone in case your Realtor has a question.

4. To find a new place to park.
Park your car at a neighbor’s during the open house to free up space for buyers.

5. People to want details “to go.”
Be sure to have a flyer or brochure with the important information about your listing for potential buyers to take with them.

6. Feedback.
Your Realtor will solicit comments from the buyers and agents who visit. This feedback can be helpful in adjusting your expectations, your listing price, or your list of improvements to complete before the next open house.

7. To be patient.
Just because you don’t have an offer by the time you go to bed the night of your open house doesn’t mean the event wasn’t a success. It often takes 24 to 48 hours for foot traffic at an open house to translate into phone calls.

Thinking of listing your home? A RE/MAX agent can help you make sure it’s ready for the scrutiny of an open house, attract people to the event and show off your home’s best features.

Here are a few suggestions to help you find a place that makes everyone happy.

9 Tips For Compromising During Your Home Search

Everyone has their own unique vision of their dream home, which is why finding the “perfect” house for both you and your spouse can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions to help you work together to find a place that makes everyone happy.

1. Make a list.
Each person should sit down and make a list of the top ten or so features he or she wants in the next home.

2. Want or need?
Categorize each item on your list as a “want,” such as a magnificent view from the back deck, or a “need,” such as a home with a ranch layout to accommodate your achy knees.

3. Prioritize.
Arrange your lists from most important to least important features.

4. Discuss.
Discuss why each item is important to you so your partner understands your motivation and logic. Allow them the opportunity to do the same for their list.

5. Keep an open mind.
Don’t automatically eliminate properties with items you and your partner don’t agree on. One of you could change your mind after seeing a feature up close.

6. Ask your Realtor to mediate.
Your Realtor works for both parties, and therefore won’t play favorites. He or she can provide neutral advice on which features are a good fit for your budget, and which ones aren’t as great as they seem.

7. Calculate changes.
Sometimes, the features that a home lacks or needs changed won’t break the bank to address. Floors, closets, decks, countertops and sinks can all be upgraded for a cost that might be less painful than an argument.

8. Take a time out.
House hunting can be emotionally charged. If discussions get heated, take a break. Go for a walk or a coffee and agree to not discuss real estate until you return.

9. Keep the bigger issue in mind.
Whichever home you choose, you’re about to embark on a new adventure! Positive thinking goes a long way in the home search process.

Need a third party to help you and your spouse meet in the middle? Find a RE/MAX agent

Downsizing? Use these tips to reduce clutter and maximize space.

How to Maximize Your Small Space

By Lindsey Turner, Social Media Intern

Living in a college dorm and then sharing a room in a sorority house has required me to become an expert in downsizing! Whether you’re moving in with roommates, buying a smaller home or living in temporary housing, here are tips that worked for me to reduce clutter and maximize space.

Sort it out. It’s time to confront your junk drawer. You’ll be surprised at how much is actually, well, junk. Toss out anything you don’t use to make room for more important items.

Think seasonal. If your new living arrangements are temporary, don’t bring your whole closet when you only need to prepare for one season. Leave your winter boots and snow gear at home or in storage. Swap out what you need when it’s time.

Go shopping. Clearly you don’t need more stuff, but you’ll be surprised at the clever organization systems available at Bed, Bath & Beyond or The Container Store. A little organization goes a long way to make your space seem uncluttered and larger in size. Just be sure to walk past the “As Seen on TV” aisle as quickly as possible!

Donate or consign. Be honest with yourself: Anything you haven’t worn in the past year has run its course in your wardrobe. If you can’t bear to just give away a prized designer skirt, research local consignment stores you can try selling it to.

Continue the trend. Once you’ve thinned out your closet, you’ll no longer need a full dresser set. Sell or donate the larger piece and hunt for smaller furniture.

Show gratitude. You’ll find a ton of great hidden treasures while packing that might not make sense for your new home. Hand them off to the friends and family who help you move.

Strategize. The point of a walk-in closet is that a human being can actually fit inside unimpeded by falling boxes, shoes or memorabilia. Before you aimlessly shove an item under the bed or in a spare closet corner, find a box to add order to the chaos. And be sure to label it!

You’ll feel so accomplished after finally organizing your home, you’ll be eager to tackle other projects around the house. 

Things Buyers Can Expect at an Open House

7 Things Buyers Can Expect at an Open House

Wed, September 2, 2015

Touring homes can be one of the better parts of the home buying process. For a brief moment you can envision your life in what might be your new home! Still, stepping into someone else’s home, especially during an open house, can be intimidating. Here’s what you can expect:

1. To be asked to sign in.
The agent will ask you to sign in with your contact information so he or she can follow up. Of course you are free to decline.

2. To remove your shoes.
After all, the homeowners has worked hard to make the place sparkle. Tracking dirt onto the carpet or hardwood destroys their effort.

3. (Not) to meet the seller.
Sellers working with an agent usually leave during open houses. This provides you the opportunity to explore free from the distraction of a hovering owner.

4. To scope out the competition.
The number of other people touring the home (and the amount of traffic throughout the day, which you can track on the sign-in sheet if you visit on the late side) can give you a good indication of the level of interest in the property.

5. To wait your turn.
If there are several groups during your visit, wait for them to leave a room before you enter. It’s a great chance to eavesdrop as they may ask the Realtor questions you hadn’t thought of, or comment on features you might not notice yourself.

6. To meet the neighbors.
Chances are, they’ll stop by for a peek. Ask them about the neighborhood. They’re the experts, after all.

7. To hold your tongue.
The Realtor will most likely ask you questions about your home search. Be savvy about what you reveal. Don’t give away any information that could compromise your bargaining power.

Not all homes on the market hold an open house. To expand your touring options, consider working with a buyer’s agent.

Interested in using a container for your next move? Here’s what you need to know

6 Things to Know About Container Companies

Movable containers are becoming popular for the storage and transportation of small furniture and other items. A contracted company drops an empty container at your residence, you pack it up with furniture and small items, then another truck hauls the container to a new destination.

Interested in using a container for your next move? Here’s what you need to know:

1. You only pay for what you need.
Most companies offer 7, 12 and 16-foot containers.

2. No need to drive a moving truck.
You pack it. They move it. Because a driver picks up your packed container and relocates it, you don’t have to worry about making a 20-point turn in a 16-ft. moving truck.

3. Storage is available.
Several moving container franchises have their own facilities where you can stash your container until you’re ready to relocate it. Stacking containers is more space efficient for the companies than operating traditional storage garages. This makes it more cost efficient for you.

4. Less legwork is involved.
No need to risk rolling the family heirlooms up a wobbly ramp to the back of a rental truck. The containers sit on the ground.

5. You can pack at your convenience.
Some companies rent the units by the month, others give you a few days before and after delivery and relocation to pack and unpack. Either way, you have more than just a single day to finish everything.

6. They’re available when you’re staying put.
De-clutter your home for showings without throwing away a thing! The containers are also great options for keeping your things safely out of the way while showing your home.

Before you book a container, make sure it’s legal to have one parked at both your current and new place. An experienced Realtor can help you find out the rules. Find a RE/MAX agent