Recent travels to Damascus Foreclosures

The Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) have changed the weekly update to include all properties which have been rated and have rendered our recommendation based upon the "Limejuicer Rating System". Please contact me if you would like a more detailed analysis for any of the homes listed below. Team Limejuicer and I have previewed over 3000 homes in the past year. We rate new listings and and re-rate existing listings on a weekly basis. The "Limejuicer Rating System" allows us to not only keep our seller clients informed but competitive in any market, while allowing us to find the best valued and rated properties for our buyer clients. We rate all properties according to Value, Location, Condition and Motivation.

Ridge Manor Drive, Damascus Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $250,000
Condition - 8, Value - 6, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 28 out of 40 (Will sell within the next 30 days)
HUD Owned Property, end unit, needs new carpet, but in decent shape for a foreclosure, close to shopping and schools.
Click here for additional details and photo

Ridge Manor Court, Damascus Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $224,900
Condition - 3, Value - 8, Location - 6, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 24 out of 40
Decent value, however needs work on flooring, paint and leak damage
Click here for additional details and photo

Moxley Road, Damascus Single Family Rambler
4 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms, $242,900
Condition - 3, Value - 9, Location - 9, Motivation - 6
Total Rating 27 out of 40
Concern with well, septic, hvac, needs work, good for the cash investor
Click here for additional details and photo

Sharon Street, Damascus Single Family Cape Cod
4 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms, $224,900
Condition - 6, Value - 8, Location - 8, Motivation - 8
Total Rating 30 out of 40 (Really good buy)
Needs flooring in the kitchen, dishwasher, and some paint. Nice curb appeal and alot of potential. Photo does not do it justice.
Click here for additional details and photo


Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like to learn more about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.

Lawrence Evans
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156

Over 50 Tips for Selling Your Home

Over 50 Tips for Selling Your Home

You may not be able to finish the basement or remodel the kitchen, but you can improve the market value of your house.

It is important to attract as many qualified buyers as possible. In preparing your home for sale, it is important to look at your home through a “buyer’s eyes.” People buy what they see. So look at your home as if you were in a buyer’s shoes. Make your home appealing and uncluttered as the home you would like to buy.

Exterior

• Mow the lawn, trim trees and shrubs away from house. You can’t sell a house if you can’t see it. Rake leaves, remove dead plants, flowers or shrubs.
• Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys and building materials neatly in the garage.
• Check for broken roof shingles, straight lines on gutters, shutters, windows and siding.
• Clean windows and front door. Paint if needed.
• Seal or resurface driveway.
• Clear patios or decks of planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues.
• In the front yard, dress up around shrubs and lamp post with large quartz stones, railroad ties, and pine bark mulch, etc.

Foyer

• Use bright light bulb in foyer light fixture.
• Turn on all lights in home in the evening to welcome potential buyers.
• Fill the house with the pleasant aroma of cinnamon, or other fresh scent.
• Spotlessly clean woodwork, carpeting and windows throughout house.
• Clear window ledges of all objects to give a nice glimpse inside and out.
• Repaint walls if necessary, in neutral color such as antique white.

Living Room

• Discard worn furniture and move extra to storage area. Too much furniture makes rooms look small.
• Visit a model home to get decorating ideas.
• Clear away all magazines, books, and unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house.
• Take down pictures that hide walls. Patch nail holes and paint.
• Add lamps and lighting if dark.
• Open curtains.
• Set out fresh flowers.

Kitchen

• Professionally clean oven and stove.
• Replace broken appliances, and repair squeaks, drips, or binds in cabinet drawers.
• Clean all appliances inside and out until they are spotless. Wax and polish floors.
• Discard old food and leftovers from refrigerator.
• Clean refrigerator front of messages, pictures and magnets.
• Clear all magazines, small appliances, and cookware from counter tops.
• If it hasn’t been used for months . . . put it away!

Family Room

• Clean fireplace.
• Replace carpet if it’s a loud color. (I know it costs money, but you’ll get it back at settlement).
• Remove all magazines, books, toys and worn furnishings that might influence a buyer’s feeling about the room.
• Create an easy-going relaxed atmosphere in your family room. This is where most families spend their time, so make it look good.

Bathrooms

• Remove any unnecessary items from counter tops, tubs, and commode. Put as much away as possible, and make each bathroom look like a “guest bathroom.”
• Sink, commode, bathtub, tile and shower curtain should look immaculate, no soap film or hair.
• Fix leaky faucets, rust stains and faulty plumbing that may squeak or bind.
• Caulk and grout tile. Bleach discolored grout.
• Replace or remove any wall paper that isn’t “conservative.”
• Coordinate towels to one or two colors only.
• Place softer bulbs in bathroom fixtures and scented flower arrangement on vanity top.

Master Bedroom

• This is the second most important-to-be-appealing room in a home (after the kitchen, before the family room and garage).
• Define areas, sleeping, dressing and sitting by furniture arrangement. Try to have bedroom look as simply furnished as possible.
• Be sure all clothes are hanging up, not laying out in the room.
• Make closets more appealing by storing off-season clothes elsewhere. Go ahead and pack them up since you’re moving away.

Children's Bedrooms

• Here’s a challenge: ask children and teenagers to help by thoroughly cleaning up their rooms, removing all posters, questionable photographs. Low lighting and clutter make bedrooms look smaller or darker than they are.
• Patch and paint walls if necessary.
• Open curtains.

Garage

• The perfect garage contains only cars. But if this is not possible, clean up, fix up, sell or toss out unneeded items. (This may be your only opportunity).
• Clean and seal cement floor.
• Neatly stack tools and clean up work bench and tidy up storage shelf areas.

Basement

• A finished basement is great! Just follow same guidelines given for preparing the family room.
• If unfinished, make sure concrete floor is well swept and clean.
• Seal or paint concrete floors (battleship grey).
• Clean water heater, change filters, and put strong light bulbs in fixtures.

Question and Answer

Q. Should We Remodel or Decorate?

A. While redecorating can make a home look more attractive, it is difficult to anticipate what a new buyer may be looking for in your home. It’s best to simply prepare your home with a clean, uncluttered appearance.

If anything, you may want to invest in some fresh paint. Paint can go a long way in enhancing the appeal of your home.

If your home is in need of paint or carpeting, it’s better to invest the money and buy it ahead of time. Rather than hope a buyer has a vivid imagination of what your home will look like without spots on the carpet and chipped paint on the walls, make it look its best when they see it. You only have one chance to make a good first impression!

Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like more advice from The Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) or to learn about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.


Lawrence Evans
Re/Max Town Center
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156

Best and Worst Real Estate Buys for Germantown Maryland - 24th February 2010

Team Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) have changed the weekly update to include all properties which have been rated and have rendered our recommendation based upon the "Limejuicer Rating System". Please contact me if you would like a more detailed analysis for any of the homes listed below. Team Limejuicer and I have previewed over 3000 homes in the past year. We rate new listings and and re-rate existing listings on a weekly basis. The "Limejuicer Rating System" allows us to not only keep our seller clients informed but competitive in any market, while allowing us to find the best valued and rated properties for our buyer clients. We rate all properties according to Value, Location, Condition and Motivation.

Galway Bay Circle, Ashmore Condo
1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom, $133,000
Condition - 7, Value - 8, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 29 out of 40 (Will sell within the next few days)
Rare Find - 1 Car Garage
Click here for additional info and photo

Minstrel Tune Drive, Kings Square Colonial Single Family
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms, $487,000
Condition - 7, Value - 7, Location - 6, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 27 out of 40
Nice Home well presented
Click here for additional details and photo

Meander Cove Drive, Villas of Willow Cove
2 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms, $220,000
Condition - 6, Value - 5, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 25 out of 40
Needs TLC and showcasing
Click here for additional details and photo

Shore Harbour Drive, Shore Harbour Condo
2 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms, $199,900
Condition - 5, Value - 8, Location - 10, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 30 out of 40 (Great buy with Panoramic Lake Views)
Needs Carpet, appliances, and paint (Foreclosure)
Click here for additional details and photo

Lake Spray Terrace, Milestone Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $354,900
Condition - 7, Value - 6, Location - 6, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 26 out of 40
Townhome with a loft
Click here for additional details and photo

Severndale Terrace, Wexford Split Foyer
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $264,900
Condition - 5, Value - 9, Location - 5, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 26 out of 40 (Foreclosure)
Backs to Rt. 355 hurts its rating
Click here for additional info and photo

Brundidge Terrace, Brandermill Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $171,900
Condition - 4, Value - 9, Location - 6, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 26 out of 40 (Foreclosure)
Very poor condition


Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like to learn more about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.

Lawrence Evans
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156

Post Snow Storm Best Real Estate Buys in Germantown

Team Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) have changed the weekly update to include all properties which have been rated and have rendered our recommendation based upon the "Limejuicer Rating System". Please contact me if you would like a more detailed analysis for any of the homes listed below. Team Limejuicer and I have previewed over 3000 homes in the past year. We rate new listings and and re-rate existing listings on a weekly basis. The "Limejuicer Rating System" allows us to not only keep our seller clients informed but competitive in any market, while allowing us to find the best valued and rated properties for our buyer clients. We rate all properties according to Value, Location, Condition and Motivation.

Chalet Place, Farmingdale Condo
2 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms, $175,000
Condition - 7, Value - 4, Location - 7, Motivation - 6
Total Rating 24 out of 40
Decent Location
Click here for additional info and photo

Chalet Drive, Farmingdale Condo
2 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms, $122,900
Condition - 6, Value - 8, Location - 7, Motivation - 6
Total Rating 27 out of 40
Good Value, Needs carpet and paint
Click here for additional details and photo

Split Rock Lane, Stoneridge Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $279,000
Condition - 8, Value - 6, Location - 6, Motivation - 6
Total Rating 26 out of 40
One of a kind in Stoneridge
Click here for additional details and photo

Pepper Court, Germantown Estates Rambler
4 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $579,000
Condition - 7, Value - 1, Location - 8, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 23 out of 40
Nice Location, Good Yard
Click here for additional details and photo

Liberty Heights Court, Liberty Heights Townhome
3 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms, $244,900
Condition - 7, Value - 7, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 28 out of 40
Good Buy
Click here for additional details and photo


Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like to learn more about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.

Lawrence Evans
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156

Pre-Snow Storm Best Buys in Germantown Maryland

Team Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) have changed the weekly update to include all properties which have been rated and have rendered our recommendation based upon the "Limejuicer Rating System". Please contact me if you would like a more detailed analysis for any of the homes listed below. Team Limejuicer and I have previewed over 3000 homes in the past year. We rate new listings and and re-rate existing listings on a weekly basis. The "Limejuicer Rating System" allows us to not only keep our seller clients informed but competitive in any market, while allowing us to find the best valued and rated properties for our buyer clients. We rate all properties according to Value, Location, Condition and Motivation.

Ambassador Drive, Landing Glen Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $250,000
Condition - 7, Value - 5, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 26 out of 40
Flipped Property
Click here for additional details and photo

Ambassador Drive, Landing Glen Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $250,000
Condition - 8, Value - 5, Location - 6, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 26 out of 40
Nicely Staged, Backs to Townhomes
Click here for additional details and photo

Laurel Hill Way, Churchill Village Townhome
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms, $339,875
Condition - 7, Value - 6, Location - 10, Motivation - 6
Total Rating 29 out of 40 = Above Average
Panoramic view of Lake Churchill, Nice Find
Click here for additional details and photo

Walnutwood Court, Churchill Village South Single Family Colonial
4 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $449,000
Condition - 7, Value - 4, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 25 out of 40
Partial seasonal view of the Lake, Old Carpet, Newer Appliances
Click here for additional details and photo

Demetrias Way, Chuchill Village Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $145,350
Condition - 6, Value - 8, Location - 7, Motivation - 8
Total Rating 29 out of 40 = Above Average
Hud owned property, Good buy - Will sell quickly

Climbing Ivy Court, Germantown View Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $197,500
Condition - 1, Value - 9, Location - 6, Motivation - 8
Total Rating 24 out of 40
Gutted property needs everything from top to bottom
Click here for additional details and photo

Open Hearth Way, Pleasant Fields Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $151,000
Condition - 5, Value - 9, Location - 7, Motivation - 6
Total Rating 27 out of 40 = Average
Needs carpet, paint and TLC, End Unit
Click here for additional details and photo

Amarillo Court, Manchester Farms Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms, $233,450
Condition - 7, Value - 6, Location - 7, Motivation - 7
Total Rating 27 out of 40 = Average
Decent Shape, Foreclosure
Click here for additional details and photo

Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like to learn more about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.

Lawrence Evans
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156

Some of the Best and Worst Buys in Germantown Maryland

Team Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) have changed the weekly update to include all properties which have been rated and have rendered our recommendation based upon the "Limejuicer Rating System". Please contact me if you would like a more detailed analysis for any of the homes listed below. Team Limejuicer and I have previewed over 3000 homes in the past year. We rate new listings and and re-rate existing listings on a weekly basis. The "Limejuicer Rating System" allows us to not only keep our seller clients informed but competitive in any market, while allowing us to find the best valued and rated properties for our buyer clients. We rate all properties according to Value, Location, Condition and Motivation.

Timber Hollow Place, Gunners Lake Village Townhome
2 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom - $149,900
Condition - 5; Pricing - 5; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 23 out of 40
Old Appliances, Carpet, Paint and TLC
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Does Not Recommend

Walnut Cove Circle, Gunners Lake Village Townhome
2 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms - $295,000
Condition - 7; Pricing - 6; Location - 8; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 27 out of 40
Backs to Woods, New Kitchen and Hardwoods
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Recommended

Gunners Branch Road, Greenfield Commons Condo
2 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms - $99,900
Condition - 5; Pricing - 8; Location - 5; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 24 out of 40
Old Appliances, Carpet, Paint, Odor
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Does Not Recommend

Appledowre Circle, Brandermill Condo
1Bedroom and 1 Bathroom - $88,500
Condition - 1; Pricing - 8; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 22 out of 40
Needs completed renovation
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Doesn't Recommend

Scottsbury Terrace, Wexford Single Family Split Foyer
4 Bedroom and 2 Bathrooms - $272,300
Condition -3; Pricing - 9; Location - 8; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 26 out of 40
Old Appliances, Needs Paint, TLC, Backs to trees
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Marginal Recommendation

Virginia Pine Drive, Seneca Crossing Single Family Colonial
6 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms - $539,900
Condition - 7; Pricing - 7; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 26 out of 40
No Backyard, Corner Lot
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Marginal Recommendation

Pickering Drive, Churchill Town Sector Townhome
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms - $184,900
Condition - 5; Pricing - 9; Location - 7; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 28 out of 40
Old Appliances, Needs Flooring, Paint and TLC
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Recommended

Woodfield Road, Damascus County View Rambler
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms- $425,000
Condition - 10; Pricing - 7; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 29 out of 40
Completely renovated top to bottom
See More Details and Photo
Limejuicer Highly Recommends


Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like to learn more about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.

Lawrence Evans
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156

Which Clarksburg or Damascus Foreclosure would you buy?

Team Limejuicer (aka Lawrence Evans) have changed the weekly update to include all properties which have been rated and have rendered our recommendation based upon the "Limejuicer Rating System". Please contact me if you would like a more detailed analysis for any of the homes listed below. Team Limejuicer and I have previewed over 3000 homes in the past year. We rate new listings and and re-rate existing listings on a weekly basis. The "Limejuicer Rating System" allows us to not only keep our seller clients informed but competitive in any market, while allowing us to find the best valued and rated properties for our buyer clients. We rate all properties according to Value, Location, Condition and Motivation.

Robin Song Drive, Clarksburg Village Townhome
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathroom - $324,900
Condition - 6; Pricing - 7; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 26 out of 40
Cul-de-sac location, needs paint and carpet
Limejuicer Marginal Recommendation

Clarks Crossing Drive, Clarksburg Town Center Townhome
3 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms - $389,000
Condition - 6; Pricing - 8; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 26 out of 40
Needs paint and flooring, 2 Car detached garage
Limejuicer Recommended

Branchbrier Way, Clarksburg Town Center Townhome
3 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms - $369,600
Condition - 7; Pricing - 8; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 28 out of 40
Shows well, 2 Car Detached garage, Will Sell Quickly
Limejuicer High Recommendation

Burdette Forest Road, Clarksburg Town Center Single Family Colonial
4 Bedroom and 2 1/2 Bathrooms - $554,900
Condition - 6; Pricing - 5; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 24 out of 40
Old Carpet, Needs paint,
Limejuicer Doesn't Recommend

Murphy Grove Terrace, Clarksburg Town Center Single Family Colonial
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathroom - $479,000
Condition -7; Pricing - 8; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 27 out of 40
Shows well, Well priced, 2 Car Garage Detached
Limejuicer Recommended

Tregoning Place, Shaeffer Farm Single Family Colonial
5 Bedroom and 5 1/2 Bathrooms - $760,000
Condition - 6; Pricing - 6; Location - 7; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 26 out of 40
Needs some TLC, barren landscaping
Limejuicer Marginal Recommendation

Oak Drive, Damascus Outside Single Family Rambler
4 Bedroom and 3 Bathrooms - $279,800
Condition - 6; Pricing - 10; Location - 8; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 30 out of 40
Interesting property, Lots of Potential
Limejuicer Highly Recommended

Brigadier Place, Damascus Gardens Condominium
2 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom - $109,900
Condition - 5; Pricing - 7; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 6
Scored 24 out of 40
Needs Paint, Carpet, Appliances
Limejuicer Doesn't Recommend

Brigadier Place, Damascus Gardens Condominium
2 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom - $99,900
Condition - 5; Pricing - 8; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 26 out of 40
Needs new front door, paint, carpet and TLC
Limejuicer Marginal Recommendation

Woodfield Rd, County View Single Family Rambler
4 Bedroom and 3 Bathrooms - $289,900
Condition - 6; Pricing - 8; Location - 6; Seller Motivation - 8
Scored 28 out of 40
Approved for Rehab financing, Decent property
Limejuicer Recommended

Angela Court, Clearspring Manor Single Family Colonial
4 Bedroom and 3 1/2 Bathrooms - $350,000
Condition - 5; Pricing - 8; Location - 7; Seller Motivation - 7
Scored 27 out of 40
No Fridge, needs new heating system, TLC
Limejuicer Recommended


Hopefully you found this information useful, if you would like to learn more about the Limejuicer Rating system please feel free to contact me directly. Team Limejuicer is waiting to serve your real estate needs and always welcomes referrals! Thank you for your time.

Lawrence Evans
Real Estate Consultant
(301) 922-2156