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        <title>Pure Energy Real Estate BLOG</title>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/reinventing-the-kitchen-backsplash.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/reinventing-the-kitchen-backsplash.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Reinventing the Back-Splash</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



When renovating kitchens and bathrooms for clients we often toy with innovative back-splash ideas, but the reality is, when putting a house on the market, the best option is usually the more neutral one. However, this hasn't stopped us looking at creative approaches, transforming the classic tile back-splash into the focal point of a room.


We found a selection of super fun, innovative backsplashes that re-use discarded materials, pattern, natural resources, bright pops of color and wallpaper. 


A new back-splash doesn't have to be expensive or permanent. In fact, as I looked for ideas I stumbled across many blog posts and websites dedicated to providing back-splash ideas on a budget, tailored for renters in particular. Apartment Therapy has some great suggestions that cover both bases. HGTV offers some great video tutorials and tips for installation and practicality. Here are a couple of tips from the Pure Energy design team:




Before installing a back-splash, think about the 'splatter zones' and ensure that the materials you are selecting will hold up to water, oil splatters and food that will leave stains over time


If you are using porous, absorbent materials such as terracotta tile or wallpaper, cover it with glass or plexi-glass for protection


Colored glass looks fabulous but can get pricey. Try adding a cheap and cheerful pop of color to a kitchen or bathroom by masking off the area to be painted and painting directly on the wall. Once dry, fix sheets of plexi-glass over it, screwing into the wall at each corner


Before adhering tile to the wall, arrange/space it out and pre-cut awkward sized pieces in advance 


Avoid using abrasive cleaning products on your back-splash- warm soapy water should be sufficient for cleaning


In a smaller space, a mirrored back-splash can offer a visually bigger one




 Hope these inspirational photos get the creative ball rolling!



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            <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 16:21:16 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/color-of-the-month-soothing-celery.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/color-of-the-month-soothing-celery.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Color of the Month: Soothing Celery</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Green represents nature, renewal and the Spring season, which is why celery green seems like the perfect color to feature for April. 


Green also symbolizes peace, good luck, tranquility and a sense of calm. Historically, theatres painted rooms where performers waited before their performance in green due to its calming effect. This may be why green remains a common choice of color in bedrooms, dens and offices in particular- interior spaces where people seek rest and relaxation. Because we see green incorporated in nature everyday, this versatile color transitions easily to inside the home as a paint or accent color. The yellow tones of celery green give it a warm, happy vibe making it a favorite choice to energize and invigorate a space. 


Personally I love the pairing of celery green and white- the effect is fresh, clean and modern. Celery green also looks fabulous when combined with the citrus color family, bright blues and yellow and pops of bold color such as hot pink or red (refer to examples below).


To learn a little more about the psychology of green, click here. I also stumbled across a fun room-by-room break down of interior color in the home. Happy Spring everyone!




Living Room, Bathroom, Kitchen, Paint, Ikat Fabric, Coat Rack, Eames Rocking Chair





Living Room, Wallpaper, Side Table, Studio, Shelf, Office, Wall Color





Kitchen, Pendant Light, Cushion, Living Room, Bathroom, Bedroom, Cushion





Kid's Bedroom, Spindle Chair, Wallpaper, Ravioli Chair, Wall Art, Kitchen 


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            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:52:59 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/extreme-makeover-in-two-weeks.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/extreme-makeover-in-two-weeks.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>EXTREME MAKEOVER... In two weeks!!!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



As of yesterday, 9003 Sudbury Road is live on the market, but it was no easy feat getting there! This grand Colonial is a fab house in a great location, filled with abundant natural light throughout, great living spaces including a bonus den/library with floor-to-ceiling shelves and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces including a screen porch, deck, patio and huge backyard. However, as the before photos illustrate, the house was in serious need of updating to bring it into a modern day context to make it desirable to prospective buyers. 


The design team had their work cut out for them with this one, having just two weeks to gather estimates, budget, update, paint, install, replace and stage this house to perfection for the first open house. Phew! Somehow between supervising multiple contractors, dealing with delays, setbacks and a tight budget we pulled off the seemingly impossible. We achieved our goal because this is what the Pure Energy Team excel at!  Where needed, we will help you identify the priority areas in your home that need updating and investing in to ensure you see the highest return at the closing table. We will get you there by using the most cost effective and creative methods. This is what sets us apart from your regular real estate team! 


The before and after photos speak for themselves; if we can achieve a home transformation like this in just two weeks, imagine what we can do for you! You can view more examples of the design team's home renovation and staging transformations here.


#cta-addthis#


#gallery-9003-sudbury-road# 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/all-about-staging.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/all-about-staging.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>All About Staging</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Did you ever wonder what it takes to stage a house? We'll tell you what it takes! Staging a house is not just fluffing pillows and adding vases of fresh flowers to make it look pretty for the open house. When it comes to staging, the Pure Energy design team covers every base, providing everything needed, from furniture, area rugs and window treatments, to linens, wall art, chotchkies and lamps.


We use our interior design talent to transform spaces, creating immediate positive reactions from potential buyers, which helps them form an emotional connection to your home. We have an inventory of thousands of items that we draw from to create warm and appealing accents that coordinate with your existing furniture or to completely outfit a vacant property. You can learn more about our home stage service here.


Because we are often asked what we use to stage houses, we decided to tally up the staging materials it took to stage a vacant, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home to give you an example. Check out the full before and after staging photo gallery included below! Here's the list...





LIVING ROOM: Sofa &amp; sofa cover, love seat &amp; cover, end table, coffee table &amp; center piece accessory, 2 table lamps, floor lamp, 2 pieces of art, 5 plants, 3 candles, 7 throw pillows, area rug, window treatments


 DINING ROOM: Dining table &amp; 4 chairs, center piece for dining table, buffet, table cloth, window treatments, 3 large pieces of art, decorative accessories


KITCHEN: 5 decorative accessories


SCREEN PORCH: 2 sofas, 6 throw pillows, 2 side tables, coffee table and centerpiece, area rug, plant stand, 3 plants


MASTER BEDROOM: King size bed, bedding including sheets, dust ruffle, duvet &amp; cover, 4 bed pillows, 4 throw pillows, large chair, mirror, 2 table lamps, floor lamp, 4 pieces of art, dresser, window treatments, decorative accessories


MASTER BATHROOM: 2 hand towels, 2 bath towels, wall art, plant, decorative accessories


BEDROOM 2: Queen size bed, bedding including sheets, dust ruffle, duvet cover, 4 bed pillows, 2 throw pillows, 2 table lamps, window treatments, 2 nightstands, dresser, 3 pieces of art, decorative accessories


BEDROOM 3: Queen size bed, bedding including sheets, dust ruffle, duvet cover, 4 bed pillows, 2 throw pillows, 2 table lamps, window treatments, 2 nightstands, dresser, 3 pieces of art, decorative accessories


HALL BATH: 1 Hand towel, 1 bath towels, shower curtain and hooks, artwork, window treatment


BASEMENT REC ROOM: 2 sofas &amp; covers, 10 throw pillows, 3 side tables, coffee table, 2 table lamps, dining table with centerpiece, 4 chairs, area rug, desk &amp; desk chair, 4 large pieces of art, bookshelf, 2 plants, decorative accessories


LOWER LEVEL BATHROOM: Shower curtain &amp; hooks, bath towel, hand towel, 2 pieces of art, plant


#cta-addthis##gallery-4-east-franklin-avenue# 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:42:59 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/another-stunning-pure-energy-renovation-project-404-whitestone-road.html</guid>
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            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Another Stunning Pure Energy Renovation Project- 404 Whitestone Road</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
*UPDATE! This property sold in 9 days for FULL PRICE WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS!  Pure Energy can do the same for you!


404 Whitestone Road has long been a landmark for Whitestone Road residents, known as the big red house and used primarily as a reference point in giving directions.  Apparently the neighbors are rather bummed the handy reference point is gone.  Unfortunately for them, the faded worn red was traded in for a fresh unifying paint on the exterior to ramp up the curb appeal.  It's usually the first thing people see when viewing a house in person or online so paying attention to the old addage about second chances and first impressions is as important in real estate as it is in your personal life.





Upon first viewing of this house, I knew it had amazing potential and was really excited to be given the chance to make it shine!  In addition to the exterior, the kitchen (an important focal point for most buyers and the epicenter of family life) was in serious need of some reconfiguring and updating.   For such a sizeable kitchen, it wasn't living up to its' potential.  The old cabinets had clearly been around for quite awhile (I suspect made by a previous home owner) and showing their age. The faux brick on the back exterior wall and the recessed shelving between the range and the refrigerator weren't helping to maximize cabinet and counter space, the poor range (and the person doing the cooking) was stuck all the way in the corner and the vinyl flooring was starting to curl up at the bottom of the cabinets and the edge of the shoe molding in some places.  Our solution:  demo the faux brick wall, the old cabinets and counters, move the range across the room to make room for a super storage corner cabinet with a lazy susan inside (such a great feature), add new Kitchen Kompact Maple cabinets all the way around to the refrigerator, new granite counters and a new ceramic tile floor extending through the kitchen, pantry and half bath. ET VOILA!  What we have here folks is a snazzy new kitchen with an abundance of storage, easy on the eyes and likely to wow potential buyers!  For $11,400 this kitchen went from ruh-roh to rock star! 


As with most houses prepping for the real estate market, the whole interior was painted, we replaced several light fixtures and gave the upper level bath a bit of a face lift by removing dated wall tile and replacing a vanity that had seen its' better days.  Swapping wall tile for an interesting paint color made for an affordable upgrade and a new vanity doesn't have to break the bank.  I chose one in a dark finish to add some contrast to a very light and airy bathroom. 


In total the owners spent $23,845 renovating this house. It sounds like a lot (and it is) but the house had been a rental property for several years and needed the TLC we gave it to stand out in a competitive market.  The renovation figure included painting every surface inside and out, the kitchen renovation, baths, updating light fixtures, professional cleaning services for the interior, windows and carpet, landscaping and service to the water heater.  Had this house been listed in its' original condition, it would have likely listed in the $475,000 range.  Post renovation (just 3 weeks) and professional staging the house is listing today for $539,000 and I have no doubts it will go quickly!  


For more information on this exceptional home, click here


#cta-addthis#


#gallery-404-whitestone-road# 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:29:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/before-after-magic-10603-inwood-avenue.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/before-after-magic-10603-inwood-avenue.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Before &amp; After Magic- 10603 Inwood Avenue</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
JUST LISTED! 10603 Inwood Avenue, Silver Spring


When I first walked into this Colonial for a design appointment a couple of weeks ago, it was clear that the house had plenty of charm, but was in need of some updates to transform it into a SUPER charming house that would grab the attention of prospective buyers.


Many of the Colonials in the Chestnut Hills neighborhood of Silver Spring have a smaller footprint- the majority having two levels and no basement. Because of house size, it is important that the interior spaces are well thought out, staged in a functional manner and the presentation is top notch. 


The old half sized oven and lack of counter space made reconfiguring the kitchen a main priority. We maximized the kitchen space by moving the refrigerator into the laundry room/pantry (directly off the kitchen) and installed a brand new, full sized oven where the refrigerator was previously. Doing this gave us an extra cupboard and additional counter space. A new microwave shelf was aloso built to gain more counter space. Investing in granite counters increased the overall kitchen appeal to prospective buyers. 


Fresh paint, new light fixtures and some serious de-cluttering completed the interior transformation. The exterior had a small face lift of its own- the shutters were painted to highlight the windows, a new shed was installed and both the front and back yards freshly landscaped to present the house at its best. 


For more information about this exceptional home, click here.


#cta-addthis#


#gallery-10603-inwood-avenue#
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            <thumbnail>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/images/blog/308923767.jpg</thumbnail>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:42:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/winter-comfort-food-shwarma.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/winter-comfort-food-shwarma.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Winter Comfort Food- Shwarma!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Today's snowquester may have been an over hyped bust in terms of snow accumulation but it's a reminder that though it is March and spring is  technically close (come on daylight savings!), winter isn't over yet.  To that end, on nasty days like this when I feel stuck inside (whether I really am or not) and cabin fever-ish, my mind wanders more than normal to the creature comfort foods that tend to have a warming effect on my soul and result in the kind of fullness accompanied by total content.  One of my favorites in this category is SHWARMA!  I want it and I will have it....as soon as I've worked up the motivation to leave the warmth of indoors and brave the slush and ick this faux blizzard brought with it.  


For any who've never heard of or seen Shwarma, this is what Wikipedia has to say about it.  "Shwarma is a Levantine Arab meat preparation, where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, veal, or mixed meats are placed on a spit, and may be grilled for as long as a day. Shavings are cut off the block of meat for serving. Although it can be served in shavings on a plate (generally with accompaniments), shawarma also refers to a sandwich or wrap made with shawarma meat. Shawarma is eaten with tabbouleh, fattoush, taboon bread, tomato, and cucumber. Toppings include tahini, hummus, pickled turnips and amba. It is now a fast-food staple worldwide."





I find that definition a bit underwhelming compared to what it feels like staring at a Shwarma bar with toppings galore laid out in front of me. I get so excited when I walk into a Shwarma place I can barely contain myself.  My favorite in the area (by far) is Max's Cafe and Catering. I've been a seeker of Shwarma for a long time and in my opinion, Max's is the best! Their selection of toppings is more than you could hope for and they have the friendliest staff who sometimes throw in a falafel ball or two for repeat customers.  The guys at Max's know what I want when I walk through the door!  If you are a first timer, tell them so. They will guide you gently and explain all the different options available to you.  Some of the veggies available aren's super common or recognizable but don't miss out on delicious new things because you don't know what they are!





One thing to remember and take into consideration when planning a visit to Max's is that they are kosher and observe Jewish food laws and holidays very closely.  Most specifically, they close every Friday at 2pm.  I've made that mistake more than a few times and shown up for lunch at 2.15 only to be saddened by my failure to acquire a most sought after belly pleaser.


Are you dying to try one yet?  I hope so! You won't be disappointed. Speaking of, it's quitting time for me and I'm off to get some Shwarma.  I have no doubts it will have the desired effect of wiping away thoughts of this dreary day and sending me home with a smile on my face. Happy Shwarma-ing folks!
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            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:16:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/color-of-the-month-moody-blues.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/color-of-the-month-moody-blues.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Color of the Month: Moody Blues</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Although they fit with the Wintery season, moody blues don't have to convey a sense of gloom and coldness. In fact, when used in home interiors these colors can result in quite the opposite. By nature, blue has a calming, soothing effect, making it a suitable color choice for any room of the house. 





I love how some of the photos featured here have taken stormy blue tones and/or themes and transformed them into something that makes you smile. Yes, I am referring to the adorable rain cloud cushion and head board decor with fairy lights- who wouldn't want that in a nursery or kids bedroom! I think that these blues tones as a paint color would be a welcome addition to any guest room, to create a restful space- the stunning, double-twin bed guest room with the wooden deer heads does this successfully. Blues with gray and white tones can offer sophisticated and dramatic statements, especially when paired with fresh whites or bold oranges. 


 


Benjamin Moore has a handy source of color inspiration on their website where you can search rooms by color, which offers ideas of how to incorporate and coordinate color palettes into various rooms of the house. FYI: they also offer a gorgeous range of moody blue colors in their Color Preview collection.


 


Entryway, Wallpaper, Bathroom (Pure Energy Renovation), Living Room (Pure Energy Renovation), Hallway, Bedroom





Living Room (Pure Energy Renovation), Cushion, Galaxy Bedding, Bathroom, Rain Cloud Cushion, Paint Color, Stairway, Stay a While, Feathers





Stairway (Pure Energy Renovation), Vignette, Ikat Cushion, Ogee Design, Sofa, Dresser, Sun Room (Pure Energy Renovation), Lamp, Bedding





Guest Bedroom, Bedroom (Pure Energy Renovation), Bathroom (Pure Energy Renovation), Blue &amp; Orange Room, Painting, Bathroom (Pure Energy Renovation), Kitchen
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            <thumbnail>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/images/blog/1139252625.jpg</thumbnail>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:04:46 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/selling-your-house-improving-the-appeal-and-heading-off-nay-sayers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/selling-your-house-improving-the-appeal-and-heading-off-nay-sayers.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>SELLING YOUR HOUSE: Improving appeal and heading off nay-sayers</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When it comes to marketing and selling your house, it's inevitable your home won't appeal to everyone. It's just the law of averages.  However there are many things (big and small) you can do to enhance your chances and appeal to the widest margin of the buying demographic. 


PREPPING FOR THE MARKET: 


1- PAINT, TIDY UP &amp; STAGE: 


PAINT: A fresh coat of paint everywhere is without a doubt the single biggest bang for your buck. Daily living is rough on walls and it's easy for you (the homeowner) not to notice the wear &amp; tear. It's amazing what we can develop blindness to.  It's also a good time to liven up or tone down living spaces. I'm a firm believer in using color but not going overboard. Neutrals (not just beige and cream) can be found in many color ranges and can add warmth and personality without alienating a prospective buyer. Bland, all white everything, crazy wallpaper and super bold colors can be a bit (under) or overwhelming for a first time viewer.  Believe me, I love crazy, bold colors, prints and patterns but they'll have to go when I sell. Just remember, it's not personal. Your house isn't about you anymore. Beyond paint, look at your house with a critical eye. You know what needs to be updated...you probably just don't want to hear it. Do the best you can within your budget and follow the tips below to improve your overall appeal and marketability. 


CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN: As a professional stager, I always recommend my clients hire professional interior and window cleaning services just prior to taking marketing photos and listing. I don't mean your normal, once every two weeks maintenance clean. I'm talking about a MAJOR deep clean. This type of service will normally run you a bit more but is worth it.  One important thing is to vet whomever you hire and make it clear what needs to be done. Inside and behind refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, fan blades, window sills, the tops of window frames and doors...you get the point. All the little things that get passed up regularly. 


DECLUTTER: Living in a home and living in it while selling are two very different things. We all like to be surrounded by our 'stuff'- personal pictures, religious items, refrigerator magnets with our favorite take out menus, conveniently placed laundry bins, jars of change, over stuffed bookshelves, too much furniture etc., these are the things that make up our daily lives.  Unfortunately, all the clutter can be distracting to a potential buyer. The little messes in addition to the personal things make it harder for buyers to see their lives in a house instead of yours.  So despite the added prep time and inconvenience to daily living, pack it all away. Look at it positively- you're getting a jump start on moving!


STAGING: Whether or not your agent/real estate firm provides staging at no extra cost (Pure Energy does!), your home should be staged to some degree. Now that you have all the clutter out of the way, take a good hard look at how your furnishings, knick-knacks and artwork are displayed and compare that against decor magazines or online photos of houses you think look great. Check out our online galleries of before and after staging photos. How does your house measure up? You don't have to be made of money, buy all new stuff or be a professional                    stager to improve the presentation of your home.  Ask friends and neighbors over for objective opinions. 


2-PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTING PEOPLE TO YOUR FRONT DOOR.


A WIDE ANGLE LENSE: Is key! The difference is just amazing compared to a normal camera. Your house may look amazing in person but if that doesn't come across online, where most people do their scouting you may never get them to visit your house. 


TAKING PHOTOS: It's imperative whomever takes and edits the photos to be used in your marketing knows what they are doing and has an eye for detail. You'd be amazed by what I've seen posted online. I've actually seen dirty underwear on the floor in a photo posted on MLS. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Take tons of photos, from many different angles. Review them before moving on to the next room. Look out for rumpled bedding, pillows askew, wires and cords popping out unnecessarily, what is in the foreground of the picture and the overall perspective of the photo. Each room should be as close to magazine perfect as you can get for the photos. Again, your first priority is getting people to your door!


3-THEY HAVE ARRIVED!  MORE THINGS TO BE AWARE OF


ODORS: There may not be a single other factor that will drive buyers out faster. I've been in houses where I've had to cover my nose and mouth and couldn't WAIT to get out.  Assuming this is not the case, be aware of diapers, strong foods, cigarette smoke, trash, pet stains, litter boxes, etc. Don't ignore these things- just because you can't smell certain odors doesn't mean they aren't present. Again, lean on your friends or neighbors and ask them to be honest.  Depending on a specific smell or need, do your research. Activated charcoal can help with many smells. Having air ducts cleaned can also make a huge dent. Whatever the smell is, deal with it- nobody else is going to. Also important...don't go too far the other way. Overpowering sickly sweet air fresheners can be a big turn off too. 


PILES OF YOUR LIFE: I'm circling back to de-cluttering but...it's important! When your home is live on the market and people are likely to view it at any time, make sure it's neat and tidy when you leave for work in the morning. Put away piles of mail, your hair brushes, toothbrushes, make beds, blinds up, curtains open,etc, etc. Adjust your schedule if needed to ensure you have enough time to straighten up in the morning. 


THOSE FEW LITTLE THINGS THAT YOU DIDNT GET TO:


DETAILS: Overall your home may be visually stunning and you should pat yourself of the back for getting it and keeping it that way but don't overlook the small things.  Things like burnt out light bulbs, non-working lights &amp; fans, broken drawers, loose handrails, leaky faucets and more. Despite your having fresh paint, stainless steel appliances and a good maintenance record, these little details can plant a seed of doubt in the buyers mind. 'If these things were overlooked, what else, perhaps more important hidden things were as well?' Don't be that guy. Go the extra mile. The details count. 


Lastly, prepping and putting your house on the market is usually rather stressful and time consuming for most people. Pure Energy is glad to share tips with you and commend your efforts to go it alone, BUT if you find yourself buried by your to-do lists, we are here to help :)  For more information on the market, our services, general real estate news and lots of fun please visit us!
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            <thumbnail>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/images/blog/1295995803.jpg</thumbnail>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:32:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/top-10-winter-activities-in-silver-spring.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.pureenergyteam.com/blog/top-10-winter-activities-in-silver-spring.html</link>
            <author>donna@pureenergyteam.com (Donna Kerr)</author>
            <title>Top 5 Winter Activities in Silver Spring</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
During the Winter months most people just want to hibernate inside until Spring, myself included! Walking around Downtown Silver Spring last weekend, I noticed an abundance of activities on offer to occupy the long Winter days. Here are my top 5 recommendations! For more activity ideas in Silver Spring, visit the community webstite.


Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza



The ice skating rink at Veterans Plaza is an annual Winter attraction the whole family can enjoy. It is open rain, hail, snow or shine until 10pm weeknights and until 11pm Friday and Saturday. Skate rental is just $3, with admission starting from $7 for kids. The rink is also available for private hire. What a great venue for your kid's next birthday party! More information can be found here. 


 Workshops at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center





Located in downtown Silver Spring, Pyramid Atlantic offers programs in print making, paper making and book arts for all ages. If you have not been into Pyramid before, I highly recommend stopping by for a peek inside next time you are in the area.


Since it's origin in 1981, Pyramid Atlantic has expanded over the years, moving into bigger locations to accommodate the growing demand for more workshops and studios, which now include a paper mill, print shop, screen printing, letterpress and digital studios, a bindery and the newest edition, a wood shop. Check out our Pyramid Atlantic blog post to learn more.


Craft Cocktails at Jackie's Side Bar


My favorite go-to place for cocktails in the area (and that includes DC), the cocktails at Jackie's Side Bar are divine! The cocktail and small plates menu is changed every few months, so the drinks and small plates on offer fit perfectly with the season. The best part- all of their cocktails are just $6 during happy hour, Monday through Saturday from 5-7pm. If all that sipping gets your stomach rumbling, you can pop next door to Jackies Restaurant for dinner. Their Mexican inspired menu offers everything from octopus nachos to roasted suckling pg with tart apple jam crostini. Yum!


 


Live Music at the Filmore


Since its opening in 2011, this 2000 seat concert hall has become a major venue that plays host to local, national and international music including rock, Latin, blues, jazz, folk and country. The Fillmore's stunning interior decor and smart layout including a main concert level, balcony level, VIP lounge and bars make it a sought after location to rent for Bar Mitzvah's, proms and homecomings, weddings and red carpet premieres. View their calendar to check out upcoming events. 


 


Art Exhibitions at The Washington Printmakers Gallery


Originally located in Dupont Circle, this wonderful art gallery relocated to downtown Silver Spring a couple of years ago to its new home on Georgia Avenue, conveniently located in the same building as Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. The WPG is the DC metro areas number one source for artist hand-pulled, fine art prints. The print exhibition rotate monthly and are kicked off with wine and cheese evenings open to the public. In addition to featuring a constant stream of fresh new prints from local, national and international print-makers, the WPG also house bins and flat files with multiple limited edition prints by artists past and present. 
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