Diane Bernard-Re/Max Town Center-Sabelhaus Team

06/20/2026

Seller leverage looks different as more homes hit the market, here’s what every Montgomery County owner needs to know.

As inventory in Montgomery County rises, sellers are still seeing solid demand and relatively quick sales, but the playing field isn’t as tilted as it was in past years. Buyers have more choices and are becoming more selective, making the days of instant offers and runaway prices less common. While well-presented, accurately priced homes continue to attract strong interest, sellers are beginning to notice a shift: strategic preparation and flexible negotiations are now essential to stay ahead.

For families thinking about upsizing or retirees planning to downsize, this evolving market calls for a proactive approach. I watch price reductions, active-to-pending trends, and feedback after each showing to help clients stay nimble. Staying current with these shifts makes a real difference, small adjustments in pricing or presentation can have a big impact as the market balances out.

If you want to make your next move confidently in Montgomery County’s changing landscape, call me.

Diane Bernard
Sabelhaus Team at RE/MAX Town Center
Team Manager & Realtor
240-912-4986
[email protected]
dianebernardremax.com

06/17/2026

Selling a home that needs repairs isn’t just about fixing walls and touching up paint, it’s about staying in control of a process that can feel overwhelming, even for experienced homeowners.

For many sellers, the anxiety kicks in before the first showing. The thought of juggling repairs, constant cleaning, and the fear of not meeting buyer expectations can take over daily routines. What helps most is breaking the journey into small steps you can actually tackle, starting with clarifying your must-haves, deciding which repairs will make the biggest difference, and making a plan for showings that doesn’t leave you on edge every day.

Partnering early with a local agent (like me) means you’re not guessing what needs to be fixed or how buyers will react. You get a clear picture of what’s normal in today’s market, plus a checklist to prioritize so you don’t try to do everything at once. The goal is to focus on progress, not perfection, and to keep your eyes on the transition ahead, whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or helping your family settle somewhere new.

Are you staring down a list of repairs and feeling stuck? Reach out to me for some help.

Diane Bernard
Sabelhaus Team at RE/MAX Town Center
Team Manager & Realtor
240-912-4986
[email protected]
dianebernardremax.com

06/15/2026

The summer market is rewarding first-time buyers who come in prepared and know how to spot hidden opportunities.

Right now, local conditions feel more balanced than the boom years, motivated sellers want to make a move before fall, but listings in popular communities are still moving quickly. For buyers with pre-approval lined up and a strong sense of what monthly payments feel comfortable, it’s possible to negotiate on terms that would have seemed out of reach just a few summers ago. Seller concessions, rate buydowns, and flexible settlement dates are all back on the table for those who act quickly.

The biggest edge in this market? Openness to cosmetic updates and the ability to move fast when a solid home appears. Many buyers are looking for move-in ready perfection, so if you’re willing to see the potential in homes that need a few updates, you’ll unlock more options and value.

Ready to map out your next step before the back-to-school rush? Reach out to me for help!

Diane Bernard
Sabelhaus Team at RE/MAX Town Center
Team Manager & Realtor
240-912-4986
[email protected]
dianebernardremax.com

06/13/2026

Shredding mission: accomplished! We had such a great turnout today and cleared out so many old, dusty documents. I can't wait for Clean Cut Shredding to give us the total for how many pounds of paper we shredded. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and trusted us to help keep your personal info safe and have a scoop of ice cream from the Ice Cream Yard on us. Drop a comment below if you’re officially celebrating a cleaner garage or office today!

Diane Bernard
Sabelhaus Team at RE/MAX Town Center
Team Manager & Realtor
240-912-4986
[email protected]
dianebernardremax.com

06/09/2026

Buyers finally have more room to negotiate, and it’s opening up smart opportunities this summer.

Homes are spending a bit more time on the market, giving first-time buyers and move-up families a chance to explore options without the rush of past years. This slower pace makes it possible to focus on the homes that really fit your lifestyle, whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or eyeing a long-term move.

Right now, careful preparation is paying off. With more listings to consider, buyers can zero in on homes with quality updates, in locations that support future changes. The best advantage comes from having financing in order and a clear idea of your monthly comfort zone. That kind of planning often leads to better terms and even some negotiation wins that weren’t possible during previous busy markets.

If you want a practical advantage this summer reach out to me to help you!

Diane Bernard
Sabelhaus Team at RE/MAX Town Center
Team Manager & Realtor
240-912-4986
[email protected]
dianebernardremax.com

06/07/2026

Most buyers and sellers don’t realize how much 2026 inflation changes what it really costs to move. Here’s what’s actually driving up expenses, and what you can do about it.

Moving these days means rethinking your budget from start to finish. Nearly every piece of a move, renting trucks, hiring movers, buying boxes and packing supplies, carries a higher real price tag than in years past. Even do-it-yourself options add up quickly, especially when storage or longer rental periods are needed. In the greater Montgomery and Frederick Counties area, strong job markets and limited housing supply mean home prices and rents are also staying elevated, so the sticker shock extends well beyond moving trucks and boxes.

To make your move work in this market, it pays to look for every possible edge. Some strategies: compare quotes from multiple movers, schedule your move for less popular days, and consider what belongings you can sell or donate to lighten your load. For buyers and renters, locking in fixed housing payments, through a longer lease or a fixed-rate mortgage, can help protect against future cost increases. The right plan can take the sting out of high prices, even when inflation feels relentless.

If you have questions about timing, budgets, or what it really takes to make a smart move in Montgomery or Frederick County, send me a message any time.

Diane Bernard
Sabelhaus Team at RE/MAX Town Center
Team Manager & Realtor
240-912-4986
[email protected]
dianebernardremax.com

06/06/2026

Got docs to shred? We have the time and place for you to do it!

06/06/2026

06/01/2026

Jamapalooza 2026 was the perfect start to the summer. A huge thank you to Lisa and Crash for being such incredible hosts and bringing everyone together for such a memorable day. From the talented bands and delicious food to the perfect weather, every detail was spot on. Above all, it was the wonderful people who made the event truly special. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do so much. It is about more than just where you live; it is about the connections we make and the memories we share. I am already looking forward to next year.