Prepare Your Sellers For The Home Inspection Time to talk about home inspections and let the seller know what to expect.With a smile, I say it is simultaneously similar to a root canal and a colonoscopy. Here are a few things to help sellers get ready:First, have the sellers leave the house!Let them know it could be several hours. It could be 1-2 or 5-6 but let them know you will stay in touch. They need to be available by phone, especially if there are any questions. Suggest they have clothes in the washing machine and the dryer, dishes in the dishwasher, and the appliance set to "start."You've now made it easy for the inspector ...who does not have to "figure out" your appliances.Make sure all the windows and doors open and close and are not blocked.Ensure access to the attic, the ele... 01/19/2023

My marketing targets buyer needs. As a listing agent, I have many potential buyers waiting for the right house. So if I find them a home, I can put theirs on the market.  If you are thinking about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 01/18/2023

It All Depends on Who You Talk To I've been talking with people about the current real estate market in the past week. Ask the man who just sold his house, and he'll say the market is excellent. Ask the woman whose house has been listed for several months, and she'll tell you the market is terrible. The truth is they're both right. I talked with a man who bought his house two years ago and wants to ask for several hundred thousand more. I thought, "Terrific! He must have made some great improvements. Maybe there's an addition, a new kitchen, or a pool with a hot tub." But he hadn't - all he had done was paint. I had to tell him that the market would not support that price bump these days.But a house priced right with a fair profit for the seller and a good value for the buyer will sell.... 01/16/2023

With interest rates doubling recently from the low threes to seven percent, it has reduced the buying power by 30-40%. That means as the rate, hopefully, drops, buyers can afford more house. They can also refinance if that happens.As John Meussner  in California states: " if rate increases put potential buyers on the sidelines, it would reason that reduced rates would bring buyers back to the market." Don't stop looking! As more homes come on the market, there should be more room to negotiate. Maybe you don't have to go to your maximum loan limit. Perhaps you can get a home more reasonably now. Many buyers have quit looking, and many sellers are in a position where they are ready to sell fast. The good thing is the feeding frenzy has calmed down. The multiple offers have slowed down, an... 01/15/2023

What do you fear, what are you afraid of, and what keeps you from living a full life?Umar Hameed is going to answer these questions on Sunday.My radio guest is an expert in changing individual behavior. He uses techniques and tools of Applied Neuroscience and NLP to make individuals and organizations more successful. He has been the Keynote Speaker in 16 countries and held a briefing at the white house. He's the author of three books, and his latest title is Unleash Your Crazy Sexy Brain.  Please tune in Sunday, January 8, to listen toUmar Hameed & Margaret Rome   01/07/2023

One of my clients is moving out of state when her home is sold. She asked how to find a Realtor® to help in her new area. Easy peasy! Just give me the city, state, and zip; with my connections, I can find an experienced agent in every state. This comes from my long-standing participation in ActiveRain. Usually, in one or two phone calls, I can hook you up with a professional, seasoned agent in your desired area.Moving is less stressful when you already have someone working for you in your chosen area. Give me a call so we can find you the best Realtor® for your needs. So the client above asked how to find an agent. Within 24 hours, I had the right person and introduced the two of them. My seller is now looking forward to her search in Virginia and knows she is in good hands. Just anothe... 01/01/2023

 Like averages (which we know are meaningless!), headlines tell only a tiny part of any story. Indeed, getting a reasonable price for your home in a sale is essential, or getting a great deal if you buy. Remember to look at your own housing needs and not listen to others. Most folks don't buy a home to make money; they do it as a place to raise their family, entertain, put down roots, and feel secure. Housing markets go through cycles. The down markets follow up markets which follow down markets.People who have been in the industry long enough recognize they are as natural as the seasons. And the real estate professionals who have built their careers on service and value will find the ups just as exciting as everyone else and the downs not nearly so deep.Thinking of selling a homeCall M... 12/26/2022