There are potential buyers who want to purchase a home.  Questioning them, I find they have good credit and a good income, so what is missing?  They have no extra funds saved, no substantial down payment, for a rainy day.Let's talk about savings and my suggestion.Start a 'house account.'  Set up a bank account, and name it something that will be encouraging, like "Our Own Home," 'The No-More Renting Fund.'  or  ' Landlord Freedom.''There is one main rule.  This account only goes one-way deposit!  Never touch this money other than for your future home.  What goes into this account stays in!  Here are a few suggestions to get started.When you are online or out shopping and ready to buy, ask if you need it.  Is it a necessity?  If not, deposit the amount you would have spent in your "no mo... 08/12/2022

Maybe it's not too soon to think about moving from your house. Perhaps this is a time you can get ahead financially. Go ahead and capitalize on your equity. You could probably get more than you think for your house at this time. Maybe you will sell a few years sooner than originally planned.  Or maybe you are in a home that you don't love now. Does your home still meet your needs, OR could you let it go? Go ahead and right-size now—cash in while the market is strong and there are not enough homes to meet buyers' demand. If you've been in your home for many years, maybe you own it free and clear. Perhaps you have a small mortgage. Go ahead and sell that home. Take your profit. Buy the house that meets your needs now and in the future.If the price is right, maybe the time is also right! A... 08/06/2022

Enough is enoughIt is not pleasant when a transaction fails to close. Thank goodness this does not happen often. In real estate, there are many reasons that settlement may not occur including issues with the following:Financing, appraisals, condo or  home association, contingencies, inspection, personal conflicts, illness, death, divorce, title issues, code violations, remorse buyer or seller, change in employment or job transfer But there is another one a bit vaguer.Analysis Paralysis is the state of over-analyzing or over-thinking.  This condition involves asking many others not involved in the transaction for their opinion.When decisions or actions are incomplete, the effect paralyzes the outcome, which is unsuitable for buying and selling. We need to manage the contingency dates and... 08/05/2022

 Remember the story of Jill and the impossible first-floor bathroom. Yet another challenge for this home was the staircase, which was too narrow for a handrail on both sides. So here is Jill's solution.   Notice the double row of small door knobs going up the stairs. They take up very little room, are inexpensive, and work.  Clever idea. I went up the stairs to test, and it was easy to grab hold of a knob as needed while going up or descending the stairs.There are many creative ways to help one stay in a home and make it safe!Thinking of staying or selling your homeCall Margaret Rome     07/26/2022

To hit a bullseye, you must throw the dart.I attended the Annual GBBR Fair a few years ago, and one of the booths had a dart contest. There was a bit of a crowd, and they summoned me over to try my hand.  I said, "no problem, I can do that."I threw the dart and it landed BULLSEYE ! Here is the actual photo to prove it.  When asked to try something new I did it confidently and without hesitation. After all, what did I have to lose? Everyone watching broke out in applause. Asked if I could I do it again?My answer was, Does it matter? Unafraid to take a chance with unusual "impossible to sell" listings. I frequently hit a bullseye and get them sold when others are doubtful.For a shot at the bullseye, you have to be willing to, at least, throw the dart. Thinking of buying or selling a homeC... 07/22/2022

First-floor bedrooms are the most requested feature in homes. Whether for aging in place, accessibility, in-law suite, adult privacy, or just plain ole convenience. I receive more calls, texts, emails, and radio inquiries asking for main-level living primary suites than any other feature. And for so many reasons. And not just for the aging population. Think of a new mom, a sports injury, or a guest suite, and that room does not have to be a designated bedroom, but the versatility makes many a home desirable when this feature is needed.A home office on the first level makes it very convenient when the primary bedroom and kitchen are also on this level. There are other solutions when I often visit home because they think they must have a first-floor boudoir.And many times, I have been abl... 07/13/2022

 Hand-delivered, it doesn't get any better! It's been a couple of years since I sold a home for Myra; I affectionately call her my "Admyra." She makes me feel so special, like when she hand-delivered this beautiful poem along with flowers. Myra did not want to disturb me, so she left them on my front porch and texted me. I have been trying to think of a way to show my appreciation for this work of art which is so much more than a thank you note. It had folds upon folds and so many verses. If you read it, you will understand the amount of time, kindness, thoughtfulness, love, and appreciation that went into the hand-making and hand printing of what I will call my most excellent paycheck ever. Yep, my Lee used to say I worked for thank you notes. And here is one that proves it.    Since t... 06/28/2022