If You Can Smell It, I Can't Sell ItGetting your home ready to sell? Let's face it: a lovely scent can be the secret ingredient to getting those potential buyers swooning! Here are some light-hearted tips to help your space smell amazing, while being kind to anyone sensitive to strong smells. Get your home deep-cleaned professionally! If you will do it yourself, roll up those sleeves and give everything in your home a good scrub! Vacuum those carpets, wipe down surfaces, and make those windows sparkle. A clean home not only looks good but also smells good.Try simmering some water with lemon, orange, or cucumber slices. It’s a natural way of creating a fresh aroma without any of those overpowering artificial scents. Forget the cinnamon because of allergies. Sprinkle baking soda on your ... 05/12/2025

When a potential qualified client expresses interest by saying,  "Let's go look at houses," it’s important for me as a real estate broker to guide them through a thought process that makes sure they’re truly ready for the journey ahead.When is the Right Time to Start House Hunting? There needs to be a clear plan before diving into the exciting world o  f home tours. If you're a homeowner, we need to discuss whether selling your existing home is in the cards before making that new purchase. I understand that juggling two moves can be daunting, especially for families with children and pets.Take a moment to assess your situation. Ask yourself if you’re prepared to sell your current home and buy a new one simultaneously. A great way to gauge that readiness is to think about what it would t... 05/11/2025

2007 Thistlewood Rd 21209MLS# MDBC2115632Welcome to an inviting Colonial that perfectly blends timeless charm with modern accessibility! Nestled in the Beazer Homes at Parke at Mount Washington, this move-in-ready home has quick access to Baltimore Beltway 695, The Quarry, I-83, and minutes to Sinai Hospital. Step inside to experience a spacious five-bedroom layout designed for comfort and family togetherness. Elegant wood floors add a touch of sophistication to the main level, which features an open floor plan connecting the kitchen with the living room, dining room, family room, office, and a sunlit screened porch—an ideal setting for gatherings and everyday living.A highlight of this home is the impressive private bedroom suite, complete with its hidden elevator. This thoughtfully de... 05/10/2025

Alan May recently shared some thoughts on reviewing contracts line by line. Many of us have a case of the jitters because we don't give legal advice. We’ve even been warned to steer clear of home inspections in case we accidentally become the next lawsuit victim. How often have we muttered, “I’m NOT an attorney, and I don’t even play one on TV?” It’s our way of making it clear that we’re here to help, not to dispense legal wisdom. Those numerous addenda we handle aren’t just for decoration; they help us avoid playing lawyer!Do you remember when changing a date was as simple as crossing it out and scribbling a new one? We need a new form if the address switches from Avenue to Lane.How often has an agent said, “I’m not an attorney” before answering questions? Our job is to help folks navi... 05/09/2025

The Importance of Confirming Electronic SignaturesA few years ago, I encountered a situation that underscored the importance of understanding who is signing documents electronically. I was working with an elderly couple to review a contract. Their well-meaning children, eager to help, were debating which one should electronically sign on behalf of their parents. I stepped in to clarify that I would meet with the parents in person and invited the children to join us. On another occasion, just before closing, the wife expressed frustration about the seller's request to remain in the property rent-free for an additional thirty days. The sellers, who owned a huge property, had asked for this extension, which was granted. The wife, visibly upset, insisted she had not agreed to this arrangeme... 05/08/2025

What do you prefer? One, two, or none.Having two dishwashers in a kitchen has many benefits, especially for large families or those who host gatherings. One dishwasher can wash everyday dishes, while the other takes care of pots and pans, reducing the need for handwashing. This setup also frees up sink space and makes it easier to load one dishwasher while the other is running.One dishwasher can serve as a storage area for clean dishes, minimizing unloading time. Dual dishwashers provide a practical solution for homes with specific dietary needs, such as Kosher kitchens.   It’s possible there’s not enough space or plumbing for a second dishwasher, or maybe you decided to live dish-washer free. (One of my clients used theirs for bread storage)  I saw a great idea in a home I sold a while... 05/06/2025

**Do I Have to Read the Contract?**I am working with a client whose property I sold five years ago and now plans on selling another home. One thing I remembered was her attention to detail. Keeping this in mind, I highlighted the areas that required initials or signatures and provided her with a copy for review.Anyone familiar with standard contracts knows that there is rarely anything standard about a legally binding document of a couple of dozen pages. True to form, I received a text a few days later asking if I had time to answer some questions.Once again, I was impressed by this consumer for her ability to identify and question every "new" change implemented over the past five years. Her insights were remarkable, and none of her questions were typical. It would have made for an exce... 05/05/2025

 Embracing Your Passion as a New Real Estate AgentAs soon as it stops being fun, I'm done. When I first took the real estate course, this was my attitude to tide me over after an accident and I still feel the same way.Starting a career in real estate can be both exhilarating and challenging. As a new agent, it’s important to recognize that this journey is about more than just changing your job and showing pretty houses. It's about adopting a new mindset. Here's advice to help you navigate this exciting field.Understanding the TransitionWhen you begin your real estate career, you’re stepping into a world that demands a different way of thinking. This transition will require you to learn new concepts, acquire essential skills, and adapt to a fast-paced environment. Real estate isn’t just ... 05/03/2025

                                                                                             Celebrating Four Million Points on ActiveRain!Today marks a significant milestone on ActiveRain—I've officially hit Four Million Points! It's hard to believe that it has been almost two decades since I joined this fantastic community. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that this achievement goes beyond just numbers. It’s not merely about accumulating points; it’s the years of consistent blogging, the countless hours spent writing, and the engagement with fellow members that truly count. Each post, comment, and interaction with the community has played a role in this journey.In the early days, those points definitely remained a motivating factor. They encouraged me to write, to connect, and to s... 04/28/2025

Real estate can often feel like the weather—unpredictable, ever-changing, and influenced by various external factors. Just as a sunny day can quickly turn into a thunderstorm, the real estate market can shift rapidly based on economic conditions, interest rates, and consumer sentiment.As I sat at my desk today, the sky was sunny blue and a very comfortable 70 degrees. In a split second, there was thunder, and within minutes, a driving rain with heavy gusts followed. It looked like pink snow; so many flowering trees were losing their petals. The weather can change anytime, just like the real estate market. It's not good or bad weather. It's just weather! It is how it is perceived.In many markets, spring is synonymous with a surge in activity, akin to the blooming of flowers. Buyers come ... 04/26/2025

  Saying Goodbye & Moving Forward When it’s time to leave your home, it’s important to find closure. Each home holds special memories, from childhood to the moments you’ve shared with loved ones. As you prepare to move on, take a moment to remember the good times—the family gatherings, cozy evenings, and even the challenges that helped you grow. Inviting your children or grandchildren to share stories can make saying goodbye easier for everyone. It’s okay to feel joy and sadness as you reflect on your experiences. Allow yourself to embrace these emotions fully; they show how much love has filled your home.   As you walk through each room, recall the laughter, cooking smells, and the conversations. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to such a meaningful place, hold onto the memories as... 04/25/2025

  About twenty years ago, a retired couple met and fell in love. She owned a single-family home, while he had a top-floor condo in a lovely 55-and-over community. They faced the challenging decision of where to move together. We discussed the pros and cons of both options. He was reluctant to move into her rancher, and she didn’t want to move into his condo.I began asking them questions: What would your ideal place be? Do you have to remain in Maryland? Can you describe what you are looking for in a dream home?  And here is what they came up with:They envisioned a home filled with art, culture, warm temperatures, and open skies.He was an astronomer, and she was an art lover and collector. Realizing that Baltimore no longer met their needs, they traveled west and quickly found and purcha... 04/21/2025

. Our homes are like mirrors to our personalities, often showcasing our quirks in interesting ways!Turning a spare bedroom into an extravagant walk-in closet—talk about living your best fashion life! Then there's the family that swapped a large rec room for an enormous poker den where friends gather for game night. And I am about to visit a listing with a chicken in the kitchen sink.  Stay tuned for that one.Another family went all out with a “cat room” in their Victorian farmhouse, filled with tree branches and cozy nooks, leaving hardly any space for humans. But hey, the cats get the VIP treatment!And another home had Christmas-themed pigs everywhere!That’s a conversation starter. And speaking of quirky collections, I know a guy whose whole room was dedicated to turtles. Others fill t... 04/20/2025

When buying a home, it's important to understand EMD earnest money deposits. These deposits demonstrate your seriousness about the purchase, showing the seller that you are ready to invest your interest and finances. Think of it as putting your "skin in the game."Earnest money is a deposit that demonstrates your commitment to buying a home. Typically held in escrow, this deposit is applied toward the purchase price when you close on the property. In a competitive market, offering a larger earnest money deposit can make your offer more attractive to sellers, as it shows your dedication to purchasing their home.While there’s a chance you could lose your deposit, there are protective measures in place. If the seller doesn’t follow through on their responsibilities, you can often get your m... 04/19/2025

I shared this years ago, and it's still relevant today!In a busy town, there was a popular hair salon with talented stylists who provided great haircuts and color, and they made it a fun experience. When a number of budget salons opened nearby, offering haircuts for just $5, the stylists at the upscale salon became worried. Instead of lowering their prices, the smart owner decided to turn the challenge into a joke with a sign that read: “We Fix $5 Haircuts!” This funny sign attracted clients who were unhappy with their cheap haircuts and wanted a makeover. The stylists gained confidence as they worked on these clients, showing that good quality and a sense of humor can beat more affordable competition. The upscale salon survived, thrived and found a special place in the market, proving ... 04/16/2025

Attention Renter Attention LandlordThis may be a long shot!If you’re renting and need to move, you may face a challenge due to a housing shortage. The few houses on the market often attract multiple offers at inflated prices. So, what can you do? There’s one potential solution, though it may not suit everyone.Imagine you are a renter who has received notice to vacate because your landlord will not renew your lease and plans to sell the property.  Now you must start searching for, making offers, and possibly being outbid—even on properties you don’t love. One Possible SolutionHave your Realtor® contact your landlord to propose selling the rental property to you!  It's best if you do this before it officially hits the market. You could make an offer to purchase the property with a short c... 04/14/2025

Doing Nothing Is Not an OptionWhat to do when market showings start to slow down? Stay in frequent contact with sellers. Make regular phone calls to keep them updated. During this time, consider hosting a one-hour open house and invite friends, neighbors, and past clients to attend.Freshen up the listing by updating the MLS photo or highlighting a specific feature or showcasing an open floor plan.  Review and tweak your MLS description to reflect the season or emphasize a key feature.Showcase the features of a home, an elevator, a sunroom, the fenced yard, or a glass block shower room.  You can also create content related to gardening, nearby dog parks, play areas, gyms, or senior centers with special programs. Use your listings as examples—highlight the patio, grill, or local attractio... 04/10/2025

 During my journey with ActiveRain, I've shared various flowery stories and a few life lessons. As we stroll down memory lane, let’s revisit some of these simple experiences. I’ve included a link to the original post for each story, complete with a brief summary highlighting the key takeaways. Enjoy! **It was a busy Sunday in Baltimore, filled with meetings and property showings. On my way home, I stopped to buy beautiful roses that matched the sunset colors. I parked to enjoy the view as the sky changed. When I got home, I arranged the flowers in a vase, and with Lee beside me, we took a moment to admire their beauty together. Arizona colors and Baltimore skies.**My Lee always brought me flowers. One beautiful bouquet of stunning green roses left me feeling quite envious of their uniqu... 04/05/2025

Navigating the real estate market is a roller coaster ride for Realtors®, buyers, and sellers.  A roller coaster ride is a situation or experience characterized by sudden and extreme changes, often involving ups and downs.As Realtors®, our journey is filled with excitement and opportunities. We work with a variety of clients and adapt to the ever-changing market, allowing us to use our skills to meet their needs. This positive environment not only helps us close deals but also allows us to build strong relationships along the way.Buyers feel a thrill and anxiety as they search for their dream homes. One moment, they might find a great listing, only to face fierce competition or rising prices in the next, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.Sellers, are on a ride filled with t... 04/02/2025

My journey into real estate has been anything but ordinary. My life experiences have shaped it and influenced by the people and moments that have defined me.When I was eight years old, I experienced the profound loss of my father. As a child, I used to give him his insulin shots. This early experience inspired my dream of becoming a nurse. Throughout my time in nursing, I learned the vital importance of compassion, communication, and treating others with kindness—skills that have proven invaluable in my current career.While working as a nurse, I met the love of my life, and together we created a beautiful family with our daughter. I cherished my time as a stay-at-home mom, enjoying those formative years with my child.An unexpected twist in my journey came when I took a ceramic course. I... 03/28/2025