One Diamond Crest Court Baltimore, County 21209MLS MDBC2024820 This rare find is a beautiful home in The Gables at Summit Chase.Click To See More Photos First time listed, this five-bedroom, two-story home has three finished levels, a 2 car garage, and a fabulous screened room off the gourmet kitchen. This one shows pride-of-ownership.Instead of my description telling you all about this beauty, go ahead andClick To See More Photos Then Call, text, or email for an appointmentFor more information on this homeCall Margaret Rome    05/19/2022

 Maryland loves two-story brick homes with a two-car garage. And this move-in beauty is located in Baltimore County zip code  21209 It is almost here!If you have been waiting for a five-bedroom colonial in the perfect location—the Gables at Summit Chase...you will have to wait a bit longer. The sellers will be ready to move when their new home is complete.   This two-story home sitting on a corner lot has a gourmet quartz island kitchen, double pantries, and first-floor laundry. You will want to check out the custom architectural screened porch addition with skylights and stairs to the lawn and patio.   The elegant formal sunken living room, located off the spacious foyer, has a bay window. There are high ceilings in the open family room with a fireplace and it is adjacent to the kitche... 05/17/2022

 An early morning conversation with my AR friend Elyse Berman, PA inspired this post. She shared a joke: The telegram read:'Start worrying; details to follow.'And I was thinking about Communication the Rome Way! Knowing your buyers and sellers is the first step in how you communicate. Always ask upfront how and when they would like contact from you. Some only want a text, others are happy with an email, and others need a direct phone call.Here are some of the responses and observations when I ask about staying in touch. -Only contact me if you have an acceptable offer. In other words, you take care of selling my house.-Call me every day and let me know what is going on. They need constant contact.-Call me before and after each showing of the house. But of course that I do.-Call me when ... 05/15/2022

 Moving tipsAlways check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Registered Moving Database when hiring a moving company. Check the number of complaints.Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal government and have a U.S. DOT number Mover Database. Information you can review includes:The location of the moving company's headquartersContact informationRegistration statusIs the moving business a carrier, broker, freight, or forwarder?Complaint informationSafety informationCheck this link to find out about Brokers vs. MoversGet several in-person estimates. Pay with a credit card. And if the company requires a deposit, it should never be more than a few hundred dollars.Remind buyers and sellers to verify movers with the Federal Motor Carrier SafetyOne of my frien... 05/13/2022

There was a call from a potential buyer who saw one of the homes on my website. He was interested in this mid-century rancher and was having trouble finding this style.  He was not aware of any homes of this type in the Baltimore area.  Even though the property he called on was sold this past year, I offered to help find a similar one.  Asking for his wish list, the following are the particulars we are looking for in either Baltimore or Howard County -Three or more bedrooms - A rancher at least 3000'-One-two acre lot-A two-car garage.-Basement is optional-Price range under 1.2 million-Move-in turn-key condition.  And they are ready to sell their fabulous colonial when we find this single-floor living California-style contemporary rancher. The home above is the style they initially calle... 05/12/2022

 How Do You Handle This Stress?                                                               When others find out I am still in my first home, there is some surprise after more than 40 years.  My reasoning: I am not about to put myself through what you will be experiencing during this listing and selling process.That is where my counseling sessions come in...starting at the beginning of a  listing...explaining the stress of selling.  As a former RN, stress can manifest many different emotions. Moving is one of the top stress producers, including death, illness, divorce, job loss, and other life-changing moments. I go on to explain....If you get along well, you may experience some slight bickering. If you are a bickering couple...there might be some arguments...and if you are a family t... 05/10/2022

           It took one look to know this was the right place. My friend of more than fifty years (we worked at the hospital together) called about this FSBO in The Grey Rock Flats in Pikesville. I called the seller (who I also have known for fifty years). She was our daughter's first babysitter, and she signed an agreement to sell. The buyer signed by noon. And by the evening, they both signed, and quickly, we had a ratified contract. This contract feels right to find a  gated community, desirable first-floor flat with an attached garage, no steps, accessible, bright with lots of windows, a granite kitchen, and a private back patio. So close to everything from the Baltimore Beltway, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Lifebridge, Ruths Chris, and many more shopping places. Before the month is over, ... 05/08/2022

Recently entered a post in May's Contest, answering 21 questions. The one that got noticed by a favorite client was # 18 about changing a dryer belt. I promised to share why!Years ago, I had to call a plumber because there was no hot water entering my washing machine. The problem the plumber found; the hot and cold hoses switched. How would I have known? It only took a second to change. So the next day, when the dryer stopped, I was not going to call the recently belittling contractor. I somehow figured out it was a broken belt. I purchased a new one and proceeded to open and disassemble the dryer.  Oh my, What have I gotten myself into?  I was about to give up when I heard:“I knew you couldn’t fix that!” Those are not words I accept! I did my research, went to an appliance store, had s... 05/03/2022

 I recently had the opportunity to take and complete the CSI Certification course. The class was offered right here on ActiveRain and presented by Robert Siciliano. In today's mail, I received the package containing this certificate below, a personal safety device, and booklets for buyers and sellers with tips on protecting your family and your property.It is a wonderfully busy time in Real Estate, but I am so glad that I could fit in this six-hour course that should be mandatory, IMHO, for every real estate professional. For more information, check out www.protectnowllc.com. When buying, selling, and showing properties, always be aware of the skills necessary for a safe and secure transaction.When you are ready to sell your homeCall Margaret Rome  04/30/2022

14 KEYSER WOODS COURT, MD 21208, PIKESVILLE, Maryland Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE: SaturdayApril 30, 1PM - 3pm Description Description Photos Real Estate Reports for Home Owners, Sellers & Buyers! Maps & Local Schools More $ Click for current price 5 BEDROOMS | 5 full, 2 half baths BATHROOMS | 5636 SqFt Contact the Official Listing Agent, Ellie McIntire with Keller Williams Integrity with any questions you may have. Call - 240-389-3745 or 443-474-1600 Let your mouse walk the house with our 3D tour https://bit.ly/14KeyserWoodsTour Your home is always your castle and this timeless masterpiece is a spectacular residence built for Royalty. There is not one space or feature in this opulent mansion that has not been carefully selected for the utmost luxurious experience. You get to ... 04/29/2022

Change Of AddressOne of the things to do when selling your home is to go to the post office and change your address. It is a free service. You can also do it online for a modest sum of $1.10.  But be careful; there are some bogus sites set up that look very official, and you might think you are on the right one. These sites are charging up to forty dollars. Please be warned not to fall for these.'Note: Warning: There are third-party websites that will charge you fees of $40.00 or more to submit your Change of Address. The Postal Service is not affiliated with the businesses that own these sites and, unfortunately, will not be able to assist you, or offer any refunds for activity on ANY non-USPS site. If something goes wrong while filing a COA on a non-USPS site, you will need to contact... 04/27/2022

My fortune cookie read:"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot." Those cookie people may be following me around. Recently was told ''you have to'' accept this offer because this property will never sell or it is too unique or priced too high. It went under contract the next day.One agent commented on a public site saying a home was overpriced. These comments have come from buyers and other agents. Some have even gone so far as to send letters to the sellers trying to negotiate without their agent. Thank goodness I have such a good relationship with my sellers that they share this information and always inform me of any communication.  And I have been told over the years that the following will not work  in Real Estate: You can't drive a two-door car and be a s... 04/25/2022

 WarningThis  post has nothing to do with Real EstateAhh, when I stepped outside my front door, there was a delightfully lovely fragrance. It was coming from this giant bush.I have no idea what it is, but I took a pair of clippers, snipped a bunch, and put them in one of my ceramic pieces.      And now that lovely scent is being enjoyed in front of me on my desk. Does anyone know what this plant is? Maybe, Roy Kelley I told you this had nothing to do with Real Estate.But if you are thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome   04/22/2022

 This month, the ActiveRain challenge is to say in 350 words what this platform means to us. To most serious bloggers, we could fill a book. My blogging began in 2006, posting most days, logging in every day, and speaking with an AR member daily. I thought this challenge would be so easy. I could go back and pick out a bunch of blogs and take the collages from them. But many of the links no longer work, so I thought I would give you a list of what AR has meant and then a few posts to read.    Thankful for ActiveRain and the positive effects on my career and my life. Below are just a few:ActiveRain members got me through the loss of my Lee in 2014.Many buyers and sellers have found me through this platform.Through blogging, I receive instant gratification daily.Blogging helped me write m... 04/19/2022

Deciding to move Working with classic clients and the mature population, the decision to sell is huge, and it needs to happen in stages. First, the question, Where will the seller go?There are choices to consider: assisted living, a retirement community, a move closer to children, a nearby condo, or even into the children's home. I recently met with a friend of one of my favorite sellers about a move.  We were just there to chat and get to know each other...no paperwork at this time. Her children are all in different states, and one daughter wants Mom nearby. How does one decide whether to stay in Baltimore or move to a city closer to the children? I took out a piece of paper and wrote Baltimore and NJ at the top.  Then a plus sign and minus sign under both.And we started a conversation... 04/18/2022

I love when the public asks for my opinion, and I have no problem giving it. These are homeowners with a lovely property, a location, and the size they want for now. They use their living room as a workout room and ask the above question. Should we put a gym in our house? I had a few questions in return. How long are you planning to stay in this house? How much use would this room get?  Where would this gym be located? In today's market, a home gym is a real bonus. Many gyms have closed, or people are not returning.The owners plan to take a screened porch, enclose it, and put it in a split system (heat and AC) to be usable all year. It is interesting because of the two sellers; one wants to move and find a home on the water. The other is pretty laid back and still enjoys the house. It i... 04/17/2022

 Good wishes to you, your family, and friends for a Happy Passover  Enjoy the Passover holiday, and as you celebrate with family and friends, good wishes for a peaceful and meaningful week.Thinking of a larger home for next year, thinking of right-sizing, thinking you need more space, thinking about selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  04/14/2022

Three ways to get your offers noticed and accepted. Most of the time, I am the listing agent, but when working with a buyer, I treat their offers as though they were competing against others. After all, why not put the best offer forward to help ensure your buyer does not lose their "perfect" home.  OneFinancial qualification is a must. Not just a "baloney" letter from an unknown lender... stating: 'To whom it may concern...based on the information given, you are approved to buy a house for x amount providing whatever you told me does not change.'' You do recognize these "pre-approval " letters are not binding. Make sure your lender "knows" the client and writes a letter specifically for this buyer and this property. Give the seller and the listing agent assurance that this buyer can mo... 04/11/2022

 8525 Mountainholly Dr.Baltimore CountyPikesville 21208Under Contract and has a TOO LATE sign.Single-family home is a condo in this 55 plus gated community. We have found the perfect buyers who love this home! And that means a TOO LATE sign. This home has it all! The first floor includes the owner's suite, a second bedroom and bath, library, sunroom, gazebo, huge deck, laundry, granite kitchen, gas fireplace, and a two-car garage. Check out the extensive decking with a private screened gazebo. There are four full baths, and the loft is a perfect guest suite. And then WOW, there is the lower level that looks like a Vegas Casino with a pool table, poker room, fabulous media room, kitchen, bedroom, wine room, cedar closet, full bath, walkout bluestone patio, and wooded views.Click to CHECK... 04/10/2022

  Open House 4-3-2022 Sunday 2-3   This  3000’  all brick and stone rancher is a contemporary gem with one entire floor of gracious living…one level with no steps.   Click To See The Slideshow Photos 8205 Tama Ct Stevenson 21208 MLS #MDBC2011878 Check out this  Stevenson move-in-ready rancher with five bedrooms, two and a half luxury baths, an in-ground fenced pool, and a cul-de-sac location.         Notice the beautiful curved stone wood-burning fireplace in the living room. And gleaming wood floors shows the quality of this recent renovation. Custom designed twenty-seven-foot kitchen includes clean lines with lots of granite, ceramic tile,  an abundant amount of custom wood cabinets and is ideal for the gourmet cook. Enjoy easy living with the stainless three-door refrigerator, double... 04/03/2022