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Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Twelve observations related to real estate.Similar to flying, it is not unusual to encounter a few bumps when buying and selling. This real estate turbulence happens anytime between signing up with a listing agent and the final settlement day.   I read a list of items that a pilot won't always tell you, and this triggered a list of things that agents may not want you to know about the real estate transaction.        I have encountered all of them and want to share my observations. Each could be a book chapter or a stand-alone blog post. 1. Houses sell houses, and people foul up deals.2. Avoid settlements early in the morning on Mondays or late  Fridays.3. Don't turn the keys over until the settlement is funded.4. Don't let a seller know a contract is coming in... Always wait until the o...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 A few years back, a lovely young family hired me to help them sell their house. They were looking for a bigger space for their new baby and a better school district and wanted my assistance. After completing all the necessary paperwork and agreeing on a listing price, we took photos of the property and made a list of required repairs and updates. Unfortunately, there were some deferred maintenance issues that we had to deal with before selling the property.When I called to check on their progress, I was pleasantly surprised that they had almost completed everything on our checklist. They had done a lot of purging to prepare for their next move, evident in the sparkling clean house. I stopped by for a visit and was amazed at how different the house looked.What happened next was somethin...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
For some sellers, this may be for you.If you have worked for months getting your home ready for sale. Packing, donating, trashing, cleaning, painting, lifting, schlepping, fixing, repairing, and staging. All in preparation leading up to the professional photography session and getting the house ready for the MLS listing. Now that's done, the very best thing you could do isGet Out Of TownAnd I mean take a mini-vacation, go to a nearby luxury hotel and spend a few days. Go to the spa.You deserve some time off, a much-needed rest after your big undertaking, and it is an excellent way to unwind and think about your next move.With you away, there are no worries about messing up the house, getting it ready to show, leaving home, removing the evidence of pets and other family members. You have...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Here is a post I  started for the December miracle challenge, but it didn't close until February 14th, so I guess it was Valentine's day miracle.  'Draft for the contest:We are now 19 days past our original SS date. Remember (my rant )   It's the weekend before Xmas. My seller moved out of state on the assurance of a closing. When communication was lost (no calls, texts, or emails returned;  I reached out to the president of the lending company. The lender asked me if I wanted him to deny the loan. The RE agent reprimanded me for calling the president of the lending institution and telling me not to make contact again.   There would be no reason to go higher if someone had returned my calls. Impressive, I received several calls and even texts the following day. A call from the buyer's a...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
          Most of the time, a transaction is predictable, and closing happens when it's supposed to.  But there are also snafus, upsets, or a series of unexpected events. The seller may go through stress, turbulence, and disappointments. There is the waiting, the vacating of the house, and the move out of town without a closing. This past month I  sold this Baltimore home representing an exceptional seller, and without telling all the details, this appreciative seller took the time to write this letter.        Cynthia here's to a beautiful life in your new home in a new state where your toes can frequently be in the sand.    
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Today a member asked what we carry in our car, and it reminded me of a post written twelve years ago! Take a look. It's in the bag.Times have changed, and here are a few things that I no longer need in that bag. Two phones, a backup in case, a camera with a charger, and the Sentri Key. There is no need to have the listing sheets or directions; everything is on the phone again. My iPhone is my camera and my Sentri Lock, directions, plus so much more...making showings easier. So my bag is lighter, and most of the time, I don't even need that bag.Thinking about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A caller from out of state wants to sell a relative's home that is in significant disrepair. It is not just in need of TLC but of a total renovation. They are looking for a crew to clean it out, paint, carpet, flooring, new appliances, baths, and kitchen. They asked if I could help find and oversee this project. They want/need it to happen fast! And money IS a factor. That's a tall order! I have another suggestion. Let's do the comps on the neighborhood. How much would it sell in pristine condition? How much will it cost to do the renovations? Who will oversee it? How long will it take? And there are no relatives within 1000 miles! With so many buyers priced out of this hectic market, there might be someone who would love to purchase for a price reflecting the as-is condition.  Think wh...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
She told me about her "BOOK" project when talking with Kersh. All about her house, including all the quirks and then some. Think house diary and something everyone could/should do. I loved her idea.When buying a house, what a critical journal to have-If the owner kept records from when they first purchased. Kerch shared what goes into this manual. And there are so many things to document over the lifetime of living in a house.Here are some things for the book, but Kersh will have many more. Do you know where the gas and water shut-offs before you NEED them?Where do all those wires come and go? Cable, phone, electronics, doorbells, and well, you get the idea. How about your heating? Maybe it's geothermal, oil, propane, gas, or electric.  And all the various fireplaces, including wood, co...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The above photo is Baltimore 31 degrees, and it's the day before we change to Daylight Savings Time.Most of our essential clocks and devices change by themselves. We all remember the phrase "Spring forward, Fall back," which reminds us how Daylight Saving Time affects all our time telling devices.Some still have to change physically, like our wall clocks,  watches, older car clocks, and a few other things we might miss for a few weeks. March 13 Sunday,  "Spring Forward" at 2 a.m.It is a good idea to remind Sunday appointments of the time change.                                            Changing these devices will ensure that I will be on time for my 12-noon radio show.                        Moving time up an hour isn't a reminder to spring forward so much as a reminder not to MISS a...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Yesterday, I took on the March Challenge to create a new signature and took up Craig's offer. If I share a  snapshot when finished, he will give me feedback. And so I went ahead and posted last night. As promised, Craig sent me his suggestions, and the signature is now live.   ''Dear Craig,What a lovely message. These were golden words from you, "I'm on it." I was determined to finish it last night, and the challenge was what I needed. I started around 4:30 in the afternoon and finished the blog around 1 AM. Perfect uh uh ...not even close, but my goal to complete the challenge was met. As a former Registered Nurse and ceramic artist, technology is not my forte. That's what web admins, geeks, and computer experts do. I sell Real Estate, and I am good at making people's dreams come true,...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
By gosh, I think I've done it.Below is my old blog signature, which  I wasn't even aware that it is not a signature,  BEFORE Then the lightbulb goes off when I read about this month's challenge hosted by Craig Daniels—and inspired by Eileen Burns. Here goes my attempt to create a signature using Craig's Video as a guide. My goodness, this guy is a genius! Creating a simple tutorial takes much time and effort, but it seems almost impossible until you try it. It's like anything new, oh so easy once your know-how. And is a  building block one step at a time.Think anything related to the computer, as soon as you master it; you say, oh, that was easy. Think of the first time you put a listing in the MLS, your first blog, uploading a photo,  a contract for electronic signatures, the first tim...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Textured leather granite is a beautiful feature in this custom-designed kitchen. It feels good and looks even better. Paired with maple wood cabinets, this is luxury at its finest. One of the surfaces, used as a desk, has this granite but it is polished and smooth for writing in the same kitchen area.Have you seen other examples of textured granite?  This rancher with a double garage will have photos and be ready for market in just a few weeks. Here is another luxury countertop in soapstone.  It is a treat to see so many unique materials used in homes we represent. What have been your favorite countertops? What special materials have you seen used in your luxury homes?Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 They were clients from 2004 when I sold their home and sold them a new one. And that new one we just sold again. I love it when former buyers become sellers again.   Today I received a gift, a note, and the card above."You don't just give, you give from the heart, and it makes a difference."Nice to be appreciated after a transaction is over. The sellers have to be very busy moving out of state and into their new home, but they still made time to write a Thank You note. Said so many times; I do have the best buyers and sellers.Thinking of selling or buying a homeCall Margaret Rome    
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 No question, buying a house is an emotional decision. Even if you find everything, you think you want – the right neighborhood, the right school, the correct number of bedrooms, the right look, the fireplace, the gardens, the garage, the workshop, the first-floor office,  even the lower level art studio.But it still may not be suitable.It's a bit like dating. Yes, the guy looked right, was tall enough, had a good sense of humor, good education, your friends liked him, but something was missing. That is something we call chemistry. The same is true with the house - you 'gotta' fall in love! I've seen agents wholly frustrated when the buyer is not satisfied. After all, they have found properties with everything on their wish list. Maybe this is where that offensive comment came from "Buy...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
''Instead of saying inventory shortage, define the current market conditions as a demand surplus. Almost as many homes are coming on the market, they are just selling faster than ever.''Take a few minutes to read:Mike and Mary Pallin's article.  We put so much time, money, and creativity when we take on a listing...why not do the same when working with a buyer?A young couple, not in my area, is getting married this year and wants a house. They have put in multiple unacceptable offers. Frustrated, they asked for advice and suggestions on finding a home. Now is the time to be proactive.My suggestion:Drive around neighborhoods you love, find a house you like, note the address, and leave a flyer with your agent's information. Notify your agent of the street address, and they can research th...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Photo above-mini kitchen in the media room.   8525 Mountainholly Dr. Baltimore County Pikesville 21208   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 "Vegas" with pool table, poker room, fabulous media room, kitchen, bedroom, wine room, cedar closet, full bath, and walkout to bluestone patio and wooded views. Click to CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS 8525 Mountainholly Dr. Pikesville, Md 21208 MLS MDBC527248 For information on this single-family 55+ condo home  Call Marg...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Yes, I still love this extraordinary, crazy RE career. I love representing the unique properties and helping so many people find their perfect 'for them' house. And we have the chance to show our listings every day.And it looks easy. But easy, it's not. Take this past weekend as an example—a request late  Saturday to show my Tema Ct. on Sunday at 2:00. OK, I can make that work. My Radio show is 12-1, a quick stop for lunch, and I'll turn it into a one-hour open house. But not before I spoke with the agent to make sure the buyer knew the pros and cons of this mid-century modern brick/stone rancher. It sounded like a good match, so we confirmed the Sunday appointment.  I finished the radio show and went straight to the Stevenson listing.But a call from the agent, the buyer not feeling wel...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Open House 2-27-2022Sunday 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 Photos8205 Tama CtStevenson 21208MLS #MDBC2011878Check 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 wall ovens, five...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This month's challenge is to tell how our unique experiences have influenced our life and work perspectives. * Where were you born? I was born in Danville, Virginia, attended George Washington High School, and moved to Baltimore to pursue my nursing career.* What was your upbringing? My parents owned a restaurant and delicatessen open seven days a week. My father was a diabetic, and I gave him insulin shots. He died of his first heart attack at forty-nine. At eight years old, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse! Mother ran the business opening from six in the morning until nine at night. That was every day! A role model. She taught by example, never missing one day in all those years. Each customer was welcomed and made to feel at home. Mom had a way of making every single person feel li...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
In reading, writing, and talking about Real Estate, be cautious of specific words and phrases.Making everyone feel welcome is the goal. -Master, whether a bedroom, suite, or bath, suggest using 'owner' suite or 'primary' bedroom.-Family, whether describing the house's occupants or a specific room. -Walking distance, use nearby, around the corner, or .02 miles, -Great schools are a no-no. -Avoid proximity to an individual house of worship.-No longer describe a backyard as a playground. -More inappropriate words fisherman, man-cave, and she-shed.-Safe neighborhood.-His/hers closets become dual or shared closets.-Suggest not using the term Grandma's house.- Or the word perfect for anyone specific. -No more handyman specials.Let's use the right words to make everyone feel welcome. What word...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Buyers are looking for different things when they are ready to move to a new home. It would be helpful when working with a Realtor®  to list all the essential desires for you and your family. Let your agent know what you are looking for, including location, property, price, and particular style.  
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Keys! We all have and use them. Some folks even have a drawer or box full of extra keys, strange keys, unknown keys, sentimental keys, your first house key, a favorite car, and so many more. There are old trunk keys, vintage car keys, and maybe keys to that summer cottage, a lost diary, or grandma's key. Do you have a church key?Unable to throw them away? Don't. Create a wind chime, frame a few, or create a mobile for your office. Make it a  gift with a note, "you hold the key to my heart." I saw this hanging in a title company. Clever!  What are you doing with all those spare keys?It could be a new hobby or the key to beginning a small business. Are you looking for the key to your next home?Call Margaret Rome 
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