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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)
Eighteen Years Blogging But Who's CountingBlogging Bliss Journey  I started blogging in 2006; it has been an amazing journey! I was a nurse, a ceramic artist, and, for the past three and a half decades, a Realtor®. I never thought I would share my thoughts with so many people, but my passion for what I do keeps me excited, and that’s what it is all about.. I loved nursing, the making of ceramic art, and celebrating the memories of my 47-year marriage. That passion keeps me connected.Staying consistent is easy when you love something. I enjoy talking to people through phone calls or comments and look forward to my weekly radio show. Everything comes together perfectly!I do what feels right.  It's been said: I was marching to a different drummer. My art was different.  My blogging led to ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I I want to take a moment to express how much I enjoy and appreciate having my own weekly live radio show, "All About Real Estate." It’s such a joy to connect with listeners each week, share my passion for real estate, and engage in meaningful conversations. I love discussing various topics, answering your questions, and learning from your insights.I'm particularly enthusiastic about sharing stories involving unique properties and special buyers and discussing the journey of buying or selling a home. I also enjoy discussing various transactions and the challenges that arise, which helps educate the public and other real estate professionals. This not only benefits my audience but also serves to teach newer Realtors®, ultimately making the industry better for everyone involved.The energy...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Letter to 8205 Tama Court in Stevenson 21208  "Dear House:Thank you for all the years of happiness you've facilitated for us, from hosting family & friends in your huge living room/dining room, where everyone always enjoys choosing food laid out on the 17' buffet, to more intimate get-togethers, where everyone gathers in the spacious kitchen. Your double wall oven & cooktop make it easy to cook for big parties, and your granite countertops & kitchen island always provide plenty of counter space. The travertine backsplash reminds everyone of Israel. The cabinets we put everywhere provide TONS of storage for all the "stuff" that hubby wonders why we have, but it's nice to know we can always find the suitable bowl, platter, or container, neatly tucked away somewhere. Floating in the pool o...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
8295 Tama Court 21208 Come look at the four- to five-bedroom brick and stone rancher in Stevenson. Move-in ready, immaculate MidCenturyModern with an inground pool and no steps.  8205 Tama CourtStevenson 21208 Directions Stevenson or Greenspring (north of the beltway), Woodvalley to Marcie Drive to 8205 Tama Court. Questions about this 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)
My last two posts were about my friend's creativity, who created the first-floor bathroom when others said it was impossible and how her staircase, too narrow for rails on both sides, was 'handled.' Here's one more creative idea using a 3-paneled screen/room divider similar to this.  Turned sideways, given sturdy wooden legs, cut from the trees on the property, and voila, repurposed into a sofa bed.Note: The kitty uses it during the day for cat naps.  Practical, inexpensive, and multipurpose. Check out the 'sofa bed' above. Thinking of staying or selling your 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)
 Remember the story of my friend, 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 the 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    
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
She was determined to stay in her home. But there was no first-floor bathroom. 'Not possible,' said the various contractors! She thought otherwise and would not take no for an answer. Once you meet a brilliant, strong-willed 92-year-old, you better be careful about saying those words.It has been four years since I first met my friend. This week I had the privilege to spend some time at her home. She loved this comfortable abode- an unusual home that started as a  log cabin with a few additions over the years. Located in one of the best neighborhoods...it is a true hidden gem. This was the eighth house she had purchased. Her philosophy on real estate, buy the cheapest, poorest condition home in the best neighborhood and go from there. After three decades, whether she could remain in her ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Being a Broker and Realtor® and having my radio show, I get a good glimpse of what is happening in Real Estate. Buyers, sellers, and professionals share their stories; some are anonymous, others not. I'll give you some examples. Are you ready to sell? Maybe you are.  Maybe Not. First-A NeighborA neighbor called because her family wanted her to sell and make a profit. She was a musician, loved her home, and had no mortgage, but "they" thought it was time to move into an apartment. I pointed out the advantage of staying, explaining there is nowhere she could live for less. She was paying taxes, utilities, and maintenance -her only expense was less than any decent rental. She was so happy that I "talked " her out of selling. She did not want to move and would continue to enjoy her music. B...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
All homes have personalities. When looking for a home, whether a condo, co-op, single family, townhouse, or vacation home, make sure you visit various styles, locations, and buildings.If looking at a condo, how do you feel when entering? Is it warm, inviting, along with a friendly staff, etc.?  Engage the crew by asking about parking, mail, or snow removal questions. And when you see a visitor or resident in the elevator, ask more questions. How long have you lived here? What is the pet policy, and are there guest accommodations? If you can find a maintenance person, building manager, or even front desk personnel, ask about package delivery, exterminator, heat, AC,  assessments, and the history of monthly fees.Engaging with people associated with the building will help you assess that p...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Three things that keep an agent going no matter what the market is doingONE:The Need For LearningNot only through our compulsory (CE) education, but each transaction is another opportunity to learn and share what you know. Great agents and professionals want to give information to other agents so that we are all better informed. When I speak with a colleague or a professional, including Realtor®,  lenders, inspectors, or a title attorney, there is always the opportunity to get a new idea, learn about new rules, change, or even new forms. And we know from our clients when they ask questions. Each day I am asked to clarify items in the contract. When working with buyers and sellers, the contract agreement addresses most concerns, but you, the professional, must know that contract and abou...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 8205 Tama Court Stevenson 21208 MLS MDBC2011878     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   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. The custom-designed twenty-seven-foot kitchen includes clean lines with lots of granite, ceramic tile, and 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-burner ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Is your agent strong enough?I see aggressive behavior, making the listing agent feel inadequate because they are not accepting their offers. They use tactics like the market is changing, the seller will regret this decision, and interest rates are going up, so you will never get that price.  And all of those things could happen, but it is not the agent running the show.Offers are presented to sellers. The seller makes the final decision but relies on the Broker's expertise they hired.  Trying to strong-arm the listing agent or have your buyer contact or write a letter directly to the seller is just plain wrong. And I have had the same agent's buyers mail correspondence to the seller trying to negotiate without the agent.Is your agent strong enough?
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
3433 Philips DriveBaltimore, Md. 21208 MLS MDBC2042610Click For More PhotosCheck out this spectacular mid-century modern one-level immaculate living with wood floors, high ceilings, white Cambria quartz gourmet kitchen, induction cooking,  glass tile backsplash, and an open floor plan for easy living.The above photos show an oversized garage, air-jetted tub, induction cooking, open entertaining areas, and storage galore 45 drawers in the gourmet kitchen. Three to four bedrooms with an oversized garage measuring 30' x19' with storage rooms. Gorgeous relaxing landscaped pond and waterfalls. Huge patio areas with retractable awning.  Stone floors, a sexy shower, a heated towel rack, and a  smart Toto.   Porcelain heated bath floors, tankless hot water, pocket doors, clerestory windows, a b...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Inspired by a question in the Q & A asking if we were hands-on or hands-off.My answer is I am 100% hands-on. Buyers and sellers don’t need me to do the 3 Ps when listing their houses. Place a sale sign Put it in the MLS  Pray Not even in a seller's market when there are more buyers than homes to sell. They need me to stay in touch with them, screen the showings, and qualify the agents and buyers as to what the seller needs. Maybe it’s a later closing date; perhaps they need to find another home first. They need a professional to answer questions when others have doubts. They need calm and an explanation of the workings of a transaction, publicity, the showings, the negotiations, the inspection, the appraisal, the lending process, clear to close, and the final settlement. They need me a...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  Happy 4th of July  old"Buy a Fifth on the Third for the Fourth." No, I am not promoting drinking, but this reminds me of my mom, who always said with a smile: "Don't forget to buy a Fifth on the Third for the Fourth." There is only one day that the saying makes sense.And that day is today, July 3rd.  I hope everyone enjoys this holiday week with friends and family.   Mom, I am thinking about you!  
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Photo above-mini kitchen with granite counters 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. The loft with a  bedroom and full bath is a perfect guest suite. And then WOW, there is the lower level that looks like "Vegas" with room for the 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 any home  ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I have had buyers looking for large condos for a few years. They come from large single-family homes and are ready for easy one-level living. These buyers are right-sizing, not down-sizing. They want space for entertaining, state-of-the-art gourmet kitchens, a lavish spa bath, and room for guests and family to visit. They want the convenience of shopping, gyms, and restaurants. What have I found? These patio homes and condos do NOT exist in our Baltimore area but are plentiful in other states. But these buyers want to stay in the Baltimore area for business, friends, or family. Check out this solution. Look at this stone mid-century modern rancher with everything mentioned above and much more. 8200 Stevenson Rd 21208Need time to sell your home? We can wait.Move-in ready. And there are n...
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