You are renting and need to move! There is a shortage of houses, and the ones that come on the market have multiple offers at inflated prices, what can you do?Here is one way, and it not for everyone! Working with a buyer who is now renting, they are given a few weeks to vacate. The landlord will not renew and wants to put the rental property on the market for sale.    We have been running around for weeks, making offers on new listings, getting “beat” out of homes that we don’t even love! The stress level is high!One Solution:Contact the landlord to sell this rental now before it goes on MLS. Purchase the rental As-Is, 2-week closing, and tenant stays in place.   Write the offer and secure this property. Note the tenant is the buyer. Now, this buyer is not under this high pressure to b... 03/20/2021

                                                                           1010 Kingston Road Sudbrook Park Pikesville, Md 21208 MLS MDBC516052 Three bedrooms Two Baths     Here is a single-family brick home, sitting on a large fenced corner lot in the Sudbrook Park area of Baltimore County.  Want more than a parking pad? There is room for adding a garage. A first-floor bedroom, bath, and the family room could be easily turned back into a fourth bedroom—upstairs two more bedrooms and a second full bath.  An oversized deck is perfect for entertaining friends, family, youngsters, and maybe a puppy or two.   Enjoy being warm and cozy with the woodstove in the living room.   The lower level is wide open, ready to finish, and has its own door to the outside. There is an updated furnace, wate... 03/19/2021

 7906 Stevenson Rd 21208MLS #MDBC515374Sunday Open2:30-3:30 Please click below to see photos7906 Stevenson Rd 21208   There are four bedrooms, three and a half baths. Two owner suites with full baths are on the first floor with no steps. There is a den/office/yoga room that could easily be a fifth bedroom also on the first floor.Upstairs are two large bedrooms with a full bath and plenty of storage. Wonderfully large living and dining room has a wood-burning fireplace and access to the rear patio and fenced yard. Gourmet eat-in granite kitchen, breakfast bar, stainless appliances, and gas cooking. Convenient first-floor laundry is adjacent to the kitchen and access to the two-car garage.It is such an ideal location, minutes to Baltimore Beltway, Trader Joe's, LifeBridge, Woodholme Shopp... 03/14/2021

 Most of our important clocks change to Daylight Savings Time by themselves. The time changes at TWO AM Sunday, March 14th  We all remember the phrase "Spring forward, Fall back" which reminds us how Daylight Saving Time affects all our time-telling devices.There are still some that have to be manually changed like our wall clocks,  watches, older car clocks, and few other things we might miss for a few weeks. Today is the second Sunday in March and we "Spring Forward" at 2 a.m.Please don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour.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.                         This isn't a reminder to spring forward ... 03/13/2021

As a solo broker and mainly a listing agent, I have buyers ready to purchase immediately. Frustrating to watch the disappointment of multiple offers and not even to have a chance to bid because of the short supply of homes in our Baltimore area. The stress level on buyers is exceptionally high, and in turn, the agents are also feeling this pressure. We need to be pro-active in finding properties for buyers that are ready now. It is necessary to do a bit more than waiting for listings to hit the MLS.  Being proactive in finding homes by doing the following -Writing blogs like, I have buyers for your Baltimore home,-Announcing the properties for buyers on my weekly radio show,-Continuing to search the latest listings.-Contact other agents to let them know the homes I need.-Other REALTORS®... 02/24/2021

   There was a member who talked about making crossword puzzles and using them for marketing properties. So today, I decided to try one for a  listing. Hours, not minutes, were spent! Did I need to do this? Did I want to give it a try? Was it fun? Was it just because it was new? Don't know if I will use this, but at least I did finish. I thought it would be an excellent prop for a stager to use. They could be in a picture frame or used as a novelty gift. Would you use them? And if so, how? Answers to the above puzzle  Think I just needed a diversion.Maybe the weather this morning with more snow, freezing rain, and a 7 AM home inspection. Perhaps it was a challenging phone call from a kindness impaired person. Maybe some sad news from a colleague.Time to turn it all off for the evening. ... 02/22/2021

  1010 Kingston RoadSudbrook ParkPikesville, Md 21208MLS MDBC516052This charming, rarely available, single-family brick cape cod home, sitting on a large fenced corner lot.Check out the paved driveway and a large deck off the family room. This deck is perfect for entertaining or securing your two-legged or your furry four-legged family members.Originally four bedrooms, the first floor has one bedroom, full bath, large open den (was the 2nd bedroom), living room, dining, and kitchen.There's a door to the deck from the family room for ease in entertaining.Enjoy being warm and cozy with this wood stove in the living room.Upstairs has two nice sized bedrooms, a full bath and plenty of storage.The lower level is wide open, ready to finish, and has its own door to the outside. There is a new ... 02/20/2021

 It won't be long before this forever home hits the market. A tiny bit of teasing is in order since it's too soon to give you full details on this four-bedroom home with three and a half baths.   The photos above show the new fireplace doors, a square sink in the powder room with dark bronze fixtures, and an oval mirror. There's a rain shower with vertical tile accents in the master shower and a modern new tub. The French doors lead out to a patio and fenced yard making this home pet-friendly.It may be a little too soon for the MLS, but it's not too soon for a bit of teasing.Interested in a move-in ready 'Rancher Plus' with a two-car garage and two master suites on the main level?Want to hear more about this home?Call Margaret Rome   02/17/2021

A caller on my radio show yesterday inspired this post. She was a former client who was not happy with a chimney company that had given some incorrect advice. My suggestion with any contractor or service company is to get good referrals.  Most people love the look and feel of a fireplace and the ambiance and warmth associated with a burning fire. Many buyers have this on their must-have list.But don't forget the maintenance. If you use it, have it cleaned. And if you are not a DIY kind of person, hire a professional. Soot and creosote build-up needs removal. If the chimney is masonry or metal, check for cracks. Check the chimney caps' condition, which keeps the water out, and side screens that block the critters. Make sure nothing is blocking the opening, which can happen when not in us... 02/08/2021

The snow is gorgeous, no doubt! But it does play havoc with coordinating real estate activities. Just like all homes are not alike, the same holds for buyers, sellers, and inspections. When you get a ratified contract, there are still deadlines to meet, taking from a week or two, depending on the terms.    And coordinating all the inspections depends on the scheduler's efficiency, the availability of the various contractors, the buyers, the seller's time, and the weather in a month like February.     Even when carefully scheduled, a winter storm can cancel one or more of the inspections. It's tough to inspect a roof with snow or ice adequately.   Rescheduling is not always easy. Everyone is busy, and many are already working to capacity.So we have multiple challenges. Especially older a... 02/07/2021

  Why would you purchase "As Is"? Maybe there are multiple offers, and perhaps the buyer is comfortable enough to say they will not be asking for repairs. Maybe the buyer is planning to do a significant renovation. Maybe the buyer wants to use this as a way to negotiate. Perhaps a seller will only sell this way, and the price reflects the "as is" condition.   If you are writing an offer "As Is," you might want to look at how someone will handle this. I have seen buyers try to negotiate repairs. Make sure you understand the contract. Initial only one! Below is a section of the Maryland Real Estate "AS IS ADDENDUM."     There is the "As Is" without inspections...pretty self-explanatory.  There is the "As Is" with inspections and the right to terminate. Within a time limit, usually ten da... 02/04/2021

Specializing in unique properties, I have come across a favorite home in our Baltimore area...  one that is exceptionally versatile to many different homeowners.Here a few names to describe homes Rancher PlusForever HomeCondo BypassAge-in-place-home And some of the usesIn-law/guest suitesSeparate owner suitesPet friendlyChildren(of all ages) friendly Aux PierreQuarantine areasCamp Grandma/pa,Family retreatMulti-generationalEntertaining inside and out It could be perfect for owners of all ages, sharing a home, extended family, independent living, home offices, and convenient to shopping. Let me describe this beautiful and most versatile property.  There are four bedrooms, an office, and three and a half baths. Two private owner bedroom suites perfect for a blended family, a caretaker, an... 02/03/2021

 A few years ago, I wrote Old REALTORS® never die; they become listless. Just saw some comments about being listless in this solid seller's market. That is not where we want to be if we want to stay in Real Estate. Maybe it's time to go after those unique properties that don't "usually" sell quickly, and you may not have to be listless for long.     Or use your 'too late" and " sold"  listings.     Or advertise for the buyers you do have. But...Don't become listless! Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome    02/02/2021

    Inventory is low, a shortage of homes on the market, and many more buyers are vying for the same properties. Agents are reporting multiple showings at all times of the day and night. They allow appointments to be set up by Showing Time, a great service if used correctly. This is where good real estate can make a difference. As a listing agent, I know who sees my properties, not a flood of showings using a lockbox from early morning until after dark.Of course, we want to make it easy for agents to set online appointments, but I still personally confirm and contact the agent and meet them at the property. Agents around the country say they have dozens of showings and multiple offers in the first few days. Are they bragging or complaining? Buying a house is not a marathon sport that ha... 01/24/2021

Open Sunday 2:15-3:15       1010 Kingston Road Sudbrook Park Pikesville, Md 21208 MLS MDBC516052 Three bedrooms Two Baths   $249,944 Here is a single-family brick home, sitting on a large fenced corner lot in the Sudbrook Park area of Baltimore County.  Want more than a parking pad? There is room for adding a garage. A first-floor bedroom, bath, and the family room could be easily turned back into a fourth bedroom—upstairs two more bedrooms and a second full bath.  An oversized deck is perfect for entertaining friends, family, youngsters, and maybe a puppy or two.   Enjoy being warm and cozy with the woodstove in the living room.   The lower level is wide open, ready to finish, and has its own door to the outside. There is an updated furnace, water heater, and a split AC system. Charmin... 01/23/2021

     When selling a home there can be vast differences between the contract offer price and the actual in-your-pocket number. You need to be aware of this at the time of listing not the time you are signing the offer. And certainly not waiting until the closing date to say “but I thought it would be more!!” Your REALTOR® can give you that approximate bottom line based on a full price offer. From there you can go with the “what if’s”   Some examples:-buyer asks for help with closing costs -a major repair comes up at the inspection -radon elevation -termite treatment if signs of insect activity -sewer, well, and septic concerns  Your bottom line is crucial. You may have heard that  Mrs. Jones two doors down got a lot more but you are only aware of the public sales price. Maybe the neighbo... 01/15/2021

    Reading this post by Bliz reminded me of the big box brokerage I was with for 18 yrs. They did everything to promote the company brand. They advertised your open house at no charge and gave you license plate holders with the company logo.The brokers led us to believe it was the company brand that people were seeking. Here was my listing presentation way back then; it consisted of these three questions -Are you 100% you want to sell-Are you 100% you want to use me-Do you have any questions about my company  Affirmative answers on all three were my criteria for getting a listing agreement signed. Today there are only two questions since it is my company. Being with a large name brokerage gives you brand recognition, but it also ties you in with all the other agents' adverse outcomes. ... 01/14/2021

After being on ActiveRain for so many years and writing over four thousand posts, I thought it was time to go back a few years to see if the information was still relevant. Here is a post from five years ago. But I Thought... How many times have we heard a buyer or seller say: "But I thought__________!''Go ahead and fill in the blank.These words are not something any of us want to hear. This means there is some misunderstanding.Many years ago, after settlement, a buyer had her agent call me asking where the stained glass panel was. Her statement:"But I thought it came with the house, and we want it returned."   The agent, adamant about the art, had her manager call me. Note: the item was a personal piece of art; it hung from a hook over a side door panel. It was not attached. The buyer,... 01/11/2021

  I don't think my properties are the only ones getting this kind of attention. In two days, I received 10 separate phone calls from people wanting to rent one of my homes. As soon as they mentioned 'for rent,' I knew this was a SCAM!  The ad, this time, was on FB; last time, it was CL. It is convincing, and when you call the number or respond, you get this kind of story. They claim to be the property owner, the wife has leukemia, and they need to move to California for her treatment.  It's not about the money; they want good people in the house to take care of the property. The rent for a 4 bedroom brick home is $1,000, and it includes utilities. When it sounds too good to be true....! They are asked to fill out really long forms including all personal information, a list of all family... 01/09/2021

What a lovely way to start the first Sunday of the new year. This email arrived from Bob and Keith this morning.  ''Hi, Margaret:Now that the dust--and funds--have cleared, I wanted to take a moment to send you a big Thank You for our latest transaction. It's a shame you had to sell my house three times in ten months, but I like to make sure you really earn your commission! :)  Plus, it gave me an opportunity to chat with you on your radio show, which was more fun than anyone has a right to have.So this brings the tally up to 2 sold, 3 purchased, and you know I'm not going to guarantee that this was the last one.  I think the next one should have two garage spaces...Again, I thank you for all your hard work and your friendship.  I was trying to decide whether I have a Real Estate Agent ... 01/03/2021