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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)
Working Solo...With My Team Can you be successful in real estate if you don't have—or are not part of a mega team? Of course…provided you can call on your team.What’s the difference? Many people hear the term “team” and think of the “multi-agent team,” a group of real estate agents working for one mega agent.  I love working solo but have all the advantages of a "team." At any point in the process, I can call in experts I have chosen for their quality of work and service. Whether it's a mortgage broker, appraiser, carpet installer, contractor, roofer, home inspector, stager, cleaning, or settlement officer, I have an expert ready to meet the needs of my buyers and sellers.After years in the real estate profession, you learn who will treat your clients precisely as you would. My team of ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Unveiling the Hidden Gems in Your Home An obstacle for one person may be the selling point for another. Be aware of potential negative aspects when touring a home to list. When it comes to the real estate market, what may seem like a disadvantage to one person could very well be a unique selling point for another. As an agent, I’ve learned to look beyond first impressions and explore the different perspectives that potential buyers might have about a property. One of my first steps when preparing to list a home is to have an open conversation with the current owner. I like to ask what they don’t particularly like about their home. This often reveals hidden insights that can be reframed as opportunities for the right buyer.For instance, a ranch house with no steps and little storage migh...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When buying a home, there are many questions. Ask away but be ready to make a decision.When you are looking to purchase, make sure you want the house. Contracts are legally binding, and this is not the time to be wishy-washy. When accepting your offer, the seller takes it off the market, starts packing, hires a moving company, and all the myriad things that go into preparing the family. Have you talked to anyone who has had a house under contract, and there is buyer remorse? It can be devastating. They have trusted you, your agent, and your legally binding offer. For sure, check it out. Buying and selling a home is not to be taken lightly. Do your research, ask tons of questions about the neighborhood, the schools, the commute, HVAC age, roof, condition, previous updates, and maintenan...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 There is so much to say about appreciation and how it makes my world go around.How much can one be thankful for? The answer is unlimited. Every day is a time to feel gratitude; look around to see who gets me through the days, weeks, months, and years, so I don't do it alone. Too many to count, but here is a partial list: my photographer, webmaster, computer tech,  marketing, bookkeeper, attorney, accountant, mechanic, hairstylist, and radio producer.  And others, like appraisers, contractors, inspectors, medical professionals, and other personal services, keep my business running and my life better.There are so many contacts throughout the year.  Many of the people  I never meet, see or touch, including the readers and commenters on my blog, along with the internet callers, emailers, t...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I know it’s November, not February, but let’s talk about love letters. No longer are we allowed to have buyers’ letters sent along with contract offers. But having the seller write, from the heart, a letter to their house can be powerful. I am so thankful when my owners do this.Here is the latest love letter from my seller. It is emotional marketing when a buyer is getting close to making a decision, and it’s no longer about the dollars and cents. Getting the owner’s perspective on what the house has meant,  special memories,  why they initially bought, special features they love, and what they will miss most. This exercise is not for everyone. For some, a house is just sticks, bricks, and shelter.  But for others, the home is so much more, filled with a lifetime of memories, milestone...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Take a look at this almost 3000’  all brick rancher, 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 quiet cul-de-sac location.   The focal point is the beautiful curved stone wood-burning fireplace in the living room. And gleaming wood floors shows the quality of this recent renovation. The 27’ kitchen is a gathering place for living and entertaining. Custom design 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 r...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and looking for different results.That's what it's like trying to find homes for our empty-nesters and baby boomers.You may never find that large Baltimore Condo! For two years, I have been looking for the "right" condo for buyers who want to plan for the next 15 years.They are empty-nesters.  And they are not looking to downsize but to right-size. Space to live and enjoy, and they want all the bells and whistles. Waiting for large condos in our area has been frustrating. If and when these rare condos become available, they sell before they hit the market, have bidding wars, or need significant updates. The buyers want their dream home,  including the latest kitchen and baths, and are willing to remodel for their custom needs.  Thinking this ...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  Take a look at this week's properties surrounded by  Fall leaves.By the way, I think the best time to list a house is right now! And...If you hurry, you can settle before the end of the year.  If you are thinking about selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When purchasing a home, make sure you know what you are buying. What stays and what does not? Convey within the body of the contract because you don't want to hear these words: "But I thought  (fill in the blank)  was part of the purchase." Our Maryland contract is pretty specific about appliances, window coverings, attached fixtures, built-ins, carpeting, fireplace screens, and garage remotes.  What about the porch and pool items? Playground equipment, trampoline, grills, firewood, even artwork. What about the bathroom mirrors...if not attached.And if you want it...then write it in! Be specific if you want an item, and also be clear if there is an item you don't want. Do you want the extra matching paint,  wallpaper, and carpet? Some think this is a bonus to the buyer, so they have su...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Fall Back To Be On Time For Sunday Appointments!Most of our gadgets reset themselves, but a few need our assistance, like time changes in older cars, watches,  and the most noticeable are wall clocks in many homes and offices.  Be thankful for the extra hour of sleep!  Do you have some friends or family that need a reminder?  Send them a link to your blog to remind them that Daylight Saving Time affects all our time telling devices.          Moving the time before turning in on Saturday night will allow me to be on time for my live radio show on Sunday at noon.  Live call-in number 410-922-6680Text during the show 410-530-2400 The first Sunday in November is the time we Fall back.  Please don't forget to set your clocks and gadgets back one hour, and enjoy your extra hour. When do you t...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Two calls came through this week, each with the same general comment. I heard that you specialize in unique and unusual properties. Yes, you heard right!That is music to my ears!Both callers have me excited and intrigued. I had an appointment and listed one this week. The other one, retiring within two years, is getting projects done and asking my opinion on more updates. I think it may be a month or two before she is ready for my visit.So how did they hear about me?  One from a listener on the radio and one I met at a party a dozen or more years ago. She remembered my enthusiasm about her purchasing a massive barn on 2.5 acres twenty years earlier. Her friends and family were against her purchase, going so far as to say she was crazy to buy this old run-down structure. But she always ...
Comments 22
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
2:30-3:30 Sunday, October 31, 2021 7940 Stevenson Rd 21208 MDBC2014926 $599,944 5 Bedrooms 3 1/2 Baths    Here is a forever house with five bedrooms, a sunroom addition, an office with a separate entrance, and a large den on the main level. Two bedrooms on the upper level with another full bath and abundant storage. Two wood-burning fireplaces plus a pellet stove. The patio is wired and ready for your hot tub. Garage and studio/office with separate entrance. Updated and upgraded, this Sugar-built Stevenson home sits on a beautifully landscaped and manicured lot.     Click to see more photos.      For a tour or more information about this home Call Margaret Rome    
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What makes an outstanding professional stand out from the rest?It's the communication! Of course, it comes down to researching and choosing the right knowledgeable person, whether it's your Realtor®,  mortgage lender, title company, attorney,  inspector, or various contractors.  The best professionals go a step beyond by staying in touch and giving timely updates about the transaction. LENDERThe lender keeps us informed when the application is complete, when they ordered the appraisal, any needed items, and any possible chance of delay or change in closing.  TitleThe title company confirms the process of what items are still needed, including but not limited to the pay-off information, title issues, mortgages, surveys,  whether a POA is required, verify documents, date, time, place of c...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 To bite off more than one can chew means to take on more than one can deal with; to attempt to do something that one is not capable of accomplishing, or not to take too much work or responsibility. (The idiom originated in America during the late nineteenth century when a man offered another man a bite of his plug of chewing tobacco and 'don't bite off more than you can chew' would remind the receiver not to be greedy.  Daily, it seems I hear someone saying they are too busy to follow up or return a call or answer a text. Too busy to cancel an appointment or to meet for a second showing.  Why are they "too busy?" Maybe, in this market,  they are trying to handle more than is possible. They don't make enough time to attend appraisals, inspections, and sometimes even showings. They don't...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A caller this week was quite upset that a house in their neighborhood was priced about $100,000 below the market and, of course, sold in minutes with multiple offers. They demanded to know why!   Here is a list of reasons for a lower listing price which will almost guarantee a fast sale.Remember agents train to list as low as possible to get that fast sale and move on to the next transaction. But why would a seller want or need such a fast sell?       needs immediate cash      moving to assisted/long term care-the house is empty     needs a larger home (boomerang kids etc.)     pandemic-need to care for the family out of town     wants to travel-not deal with the care and feeding of a house     loss of employment…cannot afford to stay in the family home     new employment increase salar...
Comments 25
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I have been receiving quite a few calls from people who want to rent. And some are ready to settle for a room, an apartment, a condo, a townhouse,  a small single-family house, or a large mansion.  Also had a caller who needed a six-month rental due to storm damage on his present place. The immediate need is necessary for these people.There are limited choices for those who cannot purchase, or maybe they have been priced out of the market. I also have many calls from investors wanting properties in any condition to "flip." Think about rental opportunities. There is a housing shortage. There is a real need. So-Have you thought about purchasing homes, living in part, renting out part, or just renting the house for income? I have a large old home used as an Airbnb, and it is easy to keep ...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I was recently "interviewed," aka "grilled" by a seller's relative, a former agent, retired seven years ago and worked in another state.  (This was after they selected me to represent them as their listing agent.)Got the picture?One of the things said by this former Realtor®:"Nothing has changed in the past 30 years in Real Estate except for technology.  In this market, anyone can sell a house by just putting it in the MLS and waiting for competing offers! They will be interviewing other agents."  Thinking about the situations that have come up since we met, I made a list of a few items that I've seen with recent transactions-Home inspection request after the deadline-Ground Rent owner absent-Change in title from buyer to a trustee-Shared driveway without a recorded easement or a locat...
Comments 23
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
My first-time home buyer found the perfect home, and we went to settlement yesterday.  We knew this house was just right! Right size, location, condition, parking, porches, and the right price!It is located at the end of the street and right for a pet lover. Below is the listing agent's description. 'Amazing three bedroom two full baths,single-family home in the highly sought after Ralston neighborhood. The last house at the end of a "no outlet" street, on a huge tree-lined double lot. New roof, freshly painted interiors, and exteriors, Hardwood floors throughout. New energy-efficient appliances. Spacious eat-in kitchen plus separate dining room. Large covered front and back porches. Spacious basement, TWO CAR GARAGE with plenty outdoor parking. Lots of room for gardening and outdoor ac...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Baltimore Condos For sale What is a condo? A condo can be any style of housing including, but not limited to,  townhouse, single-family, high-rise, mid-rise, semi-detached, garden apartment, patio home, individual home in a gated community, elevator building, multilevel with no elevator, and some communities that are 55 plus. They can range from no amenities to those with golf, tennis, pools, tot lots, and community centers.  What about condo fees? Ask!How old is the building? Is there on-site management? Is it a full-service building?  Is it pet-friendly? Does it have community laundry?  Are any utilities included? Is there assigned parking? Garage parking? Is the parking attached or separate? Is the garage deeded?  What do you get in a condo?Ask!Is there a doorman to help with packag...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Baltimore county home with first-floor bedrooms and so much more! The most sought-after homes are those single-family stand-alone properties that allow you accessibility, a garage, bedrooms on the main level, and space for entertaining friends and family. They are homes that have first-floor owner suites, main-level laundry, absence of steps, and plenty of rooms for home offices, hobbies, media rooms, and still space for visiting family and grandchildren.    7940 Stevenson RoadBaltimore County in 21208 fits the bill. Click to see more photosI think of this versatile style as a forever home, perfect for aging in place, couples, singles, and sharing with roommates. Maybe your family is growing, or the need for separate living areas for blended families; this property could be an ideal mu...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Buck·et list definition'...experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.' I am enjoying my friends who are sharing their bucket lists with me. But,I'm living my bucket list. When I was eight years old, my dad died, and I knew then I wanted to be a nurse. At this early age, I was sure I could have saved him. And even as a little girl, I started my list of goals that others call a bucket list. I am now supportive and happy for my friends who are making their bucket lists come true.   Bucket list=goals=accomplishments the Rome Way.-I did become an RN and the youngest head nurse at Sinai Hospital. -I met and married the love of my life, and we counted each of those quality days all 16,802. -We're the first couple to do Natural Childbirth at my ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What do you know about divorce?Since the pandemic, we are hearing more about couples who are separating.  But the rate is higher in marriages where the ages are above fifty. That number has doubled in the last thirty years and is known as ‘grey divorce.’  Women are facing more monetary challenges than men.  In general, they earn less, have smaller savings, and also live longer. When the time comes to divide up assets, there are more challenges in this age group. There is more to be concerned with, from retirement benefits, child support, pension plans, and Social Security. There may be the need to support kids through college, boomerang kids, and other family obligations.  And when it is time to sell the marital home,  find a trusted financial professional that can help explain how the ...
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