How's the weather? That's a question to ask in Baltimore today. It started at 57 degrees this morning, dropping as I write. At 11 am, it's down to 25 degrees, with rain, snow flurries, and wind blowing at 22 miles an hour. Oh, and the sun just came out.The forecast is for an extreme temperature drop down to single digits. So when you ask about the weather, it depends on what time you inquire and what area. Reminds me of real estate. You can listen to the news, read the headlines, or listen to buyers and sellers. The market is excellent if your house gets lots of showings and sells. You might perceive a lousy market if your house does not. As with the weather, real estate is also subject to change.The weather and real estate are both local.Be careful who you listen to. Questions about bu... 12/23/2022

 The above photos show an open floor plan with 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 bedroom with two walk-in closets, and custom storage. Are you looking for private, convenient one-level living?  NO STEPS.Are you looking for luxury in a private home?Are you looking for convenience without condo fees?Are you looking to move in and start living.?Look no more...Click To See Photos3433 Philips Drive may be your home.Call Ma... 12/22/2022

 When asked the question, "Why hasn't this house sold, it would be easy to say it is overpriced. And most agents would agree. But there are quite a few homes that are unusual, funky a bit quirky, and my answer is THE RIGHT BUYER HAS NOT SEEN THIS HOUSE!  It's time to try new ways to get the property into the vision of those interested. Some unusual homes are bought by folks who were not even looking to move. Kind of like art, you don't NEED it, but when you see the piece you can't live without, you have to own it. So yes, some properties are on the market longer than others. And when asked why the answer may be the right buyer has not seen this home. Thinking about selling your unique homeCall Margaret Rome  12/21/2022

New agents inspire me with their enthusiasm. When speaking to newly licensed agents, or those in the first year or two,  there may be only one that sparkles. That's what I am looking for. Not the ones who are complaining that they did not get a new listing from their friend. It's the ones excited to go after a hunch and listen to new ideas of getting a new buyer or seller. You can almost see that fire in their belly. Sharing with other agents makes us better agents. These newer agents see things from a unique point of view, and they ask questions. These questions keep us all sharp.When was the last time you shared with, listened to, mentored, or even spoke with a newer agent?Give it a try. You, too, may be inspired by a newbie.When asked: Is this a good time to get into real estate? My ... 12/19/2022

It's the middle of December, and some think REAL ESTATE has shut down.  Buyers are still looking for a home. Sellers are still anxious to sell. Appointments are still being made. Families gathering during the holidays are still thinking about moving. I am still available for those calls. Here is my ad for this week. Does it look like I've slowed down?Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 12/17/2022

 Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! wrote a post recently that reminded me of the inspection attended by both mothers-in-law of a young married couple. They killed that deal but not before dragging it out and upsetting everyone. The young buyers loved the house but made a mistake bringing along both moms! There was nothing right for those two women. They took the wind out of the sails of the young wanna-be homeowners. They gave knit-picking a whole new meaning. They badgered the inspector to highlight and bold every minor defect. They thought by doing this, and they could negotiate a better price for the home. They came back with a long list of minor repairs and asked for a considerable reduction in its place. The kids wanted the house, the parents destroyed the negotiation, and the seller... 12/16/2022

Realtors® are not competitors. They are customers.This is my take when asked how to survive in this industry with so much competition. The other agents have buyers for my listings, and the other Realtors® have listings for my buyers. That's not competition. That's called working together. I have advertised for another agent's buyer looking for a specific home. And I have found the buyer for another agent's listing. This is good business; many people are involved in making a transaction come together. We have all seen smooth settlements even when there are bumps and turbulence at various stages. Everyone is geared toward getting the property to the closing table, everyone doing their part and whatever is necessary to get to the final sale. Instead of looking at other agents as competitio... 12/15/2022

How To Sell in Any MarketI've recently been asked what works to sell listings in today's market. For me, it comes down to a few simple but powerful practices:1. Start by giving - make it easy for anyone to get information. My website allows any visitor to search all listings - not just mine - without having to give personal information first. Buyers can see what's available in the areas they are interested in. But savvy sellers also use this to see what's happening in their neighborhood. And then, I make it easy for a visitor to get in touch with me by email or phone.2. Be available - having the listing agent available to take the phone call or text saves time and aggravation for everyone. The person who knows the property best can answer questions. Of course, the listing has all the pr... 12/11/2022

Check out this gift which couldn't be more perfect! They are key chains with my name and number. Are these cute or what?My friend gifted me with these adorable items, and I will put the buyer's key on one of these rings at my next closing, which happens today.How fun to have a best friend who thinks of me with such a practical gift.Do you have a unique keychain?  Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  12/09/2022

This Sunday, I will have a virtual stager named Kathy Streib on my ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE  weekly Sunday radio program.  What will we talk about? We will talk about decorating your home during the holidays. There is controversy on this subject. Some will tell you not to put any holiday decor up because it will detract from the house. However, buyers are more tolerant at this time of year.   I have sellers knowing this will be their last Christmas in the house, and they want it to be memorable. It is a personal decision. And some buyers love seeing a home decked out for the holidays giving them an idea of how they will decorate when they own the home. Stay tuned for more conversation.What questions do you have for this virtual stager?You, too, are welcome to call in or text. I'm looking f... 12/08/2022

It was a lovely closing last week, and today, I received the best gift...a testimonial:"We have heard every complaint about real estate agents. When it comes to Margaret Rome, we have none. She made the process of selling our home go smoothly. Margaret is highly practical, making only necessary recommendations. She is savvy. She knows her market and attracts buyers. And she goes for the best price possible, resisting pressure from other agents. She has the sellers' best interest in mind. She is responsive, considerate, and available. Most importantly, she has total integrity. We highly recommend listing your home with Margaret. Claire and Howard Freeland"                              12/07/2022

23 Cobbler CourtAnnen Woods 21208mls MDBC2053612 23 Cobbler Ct in Annen Woods is sold and settled. It never hit the market. The buyer and seller had made contact and tried to make a private sale. Emotions got in the way, and that's when I was contacted to list the home. In the meantime, the buyer had an agent selling her home who called to see if we could make this transaction happen.It turned into a pleasant and smooth transaction.We came to terms, and settlement took place on December 5th. Congratulations to the buyer and seller.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 12/06/2022

For me, blogging is a way to record my real estate happenings. I can share with my clients and my listening audience what is happening. If it is a listing, an open house, a too-late property, or a smooth settlement, I am logging in to share all about real estate.It is also a way to engage others. My buyers, sellers, and radio listeners have access. I have a link in my email address, and I love that the public can follow me. If there is a question on the show, via email, or a phone call...I may turn that question into a blog. And then that blog can become a topic for my radio show: double duty and a great way to stay in touch with clients.So many people have stopped or slowed down their daily or weekly posting using the lack of SEO as their reason. As long as I have comments, calls, emai... 12/05/2022

Would you like to settle by the end of the year?That's right. Today is the 4th of December, and yes, if you had the right property, we could settle by the end of the year. How? Qualified buyer, no financing contingency, yes, an actual cash sale. Will take the property in AS IS in any condition. Areas are 21208, 21209, small, medium, or large. I have a buyer who wants to close on a house before the new year. Do you have a property that might be suitable? Do you have a home to sell and don't want to fix it up? Can you give a clear title in a matter of weeks?Let's make it happen.Thinking of selling your  northwest Baltimore homeCall Margaret Rome 12/04/2022

When getting your house ready to list...here are a few things to consider : -Get a pre-inspection -Replace any defective light bulbs-Have the house professionally cleaned-Have windows and vents cleaned-Open curtains and blinds to allow maximum light- Make sure your front door is inviting-Replace the doormat-Paint or replace the mailbox-Repair and replace anything broken-Keep trash cans emptied-Have a pet plan -Organize and clear counters-Donate unused itemsThere are many more steps, but this is a good start.Questions about selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  - 12/03/2022

 It was back in 2006 when I got bitten by the blogging bug. My background as a nurse and artist did not train me to write a blog or host a radio show. To do both, I found that these three traits are most needed: passion, consistency, and uniqueness. Passion- Anyone who knows me has experienced my passion, whether my nursing, ceramic art, or my 47-year marriage, where we counted every day. I love what I do! Passion drives me.  Consistency-When you love what you do, sustaining a routine, including daily phone calls and comments, is natural. And on that same note showing up and hosting a live weekly radio show.  Uniqueness-Marching to your own drummer and sticking to your convictions. Don't be afraid to try a new concept. Instead of looking for approval, find what works for you. Some call ... 12/02/2022

One Diamond Crest Court Baltimore, County 21209MLS MDBC2024820 A beautiful home in The Gables at Summit Chase.Click To See More Photos  One Diamond Crest Ct is a five-bedroom, two-story home with three finished levels, a two-car garage, and a fabulous screened porch off the gourmet kitchen. This one shows pride of ownership, and...we found the lucky buyers.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome. 12/01/2022

Everyone is under stress right before closing. So many details to take care of in addition to emptying the house and  having it "broom clean."  Take time to compliment the seller for the way they leave the house for the final walk-through. Many sellers vacate their homes and hire a cleaning service for this last phase.   Sellers are exhausted, and a simple thank you or at least acknowledging the effort put forth to get the house in condition to turn it over to the new buyers is the least you can do. If the buyers don't express their gratitude, please agents on both sides should complement the seller. I do feel that the way the house is left shows the character of the seller. Also, the way the buyer receives the home shows their personality.Thinking about selling your home Call Margaret ... 11/30/2022

 A definition of contingency is a  future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. Essentially, a contingency is a condition that must be met before an agreement can move forward. There are many types of contingencies, and here is a list of some:  Financing Appraisal Inspection Home Sale Well/Septic Termite Radon Lead-Based Paint Document Review Finding a home And these contingencies have to be met to complete the transaction.Can you name more RE contingencies? 11/27/2022

Why DO people move? Here's a list of a few reasons that I can think of that make folks want or need to move. How many more can you add to the list? I just used the fourth letter of the alphabet. DesireDiamondsDeathDivorce Diapers and DeliveryDecor changeDebtDefaultDownsizingDisasterDeclining HealthDisabilityDistance Degrees & DiplomasDistricts Declining healthDesire to please anotherDemographics Driving When thinking about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome. 11/26/2022