Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Listening to various buyers, I started listing what they said was important when buying a Baltimore home. These things come after selecting the right location, condition, style and of course price range.Here are a few, and they are in no particular order.Kitchen: open floor plan, white cabinets; double ovens; center island; gas cooking, stone or quartz counters; a single large sink; and a walk-in pantry.Parking: two-car garage, carport, but, at the minimum, definitely off-street parking.Butler's pantry for those who like to entertain.Main-level primary suite and laundry on bedroom level. Mudroom or a suitable place to unload groceries, packages, and hide shoes and coats with lots of hooks and storage.Wood flooring/or high-quality engineered wood.Double vanities and at least one bathtub....
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  Beautiful  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, 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 cooktop, and ...
Comments 4
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I am seeing another side of the real estate market right now. Reading and listening to the media, one would think that the market is crashing and buyers can get some real bargains- right? -- not happening. After a ratified contract, I've heard about some 'sledgehammer' negotiations. The demands are over the top. Some examples are asking for a driveway repaved and for flooring under the carpet in an attic removed because there "maybe" a chance of asbestos. They are asking as an afterthought for a complete entire home painting before settlement and or trying to re-negotiate the price. Before finalizing an offer, I have seen many requests that may be granted depending on the other terms.   But remember, the time for the negotiation is before the contract is signed. It's too late to make un...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Ray Henson and I are hosting the August Challenge. Since this is supposed to be a fish tale, I am not a fisherman or woman. I thought this would have to do. Can you relate?Many years ago, I cared for my mom with Alzheimer's while running a real estate business as a solo agent. One day my delightful husband inquired about my checking account. Lee was a Wharton School Graduate, and his checkbook was always balanced. "Your checkbook is a mess," he said. "You have no idea how much money you have." My answer, of course, was, "Sure I do. It's within a couple of thousand dollars." You can imagine the exasperated look on his face. He said, "If you reconcile your account, I will take it over." The next day, I took my checkbook to the bank and instructed, "Please close this account and open a new...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A recent caller on one of my pending properties stated they were upset, saying they had been watching this listing and their 'friend' thought there was plenty of time!  Don't hesitate to make an offer when you see a home that suits your needs. Some buyers are "trained" to show a poker face; however, this can and does backfire. If this buyer had shown any interest, they could have been encouraged to move forward. It was the right place. It was the right price. Now they regret listening to their friend.Agents, please encourage your buyers to make an offer. Don't worry about  "insulting" the other agent or the seller. Do right for your buyer. We have ratified many contracts where the sellers have given their bottom line, and we find out there is still a bit of negotiation, maybe with the t...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Everywhere you look, email, online ads, texts, phone calls, flyers, and messages are all selling 'the' magic bullet guaranteeing your success in real estate. They promise 25 new listings in the next month. Why does every Realtor® need to constantly purchase a script, a program, a coaching program, a magazine ad, or some device to make money in Real Estate? Like that's going to take the place of taking care of your clients.And I see many agents "buy" into the newest program, webinar, gadget, get a month free,  or a new listing presentation. You may think this is just happening to newer agents...not so.Seasoned agents s are not only buying, but many are even selling these shiny new programs, with the bells and whistles that promise a boost in your business with unlimited listings to make ...
Comments 17
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Exquisite High Tech With Taste!11 Slade Ave. CoopUnit 404 Pikesville, Md 212082 Bedroom 2 Bathroom  This beauty is move-in ready.Elegant Eleven Slade address with a Baltimore County location.A large 22’ covered balcony spans the living and dining areas. The Primary 20’ x 13’ bedroom boasts TWO walk-in closets. The luxury bathroom has lavish glass doors—a custom marble vanity with designer drawers and an abundance of mirrors. Bright Open Gourmet kitchen is perfect for entertaining and your cooking needs. Shiny white cabinets, white quartz counters, a smooth five-burner cooktop, and white Jenn Aire appliances fill this spectacular space. Built-in microwave, refrigerator with freezer on the bottom,  mirrored backsplash, and a breakfast bar—such a pretty kitchen space.    The nine-foot ceil...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
There are potential buyers who want to purchase a home.  Questioning them, I find they have good credit and a good income, so what is missing?  They have no extra funds saved, no substantial down payment, for a rainy day.Let's talk about savings and my suggestion.Start a 'house account.'  Set up a bank account, and name it something that will be encouraging, like "Our Own Home," 'The No-More Renting Fund.'  or  ' Landlord Freedom.''There is one main rule.  This account only goes one-way deposit!  Never touch this money other than for your future home.  What goes into this account stays in!  Here are a few suggestions to get started.When you are online or out shopping and ready to buy, ask if you need it.  Is it a necessity?  If not, deposit the amount you would have spent in your "no mo...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The photo above is the lobby of this Eleven Slade Coop. We finalized the transaction with the buyers this week. And it was one fast closing.Just a few papers to sign, mainly the proprietary lease and exchange of keys, and in a few minutes, there were new owners!11 Slade Avenue  #906Baltimore, Maryland  21208Eleven Slade Cooperative3 Bedroom2 1/2  Baths I congratulate the buyers, the sellers, and the agent on a very smooth closing.Selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It was a seller's market, and we found the oh-so-perfect home for my special FTHB (first-time home buyers). There was intense competition, and the listing agent "more than suggested "that IF we used their lender, "they could make  the offer work." So we contacted her lender and got a pre-approval, and they made an application. No problem at this time; it was a reputable lender. These young buyers did some research and shopping on their own. This 'suggested' lender had a higher rate and added TWO points! My buyers were afraid they would lose their dream property. They questioned the lender and got a response to take it or leave it. We had a ratified contract, and our home inspection was scheduled and complete. The buyers decided, after careful research, to switch lenders. When the new le...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Whenever speaking to a group or presenting, I wore kick-ass shoes. Each outfit had a particular pair. They were high heels, and they made me feel confident.                         But when I shredded the tendon in my ankle (I ran a race that I  should have walked), the reconstructive surgery halted the wearing of anything other than flat, sturdy shoes. Did that mean no more speaking? Did that mean despair with the loss of wearing my Kick Ass shoes? It could have, but I would not allow it.The feeling came from inside of me! Not from how I looked, not from how I dressed, but from how I felt.I could still have that powerful 'in charge' confident attitude. I could 'feel' those shoes. How liberating knowing it was me.Hold your head high, share your knowledge, and help others! You, too, can ...
Comments 18
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...
Comments 15
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...
Comments 19
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    
Comments 10
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
Comments 13
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    
Comments 24
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 ...
Comments 24
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...
Comments 25
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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