Admin

Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Baltimore BEAZER HOME: READY TO MOVE IN!Discover your dream home in this exceptional five-bedroom colonial, meticulously maintained and ready for you to move in! This residence boasts a stunning granite kitchen complete with a central island, perfect for both cooking and entertaining. The high-ceiling screened sun porch invites you to relax and enjoy the outdoors in comfort. At the same time, the open floor plan seamlessly connects the expansive living areas, adorned with beautiful bay windows and warmed by a cozy gas fireplace.The luxurious primary suite serves as your private retreat, featuring an elegant sitting room and not one, but three walk-in closets. With three full bathrooms on the upper level, including one equipped with a roll-in shower for enhanced accessibility, this home ...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
House Built By JackJack, a skilled carpenter, informed his long-time employer that he was ready to retire. He was sorry to see his skilled worker go, so he asked if the carpenter would build just one more house as a personal favor.The weary carpenter reluctantly agreed, but it was evident that his heart wasn't in the project. He hurried through the task, resulting in work that didn't meet his usual high standards. By rushing, he took shortcuts and used inferior materials, resulting in shoddy work. When the house finished, the builder handed Jack the keys. This was a retirement gift, showing appreciation for his years of skilled, loyal, and meticulous work. What a shock! What a shame! He would have done it differently if he had only known he was building his own house. Now, he had to liv...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Fulfilling a Dream: Searching for Land In MarylandAttention everyone! I need your help to fulfill a young man's dream of starting a farm. I'm searching for at least 6 acres of farmable land in Maryland or within an hour of Baltimore.The ideal properties might include land in a floodplain, under a conservation easement, in an agricultural zone, or non-buildable or non-dividable land. Access to water, such as a river, lake, reservoir, or stream, is an absolute must. The land might come with a house, barn, or outbuildings in any condition, or it may be vacant. We will consider larger properties if there are at least 4 to 5 acres of relatively level land.Please join me in making this buyer's farming dream a reality!Contact me if you or your family have any land available for sale or if you ...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Real Estate Observations after seeing many transactions.     Choosing your REALTOR®Find a good communicator and problem-solver. Find one whose personality is acceptable. Miscommunication, personality conflicts, or other reasons can sometimes cause foul-ups. Agents have to navigate any issues that may arise.   Scheduling settlement Be considerate. Find the most convenient time for both the buyer and seller. And, of course, check if your title company is available at that time and place. Is everything in order? Is there a CTC?  The keys Once the settlement is funded, the keys are handed over to the new owners. Sellers receive the money, and buyers receive the keys. It's very important not to give the keys away early. Imagine if you're all packed and ready to move on Friday afternoon, onl...
Comments 24
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Your help is needed to find a unique Baltimore property. We're looking for a charming home with character in Baltimore County and could use your help. An ideal house would have limited traffic, privacy from other homes, and an acre or more.We're seeking a property with five or more bedrooms, a primary suite on the main level, and another accessible bedroom on the first level.A two-plus garage and lots of storage would be fantastic. Accessibility is a must with features like a level or ramped entrance, an elevator, a roll-in shower, etc.   The areas in Baltimore we're considering are the Greenspring /Falls Rd corridor, north of the Beltway, but we're open to properties anywhere in Baltimore County. Can you please help me find this special home?   
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The Sweet Smell of RevengeA couple was getting a divorce. The wife received an excellent settlement, and he got the house. They agreed on how to divide their belongings and went their separate ways. She spent the first day packing her things and had movers collect them on the second day. On the third and last day, she sat in the empty house on the floor and enjoyed her last meal, which consisted of steamed shrimp, caviar, and champagne. She carefully cleaned the house and left, but not before stuffing the leftover caviar and shrimp shells into the existing curtain rods of each room.The following day, the ex-husband and his new girlfriend happily moved into the house. However, a foul odor began within a day and progressively got worse. They tried everything, including having it professio...
Comments 17
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
If you're interested in Baltimore real estate, Margaret Rome is the person to contact. After rewarding careers as a head nurse, ceramic artist, wife, and mother, she uncovered her true passion in real estate in 1990. With her years of experience, deep local knowledge, and dedication to her clients, Margaret, the published author of "Real Estate the Rome Way," provides personalized service. She takes the time to understand your needs and those of your home, and her ultimate goal is a smooth settlement. With thirty-four years of experience in the Baltimore real estate market, she has the expertise to assist you in finding the perfect home in the ideal location. As the broker and owner of HomeRome Realty, Margaret has been consistently blogging since 2006, writing over 5000 posts.  Continu...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Moving Made Easy... Leave the House FurnishedSelling furnished homes in vacation areas such as beachfront, golf, or mountain resort properties is not unusual, probably because many people have second homes. But why not extend that concept to regular resales?      In a recent conversation with a seller, the idea of leaving the home furnished came up. They might be "rightsizing" (I don't like the term "downsizing") and moving into a newly built condominium. Since the large, lovely house is fully and comfortably furnished, why not leave it as is?Imagine a family moving from out of town, a first-time buyer, or a buyer with the same idea: selling their home, condo, or townhouse furnished. You may have a spacious home with a living and dining room, storage, a large family room, multiple bedro...
Comments 4
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Here are the ten simple steps to consider if you're thinking about selling your home: 1. Find a real estate agent to guide you through the entire process and help you list your home online. Get recommendations from others who have had a successful experience. 2. Work with your agent to determine a competitive selling price by examining similar homes recently sold in your area. 3. Discuss with your agent and ensure your home is in top shape before choosing the right time to sell. 4. Prepare your home for listing by cleaning, decluttering, and addressing any issues. 5. Highlight your home's best features with a fresh look, such as a new coat of paint and some fresh flowers. 6. Hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your home. 7. Remain calm and let your agent hand...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  Things work out with the right amount of patience, persistence, and experience. I get to know potential buyers and sellers and connect with them before or as soon as a property is listed on the market. I have been working with a couple for the past three months, visiting several models, and narrowing it down to one specific top-floor condo. This is a very desirable location, and these properties rarely come on the market."Note homes needed on the side of my weekly ad. I find the properties by doing the following: -Reaching out to neighbors in this community -Closely monitoring the MLS- Separate column in my weekly ad with 'homes needed'-And I seek these homes on my weekly radio show.  And then it happened! That seemingly perfect condo became available on Friday, with showings and an o...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Where Do You Want The For Sale Sign? A client said they did not want a FOR SALE, and I asked why; the response:They didn't want their nosy neighbors to know the house was for sale!WHOA... If your neighbors don't know you are selling, I have  NOT done my job. I aim to get as many people as possible to look at your property.Before the Internet, we relied heavily on yard signs.The question is not: 'Do you want a for-sale sign?' The question is: "Where would you like the sign located?"   Many condos and HOAs do not allow signage.When selling a home, for sale signs can be either helpful or harmful, depending on the situation.A few examples==I once took a listing that had been on the market for a year or more. It was on a high-traffic street adjacent to a church. The seller did not want signa...
Comments 17
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Suppose you have a front-loading garage. But you don't like the look.What can you do?Be creative. Go ahead and change the look of the door. This company, Style-Your-Garage, lets you transform your garage doors into works of art using customized photo tarpaulins featuring cars, airplanes, boats, and more. You can even create a personalized design. PHOTOS ABOVE  STYLEYOURGARAGE.COM There are numerous options to choose from, ranging from a Fire Engine to a Fold-Wing Jet Fighter, a Family Boat, a Tank for clearing your way in traffic, a Stealth Bomber, a Room for practicing your music, a Biplane ready for takeoff, a Vintage Dream Car—or you can use your creativity and design one that suits you best.What would you put in (or on) your garage?To buy or sell your homeCall Margaret Rome
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Have you had a buyer who was surprised and even shocked to find out that a property they had been watching went under contract? They were sure it would not sell quickly and wanted to wait a bit. No matter what kind of market, properties are selling, so if you see a home that suits your needs, it's important not to hesitate to make an offer. Encourage buyers to submit a bid even if there is a concern about insulting the seller or the other agent. A contract should not be considered an insult but a starting point for negotiation. Remember that a buyer's agent works for the purchaser, and the seller's agent works for the owner. Preparing and presenting a net sheet showing the seller's proceeds is key to the negotiation process. It would be best if you prepared a couple of net sheets: Firs...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
In Real Estate, Patience Pays In today's world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the real estate market portrayed by so-called experts, the media, and the negative headlines. In the past, sellers had buyers competing to purchase a home above the list price. The headlines that once frightened buyers are now scaring sellers. But the reality is that it's still an excellent time to buy or sell a house.If YOUR house sells, it is a great market! If YOUR house does not sell, it's a lousy market.  A few stories in the real estate market.=A home is listed for two months. The sellers decided they needed a break and wanted to temporarily take it off the market. In the MLS, we made it TOM, stopping the advertising. And to our surprise, the RIGHT BUYER came to us the same week! The home was perfect ...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Welcome to Eleven Slade Coop #515, in Baltimore County's zip code 21208.Affordable, Accessible, Appealing, Adorable, and Available!This is a luxurious and spacious one-bedroom co-op with a bright and elegant design. The wall of windows allows you to enjoy views of the changing seasons. The 24' living and dining area, with high ceilings, is large, open, and bright, making it perfect for entertaining guests. The co-op also provides ample storage space, including four walk-in closets and an accessible bathroom with a walk-in shower and a special seat.  The kitchen features white cabinets, a cooktop, a wall oven, a full-size freezer, a refrigerator, a stainless-steel sink, a pantry, and a dishwasher, all of which make Unit 515 an ideal place to call home. The monthly fee includes heat, AC, ...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I was delighted when William Johnson quickly returned my call after several years. Although he has retired from real estate, his love of photography and travel remains.I remember William as the kindest, most knowledgeable, and best photographer. He was also an excellent Realtor®, an interior designer, and one of the nicest members. He was always willing to share his knowledge, and his generosity was overwhelming. If he thought he could make your day, he would.William taught me the simplicity of photo blogging: taking a current photo with your phone camera, writing fifty words about it, and posting the evening's blog post. We also used to talk about photography, and I remember once thanking him for his suggestion. Because I took his advice, I was able to capture the squirrel's eye, the ...
Comments 22
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Being a Realtor® is more than pretty houses; it's expensive.When someone comes to me and asks me about getting into Real Estate, I ask what their motivation is. Some people dream of becoming real estate agents and want to work for themselves. They want flexible hours, love looking at houses, and it seems like a glamorous career. But being a REALTOR® is not just about showing pretty houses. Below are ten costs and expenses associated with the profession. And there are more. If you are an agent, were you informed of these costs before you took the real estate classes? 1. Advertising: REALTORS® are responsible for advertising expenses, including marketing materials, MLS fees, print media, weekly radio shows, etc.2. Licensing and Dues: REALTORS® must pay their license fees and dues for vari...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Look For A House That Knocks Your Sox Off.When you're looking for a new house, it is important to be sure that you can afford it. Before you start looking, you should get pre-qualified and know your financial limits. Find an agent and a lender who can understand your requirements and preferences. While getting as much house as you want is important, avoiding falling in love with a property beyond your means is equally important. We often receive requests from potential buyers to view houses they have found on advertisements, yard signs, or online, but they haven't yet met with a lender or real estate agent. As a result, they have no idea whether they're qualified to make a purchase. By asking the right questions, we can help these buyers. So, always remember that you should find a house...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
They are listeningAs most of you know, I host a live weekly radio show called All About Real Estate.After a recent Sunday show, I received an email from a listener who had heard about the couple who changed their minds about selling their home. I love it when one of my topics helps others.  "Good Afternoon Margaret,I listen to and sometimes call your Sunday Real Estate Show weekly, and I wanted to tell you how much I really enjoyed hearing your story of a couple who changed their minds about listing their home and fell in love with it again once it was fixed up and cleaned up." Here is that story:  They changed their mind.  “I have been going through a lot of emotional turmoil about selling my Maryland home and have found myself making a complete break from MD to my house in FL full tim...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
So, who pays the agent?- Once upon a time, the listing and selling broker ( both ) worked for the seller, and the agent who brought the buyer was a sub-agent who also worked for the seller. This meant that even if you were out looking at properties with an agent, they always worked for the seller and not for you.Then, a Buyer Agency was established. A fiduciary relationship was created between the buyer and the broker/agent, and the buyer's agent worked for the buyer. Maryland has had a buyer agency for many years. Now, the agreement needs to be signed before showing any property.In the past, the listing company paid the buyer's agent, and an amount was agreed to and posted in the MLS. In the buyer agreements, buyer agents had their clients agree to a specific amount but accepted the se...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Twelve observations related to real estate.Similar to flying, it is not unusual to encounter a few bumps when buying and selling. This real estate turbulence happens anytime between signing up with a listing agent and the final settlement day.   I read a list of items that a pilot won't always tell you, and this triggered a list of things that agents may not want you to know about the real estate transaction.        I have encountered all of them and want to share my observations. Each could be a book chapter or a stand-alone blog post. 1. Houses sell houses, and people foul up deals.2. Avoid settlements early in the morning on Mondays or late  Fridays.3. Don't turn the keys over until the settlement is funded.4. Don't let a seller know a contract is coming in... Always wait until the o...
Comments 25
Explore Pikesville, MD
Pikesville, MD Real Estate Professionals