Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

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)
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 17
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)
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 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  How Not to Show the Wrong House  Showing the wrong house to a buyer wastes time for everyone. Knowing your buyer's parameters is very important.When working with buyers, I have them make out a wish list. You can narrow down the showings when you know your buyer's preferences.Research and Ask Questions!When the buyer picks several houses to view, I go over each one BEFORE we go out. I research the MLS and question the listing agents if the description is vague. I let the buyers know what they have and do not have based on their wish list. Often, houses are ruled out by this research...saving valuable time. If I see a property that seems right even though it does not fit their list, I may still tell them about it. They decide if this is one to be considered.   Making appointments helps ...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Open House 1-23-2022 This  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 quiet 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,  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-bur...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
7520 Seven Mile LaneBaltimore County 21208MLS# MDBC2003390 Seven Mile and Smith Ave Desirable location!7520 Seven Mile Lane Too LateOne lucky buyer has found an excellent opportunity to own this single-family home set up as two living units. The second floor has a private entrance from the large covered front porch, three bedrooms, a full bath, and a  room with either a laundry or kitchen!  The main level has an eat-in kitchen, access to the deck, and a level rear-fenced yard. The First-floor bedroom with walk-in closet/office/ sunroom has a half bath and Pella sliding glass door to the deck. Also on this first level is a dining room, living room, wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and another full bath. The lower level is finished with a 19 x 20 carpeted space, has a laundry, a d...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Bigger May Or May Not Be Better In Real Estate Is it better to purchase a smaller house in an exclusive neighborhood or a larger home in a less desirable area? Is there a correct answer? Well, it depends. Some only want a specific community and are comfortable with that smaller home in what they perceive as the "better" neighborhood.Others with sizable families and special needs, priced out of their desired neighborhoods, need to find the most affordable house in the most suitable area.From my experience selling unique properties, I find that some want that unusual, exciting home, and location is not the first priority-it is the actual house that is important. After all, they are living inside the house. And when they find that architectural gem, they go for it.One of my buyers wants t...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 We met for an early dinner just this past October 2001, and it was so good seeing both Gary and Lauren. They were in town for the Baltimore Boat Show. And we had a few precious hours to catch up. Gary was  Floyd Wickman Sweathog Master Trainer, guru, teacher, confidant, and above all, a dear friend. So happy he was able to attend daughter Olivia's wedding last month.   Below photo MSA 1998  Here are a few blogs that mention GaryA RE referral Deal 2020Mentioning Gary Sisson 2020 GBGAA call from Gary 4 years agoGary Sisson A bit of paradise 13 years ago Join me this Sunday at 12-noon  when I dedicate the radio show to our dear Gary.   
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  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 or host a radio show. To do both, I found what is most needed is these three traits passion, consistency, and uniqueness.  -Passion- Anyone who knows me has experienced my passion, whether it was my nursing, ceramic art, or my 47-year marriage, where we counted every day. I love what I do! The passion drives me.  -Consistency-When you love what you do, it's natural to sustain a routine, including daily phone calls and daily commenting. And on that same note showing up and hosting a live weekly radio show.  -Uniqueness-Marching to your drummer and stick to your convictions. Don't be afraid to try a new concept. Instead of looking for approval, find what works for you...
Comments 50
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
7520 Seven Mile LaneBaltimore County 21208MLS# MDBC2003390 Seven Mile and Smith Ave Desirable location! Here is an excellent opportunity to own a single-family home set up as two living units. The second floor has a private entrance from the large covered front porch, three bedrooms, a full bath, and a laundry/kitchen!  The main level has an eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar,  access to the deck, and rear fenced yard. The First-floor bedroom with walk-in closet/office/ sunroom has a half bath and Pella sliding glass door to the deck. Also on this first level is a dining room, living room, wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and another full bath. The lower level, finished with a 19 x 20 carpeted space, has the laundry, a recent radiant gas hot water furnace, a door to the outside, and ...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I had a delightful caller this past week. He listened to my radio show, asking about one of my listed properties. This gentleman, out of town, has been looking for the past two years without success. He is a first-time homebuyer and qualified with a lender. He has his down payment and is ready to go. But life had a few challenges as he was a victim of identity theft. Not easy to clean this up and prove that your financing is in order. But he has done it and is ready to try again.The home he called on would have been perfect. It was a single-family home, in his price range but already under contract. So during our conversation, I found out he is looking for a modest home; he would like a little bit of privacy, two to three bedrooms, one or more baths. A couple of trees to hang a hammock ...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Dealing with unusual and unique homes, I find that one person's perceived obstacle may be another's reason to purchase.   When touring a home to list, I am aware of things that could be negative for a buyer. I ask the present owner what they like and what they don't like about their house. And when working with buyers and touring potential properties, I will ask the same questions. What is your favorite feature, and what don't you like? You can learn a great deal about the buyer's intent with the question. Here are a few examples where one sees possible obstacles, and the other sees potential opportunities.  - One level home built on slab-lack of storage     Accessible to everyone -First-floor Condo-security concern   People with phobias of elevators or heights and patio gardeners -No ...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I have been a listing agent for most of my real estate career. But in today's market, sellers are saying; we will not be listed until we find the right place to move. I need to find their next property to get that listing on the market. That means I am also working as a buyer's agent.      They are concerned about the possibility of two moves. They asked me to look at their home to see what ballpark price they could expect. That's when we discussed the client's motivation. Are they ready to sell? Are they prepared to buy? Many cannot move until their home is under contract and have the available proceeds. But others are more concerned about finding a suitable home than selling their current house. Do you see how people can be stuck, even paralyzed, in making a decision? This process ne...
Comments 30
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Size does not matter when selling your house.Ranchers of all sizes are needed. Buyers in the Baltimore area are looking for Ranchers, Single Level Living, and size does not matter. Do you have a sizable rancher? Do you have a small rancher? Do you have any size home with the primary bedroom and laundry on the main level?The buyers I have are qualified, flexible, and can accommodate your moving schedule. Are you thinking of moving?Do you have a home to sell?  Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The real estate company is only as good as the agent you choose! The school is only as good as the teacher your child gets!   The Hospital is Only as Good as the Doctor Who Treats You!   When associated with the big real estate company, I asked three questions on a listing appointment. Now and there are only two questions.           Are you 100% sure you want to sell your house?   Are you 100% sure you want to use me?   The third question used to be: "Do you have any questions about the company I work for?" Most times, there were none, but on occasion, when the potential client  asked about the brokerage, I got this kind of response: 'Oh, I can't use you. We once had an agent from that company, and we will never use them again, or my friend used them and had a bad experience.'  That's ...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 NO  to moving into the house before settlement! There will be times that a buyer or their agent requests an early occupancy. That means they want to occupy the house before settlement. There may be a "tiny " glitch with the Clear-To-Close, and the buyer's lease is up, and they were planning to move into the new house. They are all packed, and their possessions are on the moving truck. The request may come in different ways. -It's only for the weekend. -Can we put our furniture in the house?-There's a delivery scheduled, and we need access. -Can I store my artwork and accessories in the garage? -The loan is "almost" approved. -We should have CTC in 24 hours. -My clients will be homeless if you don't make an exception. -You have our  EMD, so you know we are moving forward. -We can pay re...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 January's Challenge, hosted by Gary Frimann, CRS, GRI, SRES, asks us to reflect on the most significant change the internet has brought to our business—both the way we do business and our clients do business with us.   In many ways, my load is lighter. There is no need for map books, compass, tape measure, fax machine, copy machine, camera, film, photo developing or making seven copies of each contract offer, so everyone had a signed original. We have our smartphones that can do most things that we used to need extra equipment.There's no need for TV or radio for weather reports, no newspapers for the news, no movie theaters for film, no set day to schedule for your favorite show. Just program it all.I have delegated my listing photos to a professional photographer allowing me to input ...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It may be time to move, but where?There is a shortage of condos in Baltimore with first-floor bedrooms, laundry, and garages. And we don't have any of the new planned 55 plus communities. For this type of living, owners are moving to other states.Many are looking for a more manageable lifestyle when they give up their family home. They are not necessarily looking for a smaller home, but they are looking for the "right" house. I see a demand in our older communities for ranchers, and there is a surge in rehabbing the one-story homes. Some are buying the properties for the land, tearing down the existing structure home, and bringing the luxury one-level living back into the community.This move for baby boomers is the next to last, if not the last, house they plan to purchase. Since there ...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
8305 Burning Wood RdStevenson 21208Sold & Settled  Today was the settlement for this contemporary Stevenson rancher. This property turned out to be the right home for my special buyers. It never hit the market, but we were able to get an appointment with the gracious seller, an attorney, and make an offer that was hard to refuse. That was the second week of November, and today, December 29, the buyers signed for this forever home. I love selling homes between Thanksgiving and New Year.I wish the buyers many years of making happy memories in their new home. Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 There have been occasions when I have worked with someone for a while, showing them houses that we think are right or want to see. One day they say, "This is the one - I want this house."Instead of whipping out a contract offer and saying "Sign here," try asking a few questions first. Many years ago, I helped a friend avoid what could have been a mistake. And we did it with questions. "What do you like so much about this house?" She answered with the obvious things - the land around it, the building that would house her office, and a decent-sized garage for her husband.Those are the tangibles, the things that are easy to identify.  It's the intangibles that make you feel safe, happy, and relaxed when you walk into the right home. This house was older, had small rooms and low ceilings. ...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 It's the end of the year, and the buzz around is resolutions. I owe homes to a few people. Yes, I have promised to find houses for buyers. I will continue to talk with as many people as possible. I will continue my daily blogging to help find and sell these needed properties. I will continue with my print advertising and my weekly radio show.  And I will cover multiple avenues to search out the folks ready to sell soon and give them a little nudge. Remember, the right time to sell is when you and your house are both ready and prepared.  But it may also be the time when I can introduce you to a ready, willing, and able buyer. Here is a partial list of the Baltimore homes needed for buyers, and these guys are more than ready to purchase. -Baltimore County Rancher with a first-floor bedro...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This month's challenge hosted by Andrea and Carol asks us to identify one thing we'd like to scare away for the coming new year. My choice is how to handle a kindness-impaired person. Some agents call me during the year to bounce ideas and ask for advice when dealing with a challenging transaction. And many times, the problem is dealing with a complex personality.  While lending my ear to a very hurt and unhappy agent about a situation regarding a "toxic" colleague, it reminded me of a problem a long time ago. That's when a person challenged my integrity, and I was visibly upset. A fellow agent figured something significant happened within my family. When I explained the incident, he knew the reputation of this "kindness impaired'' agent.  He said words that I would never forget.''You C...
Comments 42
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I often hear agents complain about all the calls they have to field. They treat the phone as the enemy, annoying, and another interruption in their day. My goodness isn't this the why we are in Real Estate to help buyers and sellers. Isn't it to make that phone ring, our text message to light up, or hear the sound that lets us know, "you've got mail!" Yes, the robocalls get through, the spammers get through, the wrong numbers get through, and unsolicited sales calls get through. Deal with it—block numbers of those known offenders. Turn your phone off when needed.But rejoice when the caller asks a real estate question or wants to see a  house or even list theirs for sale. So many times, the public is impressed that we even bother to answer. I'm sure you have also heard this.  Weekly, if ...
Comments 31
Explore Pikesville, MD
Pikesville, MD Real Estate Professionals