Here is a way to repurpose a previous blog. I wrote this post describing how one of my sellers made the buyers feel welcome along with me, the Real Estate Broker. I took that post and repurposed it into this write-up below. Have you thought about going back to previous blog posts and using the same idea but differently? Thinking about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome  05/31/2022

 11 Slade Ave. Coop Pikesville, Md 212082 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Unit 404#MLS MDBC 037954 You can have the elegant Eleven Slade address and a Baltimore County location.How would you like a turn-key, elegantly furnished two-bedroom and two-bath coop in Eleven Slade?Click To See More Photos You will love this exquisite gourmet kitchen for all your entertaining and cooking needs. Bright white cabinets, quartz counters, mirror backsplash, a smooth five-burner cooktop, and Jenn Aire appliances fill this meticulous space. Built-in microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator with freezer on the bottom, and a breakfast bar. Such a pretty kitchen space.  A large 22’ covered balcony runs the length of the living and dining areas. Enjoy the elegance and perfection in this two-bedroom co-op. The Primary 20’ x ... 05/30/2022

If the seller gets a day or two, maybe a week where they can stay in the house before they move, some of the pressure is off. Many people cannot afford to move forward without having funds from their present place. Sure we should trust everyone that we will meet all deadlines, but stuff happens. A missing document, a title review, a needed POA, last-minute lender conditions, an owner who needs to be out of town for the big day, an illness, or a work emergency can cause a delay.It could be a slow appraisal, a change in employment status, a new lender requirement, or a forgotten something or other by almost anyone. Yes, there are settlement delays. These delays may not be the fault of the buyer or the seller. But they are the ones that suffer. A settlement means moving day, funds, and ke... 05/29/2022

On a recent Sunday Radio show,  All About Real Estate, the topic was stress.A  listener going through a stressful move sent me a text and suggested  I discuss the stress on relationships for couples and families during this time. She asked if I would consider inviting a licensed counselor to discuss tips and tricks to save your sanity and those who love you. And she suggested some couple maintenance tips like having a date night or an overnight escape. Put yourself on the calendar. Make time to see each other again and enjoy a good night's sleep.  During this time, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Harry Legum, a psychology professor and a professional counselor. What timing! Dr. Legum graciously volunteered and agreed to be my guest this week and give suggestions on handling the emotio... 05/28/2022

8200 Stevenson RoadPikesville, Maryland 21208MLS  Exquisite architecture and mid-century modern luxury come together with a guest house and pool in this Stevenson Stone and glass Rancher.One level of living at its best! Take a look at the granite flooring, high ceilings, and entire wall of glass doors. Textured granite island in the open gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. Six burner gas cooking with commercial hood.  The primary bedroom with porcelain "wood" floors has direct access to the pool.  The luxury rain shower has no walls.    Outdoor entertaining oasis. Inground pool, patio, covered wet bar, huge storage shed, and guest house on one side.  The other side of the house has spacious patio areas, a built-in oven and grills, a raised garden bed, and lush level landsca... 05/27/2022

9209 Howard Square Drive Pikesville 21208  Greyrock Flats Sold & Settled    The contract was ratified on May 5th, and settlement was on the 25th, just twenty days later. Greyrock Flats is a  gated community,  and this home at 9209 Howard Square Dr. is a perfect match for this buyer.  For a long time, they have been looking for a  first-floor flat with an attached garage, no steps, accessible, bright with lots of windows, a granite kitchen, and a private back patio. And this one has it all.So close to everything from the Baltimore Beltway, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Lifebridge, Ruths Chris, and many more shopping places. Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 05/27/2022

If kitchens sell houses, count this one as sold. Granite floors plus textured granite counters, top-of-the-line appliances,  and oh so bright. Designer cabinet interiors, extra refrigerators, abundant hidden storage, and a six-burner gas stove with a commercial hood. Elegance is spoken here.Could this be your dream kitchen? For more information on this Stone mid-century modern contemporary homeCall Margaret Rome  05/26/2022

Exquisite High Tech With Taste!11 Slade Ave. Coop Pikesville, Md 212082 Bedroom 2 Bathroom  Go ahead, fall in love…this one is move-in ready.You can have the elegant Eleven Slade address and a Baltimore County location.A large 22’ covered balcony runs the length of the living and dining areas. Elegance and perfection in this two-bedroom co-op. 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.    You will love this Exquisite Gourmet kitchen for all your entertaining and cooking needs. Shiny white cabinets, quartz counters, a smooth five-burner cooktop, and white Jenn Aire appliances fill this spectacular space. Built-in microwave, refrigerator with freezer on the ... 05/24/2022

  One Diamond Crest Court Baltimore, County 21209MLS MDBC2024820 First Showing Sunday afternoon!This rare find is a beautiful home in The Gables at Summit Chase.Click To See More Photos  First Showing and the first open house for this 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. Click To See More Photos ThenCall, text, or email for an appointmentor visit us at the open house!Located at 1 Diamond Crest Ct 21209Directions: Greenspring Ave, South of Beltway Exit 22 to Left At Green Summit to the corner of Diamond Crest.For more information on this homeCall Margaret Rome    05/21/2022

 This past month, I was privileged to take the two-day CSI safety course taught by Robert Siciliano.The six hours of classes presented were on two separate Tuesdays. Thanks to ActiveRain, this was set up directly from our Tuesday Zoom meetings. And we all received the NAR  CSI certification.This past Sunday, May 15th, Robert was a guest on my radio show. It was an honor to share the limelight with Robert, and hopefully, we will continue to spread the word about the importance of safety in our industry. May 15th podcast CLICK to listen.So much to learn. So much sharing. Always something new to learn and to teach. What classes or courses have you taken lately? Thinking of selling a homeCall Margaret Rome  05/21/2022

One Diamond Crest Court Baltimore, County 21209MLS MDBC2024820 This rare find is a beautiful home in The Gables at Summit Chase.Click To See More Photos First time listed, this five-bedroom, two-story home has three finished levels, a 2 car garage, and a fabulous screened room off the gourmet kitchen. This one shows pride-of-ownership.Instead of my description telling you all about this beauty, go ahead andClick To See More Photos Then Call, text, or email for an appointmentFor more information on this homeCall Margaret Rome    05/19/2022

 Maryland loves two-story brick homes with a two-car garage. And this move-in beauty is located in Baltimore County zip code  21209 It is almost here!If you have been waiting for a five-bedroom colonial in the perfect location—the Gables at Summit Chase...you will have to wait a bit longer. The sellers will be ready to move when their new home is complete.   This two-story home sitting on a corner lot has a gourmet quartz island kitchen, double pantries, and first-floor laundry. You will want to check out the custom architectural screened porch addition with skylights and stairs to the lawn and patio.   The elegant formal sunken living room, located off the spacious foyer, has a bay window. There are high ceilings in the open family room with a fireplace and it is adjacent to the kitche... 05/17/2022

 An early morning conversation with my AR friend Elyse Berman, PA inspired this post. She shared a joke: The telegram read:'Start worrying; details to follow.'And I was thinking about Communication the Rome Way! Knowing your buyers and sellers is the first step in how you communicate. Always ask upfront how and when they would like contact from you. Some only want a text, others are happy with an email, and others need a direct phone call.Here are some of the responses and observations when I ask about staying in touch. -Only contact me if you have an acceptable offer. In other words, you take care of selling my house.-Call me every day and let me know what is going on. They need constant contact.-Call me before and after each showing of the house. But of course that I do.-Call me when ... 05/15/2022

 Moving tipsAlways check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Registered Moving Database when hiring a moving company. Check the number of complaints.Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal government and have a U.S. DOT number Mover Database. Information you can review includes:The location of the moving company's headquartersContact informationRegistration statusIs the moving business a carrier, broker, freight, or forwarder?Complaint informationSafety informationCheck this link to find out about Brokers vs. MoversGet several in-person estimates. Pay with a credit card. And if the company requires a deposit, it should never be more than a few hundred dollars.Remind buyers and sellers to verify movers with the Federal Motor Carrier SafetyOne of my frien... 05/13/2022

There was a call from a potential buyer who saw one of the homes on my website. He was interested in this mid-century rancher and was having trouble finding this style.  He was not aware of any homes of this type in the Baltimore area.  Even though the property he called on was sold this past year, I offered to help find a similar one.  Asking for his wish list, the following are the particulars we are looking for in either Baltimore or Howard County -Three or more bedrooms - A rancher at least 3000'-One-two acre lot-A two-car garage.-Basement is optional-Price range under 1.2 million-Move-in turn-key condition.  And they are ready to sell their fabulous colonial when we find this single-floor living California-style contemporary rancher. The home above is the style they initially calle... 05/12/2022

 How Do You Handle This Stress?                                                               When others find out I am still in my first home, there is some surprise after more than 40 years.  My reasoning: I am not about to put myself through what you will be experiencing during this listing and selling process.That is where my counseling sessions come in...starting at the beginning of a  listing...explaining the stress of selling.  As a former RN, stress can manifest many different emotions. Moving is one of the top stress producers, including death, illness, divorce, job loss, and other life-changing moments. I go on to explain....If you get along well, you may experience some slight bickering. If you are a bickering couple...there might be some arguments...and if you are a family t... 05/10/2022

           It took one look to know this was the right place. My friend of more than fifty years (we worked at the hospital together) called about this FSBO in The Grey Rock Flats in Pikesville. I called the seller (who I also have known for fifty years). She was our daughter's first babysitter, and she signed an agreement to sell. The buyer signed by noon. And by the evening, they both signed, and quickly, we had a ratified contract. This contract feels right to find a  gated community, desirable first-floor flat with an attached garage, no steps, accessible, bright with lots of windows, a granite kitchen, and a private back patio. So close to everything from the Baltimore Beltway, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, Lifebridge, Ruths Chris, and many more shopping places. Before the month is over, ... 05/08/2022

Recently entered a post in May's Contest, answering 21 questions. The one that got noticed by a favorite client was # 18 about changing a dryer belt. I promised to share why!Years ago, I had to call a plumber because there was no hot water entering my washing machine. The problem the plumber found; the hot and cold hoses switched. How would I have known? It only took a second to change. So the next day, when the dryer stopped, I was not going to call the recently belittling contractor. I somehow figured out it was a broken belt. I purchased a new one and proceeded to open and disassemble the dryer.  Oh my, What have I gotten myself into?  I was about to give up when I heard:“I knew you couldn’t fix that!” Those are not words I accept! I did my research, went to an appliance store, had s... 05/03/2022

 I recently had the opportunity to take and complete the CSI Certification course. The class was offered right here on ActiveRain and presented by Robert Siciliano. In today's mail, I received the package containing this certificate below, a personal safety device, and booklets for buyers and sellers with tips on protecting your family and your property.It is a wonderfully busy time in Real Estate, but I am so glad that I could fit in this six-hour course that should be mandatory, IMHO, for every real estate professional. For more information, check out www.protectnowllc.com. When buying, selling, and showing properties, always be aware of the skills necessary for a safe and secure transaction.When you are ready to sell your homeCall Margaret Rome  04/30/2022

14 KEYSER WOODS COURT, MD 21208, PIKESVILLE, Maryland Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE: SaturdayApril 30, 1PM - 3pm Description Description Photos Real Estate Reports for Home Owners, Sellers & Buyers! Maps & Local Schools More $ Click for current price 5 BEDROOMS | 5 full, 2 half baths BATHROOMS | 5636 SqFt Contact the Official Listing Agent, Ellie McIntire with Keller Williams Integrity with any questions you may have. Call - 240-389-3745 or 443-474-1600 Let your mouse walk the house with our 3D tour https://bit.ly/14KeyserWoodsTour Your home is always your castle and this timeless masterpiece is a spectacular residence built for Royalty. There is not one space or feature in this opulent mansion that has not been carefully selected for the utmost luxurious experience. You get to ... 04/29/2022