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Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 A few years back, a lovely young family hired me to help them sell their house. They were looking for a bigger space for their new baby and a better school district and wanted my assistance. After completing all the necessary paperwork and agreeing on a listing price, we took photos of the property and made a list of required repairs and updates. Unfortunately, there were some deferred maintenance issues that we had to deal with before selling the property.When I called to check on their progress, I was pleasantly surprised that they had almost completed everything on our checklist. They had done a lot of purging to prepare for their next move, evident in the sparkling clean house. I stopped by for a visit and was amazed at how different the house looked.What happened next was somethin...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Sharing a note of appreciation from earlier in the year. Note: Not all transactions are as smooth as silk. This letter proves the point. 'March 13, 2022In July 2021, my house was officially listed for sale. I chose a company based on ads I had heard, not from anyone who had used these realtors (my first mistake). Nevertheless, I was hopeful for a fast sale with the hot real estate market. After a while, with lackluster effort on the agent's part and no hint of a deal, I decided to switch agents.  A friend recommended Margaret Rome. She came highly recommended, and I was hopeful again. The first time I met Margaret, we talked for quite a while. I immediately connected with her and felt I could trust her to represent my best interests. Almost immediately, there was an interested buyer (wh...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Several times this week, I have been asked if it is a good idea to take the house off the market or if this is the time to sell. It's not Spring but guess what? Homes sell every day of every month.The most asked question is:  should we take our house off the market in November and December? Should we wait til after the New Year to sell? Listings at this time of the year make sense for a few reasons...less competition, and buyers, at this time, are more serious. People move during the holidays when schools and universities are on break. There are still more buyers than homes for sale. Some want or need to move before the end of the year.Your house may not sell at this time of the year, but it definitely won't sell if you take it off the market.Go ahead and plan New Year's in a new home. ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
                       The theme of this year's Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors® is The Key To Moving Forward Together. The event at Martin's West was a full day of classes, a trade show, camaraderie, and good food. I spent the day with my friend Lorraine Trager and together, we sat thru an excellent informative jam-packed 3-hour session on legal updates with Tom Drechsler, Esq., presenting many relevant topics with enthusiasm and humor. We did another three hours of Ethics class in the afternoon with Linda Harned. Before, in between, and after the classes, we socialized, visited the various vendors, and enjoyed the food at Martin's West.                                Selling your homeCall Margaret Rome
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This week we had an outstanding presentation by, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD,  titled 'Something old is new again." The Zoom was about going back to marketing yourself and the importance of referrals. He talked about self-assessment; yes, I already took the survey. Regarding referrals, I posted in the Q&A that I needed a listing agent in California, along with the county and zip code. I also asked about a Florida referral.Before evening, I had placed two referrals, one in California and one in Florida. All because of the beautiful ActiveRain connections.If you need to refer or be referred, you are at the right place! Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The definition of a latent defect is one not discoverable by reasonable or customary inspection. Under Maryland law, a "latent defect" is an issue with the property that the seller knows about that: Is not visible; A buyer or home inspector could not reasonably be expected to uncover before the purchase is made; and. Could endanger the health or welfare of occupants or visitors to the property."Some examples would be things the seller knows but hides from the buyer. A buyer would not easily see these latent defects. Here are a few examples:-Wet basement after a heavy storm-Standing water on the property after a rain-Leaking roof-Previous termite damage-Asbestos that has been hidden-Structural issues-Heating and Air Conditioning issues -Mold, water damage, or leaks-Plumbing or piping pro...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 It's beautiful, brick, and sits on a landscaped corner lot in the northwest area of Baltimore City. Two first-floor additions, a music room, and a den flank each side of this stately colonial. But my favorite feature of this home is the staircase. Not on the market, not this year anyway. But maybe, just maybe, next year. Do you have a favorite staircase? Selling your homeCall Margaret Rome
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Every listing appointment is a different scenario. And that's what keeps it so fascinating. My job is to figure out the problem first...then go for the solution. You, the agent, are not there to see how quickly you can list a home; you are there to determine the seller's need and make that happen.Find out the why.Some reasons to meet with a seller:-Death of a spouse: this period is highly emotional and may not be the right time to decide to sell. Be available to answer questions and help with various decisions.-Illness or loss of mobility: maybe there is a way to make the house accessible, for example, a chair glide for steps, added grab bars, or finding extra space for a first-floor bedroom.-Job loss or transfer: Find the time frames to get the house sold and the other options. Maybe t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Exquisite High Tech With Taste!We found the perfect buyer, and Eleven Slade Coop Unit 404 isSOLD & SETTLED 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 ceilings and the gleaming...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When you are ready to sell, there is the paperwork, and lots of it is needed for your Realtor®, so start collecting early. Here are some items necessary to move forward with listing and selling.   Original documents - including the contract, the settlement sheet, loan documents, title insurance, and the location survey. Documents from a refinance, ground rent or proof of redemption, home equity, or second mortgage, along with loan numbers and bank pay-off information. Receipts and permits for significant improvement or renovation, such as adding a bathroom or extending a deck. Copy of all owner's driver's licenses. Warranties for appliances or home systems that you've recently repaired or replaced. Do you know the age of the roof? Floor plans or original house plans, a location drawing...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Here's a way to update those built-in slatted cabinets. Pretty they are not! So we put plywood over the outside along with some molding strips and painted it all the same color. The interior shelving was still usable.  On the inside, we left the open slats exposed and used "S" hooks like the one below. The dated cabinets are now cleaner, more modern, and perfect for double duty, using the existing open slats to organize jewelry. Three-inch flat ' S' hooks worked well. How are you creatively updating?  Selling your home Call Margaret Rome S 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
We read a lot to keep up with our industry. And we don't always give credit when due.We talked about the stress of moving, but Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, did more than talk about it. He moved and shared his experience in a recent post. Just because we are REALTORS® does not make us experts when we move. This article is so good and honest that I will use it with Nick's permission as a topic on today's radio show. I've already given it to  my  clients who are in the process of making a move this coming year, and here is their response:"..we can't thank you enough for all the good advice. It pays to deal with an expert! You've given us a lot to think about. And thanks for the article, which I've just printed." Click here to read about Nick's move.What is so remarkable about AR members? W...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Buyers have been patiently waiting for the main level primary bedroom and bath. Click on each address below for a description and more photos.8200 Stevenson Rd 21208 Bedroom with sliders to the pool ====3433 Philips Dr 21208Sprawling rancher with a 2-car garage and exquisite open space  ===10515 Harford Rd 2105715 acres 27 E Chatsworth Ave 21136 Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Will the listing agent show my house?You have a rapport with the listing agent. They know the ins and outs and the quirks of your home. You chose them for a reason. But 99% of the time, they are not the ones who will be showing your house. When making an appointment, usually electronically, the agent will have access to a lockbox or combination lock, or you, the seller, will be home to let them in. After all, it is time-consuming, and agents are too busy to show their listings. When I take a listing, I will be the one showing it. Is it because I'm not busy? Is it because I have nothing better to do? Neither! It's the way I have chosen to run my real estate business. I take on fewer clients, and I give this first-class service. I make my appointments, and it is easy to reach me. Agents c...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Let's Find You A HouseThere are so many different housing styles that it takes time to narrow down what a buyer is looking for. Some buyers know what they want, a one-level or a colonial. But with so many names and styles, finding them with different name types may be challenging. And when searching in the MLS, they usually only list one or two descriptions. It takes more than a simple check to see what's on the market. Ask your buyers many questions to help find the needle in the haystack. Some people are particular about the outside and the curb appeal; others only care if the interior meets their needs. Here are some of the various styles of homes, in no particular order, but I bet you can add to this list. Single Family Home Condominium, Cooperative Townhouse Semi-detached Bungalow ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It is October Contest time, and Aura Alex, Leanne Smith, and Carol Williams are co-hosting this month's ActiveRain Challenge. They are asking us to share our favorite blogging success stories, of which I have many. Just search 'blogging success HomeRome' to come up with more.There are a lot of naysayers who believe blogging isn't effective anymore. These same naysayers have said many things do not work. And sometimes they are right. So glad I didn't listen to them. Some of the things that they say don't work or are not worth the time are as follows:Blogging is a waste of time.You can't drive a two-door car.No one listens to the radio.Print media no longer works because of the internet.One-hour open houses don't work.You can't make appointments, service, and show all your properties.You ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When you plan to move, it's never too early to prepare your house. In fact, by doing this, you will also enjoy your home while living in it. My friend shared the article from AARP  Magazine named "Ready, Set, Sell Your home! Your one-year countdown." II used my notes below and made this today's radio topic.  Plan for storage Declutter/edit Get a pre-inspection Leaky faucets/stained ceiling tiles Contact your REALTOR® Gather paperwork surveys, POA, warranties, death certs, Ground Rent Post-month-long sales for bikes and sofas. forget the yard sale  Donate the rest Fix floor squeaks and cracked tiles, and make sure all doors are aligned and close smoothly Curb appeal, new plants, clean trim, mulch Power wash outside Paint front door and mailbox or replace Ask a friend to take a look-fresh...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Eileen Burns and Kathy Streib host September's contest. And here are the rules. This month's challenge will be crazy stories about working with other agents or clients. Be sure to change all names to protect the guilty! Your story may include horror, happy or humor-filled episodes. Whether it is murder, sex, nudes, lost in the mansion, we will look forward to your submission.  Here is my entry.Some time ago, I wrote Giving Advice With Confidence. If you have a minute, please read.When giving and taking advice from someone... make sure they are the expert, trained and knowledgeable in the area you seek advice. Make sure they possess... Some time ago,  I had a very "confident" buyer's agent who said everything with assertiveness and authority. He dressed to impress and had a car to match....
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Homes are coming on the market. But, what's taking so long? There is much preparation for getting your home ready to photograph and show. It's easy to say let's get the house ready. Think of the time and labor to edit your home, purge, declutter, donate, and toss! Then there is the painting, floor refinishing, cleaning, lawn and exterior maintenance, washing windows, and so on. Don't take those extra boxes and things to the garage or the basement. Mark/label them- the new home, donate, or trash.Most sellers who have worked with me know the garage is essential, so empty it and get it painted. Remember, you must leave the house empty and clean when you sell. Start preparing early. Stay in touch with your sellers, check their progress, and see what they need. Maybe a visit to check out th...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This week, I received a call from a buyer asking if there is a glossary just for real estate terms. There are unfamiliar words when she reads a description and was looking for a place to look them up. I have talked about Alphabet Soup, a list of Realtor ® designations.   But this caller asked about a comment in a listing that mentioned a 'pony wall'. And she was not familiar with this real estate term? Pony Wall:  'For all intents, a pony wall is just a short wall that does not reach the ceiling; it need not be any particular height nor width, though it typically reaches about 3 feet tall.'' Below are examples from my home, 1 Diamond Crest Ct in Baltimore, Md. 21209. The first divides the great sunken room from the kitchen. The second one shows the pony wall as a divider from the stairc...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
We found the lucky buyer a seventh-floor floor condo in the Eleven Slade Co-op Lucky Number 711 Beautiful! Rarely available, this 11 Slade Co-op is move-in ready with a gourmet granite eat-in kitchen, soft-close drawers, and a gigantic stainless refrigerator/freezer. A primary luxury suite has a separate shower and a separate laundry. There are high ceilings and a spacious balcony overlooking the lushly landscaped grounds.Check out the walk-in closets and abundant storage.The nine-foot ceilings throughout add to the spacious feeling. The monthly co-op fee includes front desk concierge service, central air conditioning, heat, water, cable TV, valet parking, elevator, and TAXES! And the new owner's lucky number is 71111 Slade Avenue # 711Pikesville, Md. 21208Is SOLD & Settled The nine-foo...
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