homerome: A Little Patience
- 03/09/17 09:18 PM
How's the real estate market?
My answer to this question...If your home sells it is a terrific market. If it doesn't the market is lousy.
How's the Baltimore weather?
Today I was sitting on my porch with a sleeveless top and flip flops... Nice weather.
But tomorrow they are calling for snow and a low of 19 degrees at night.
We have all four seasons sometimes in the same day. So if you don't like the weather...wait a few hours. This would have been a tough week to pack if visiting my city.
Real estate and the weather are local.
So if you're thinking of selling your … (2 comments)
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homerome: This Risteau Condo...One Of My Favorites
- 03/08/17 08:01 PM
The Risteau is one of my favorite condos...you see I sold it to these lovely sellers 20 years ago.
The 40 foot brick enclosed patio extends the living space and the privacy of this elegant 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at The Risteau.
MLS # BC969771
2231 Old Court Road 21208
#105
Lovely open gourmet kitchen with tile floors, pantry and granite.
The second bedroom has pocket doors making this room versatile to use as den, office and/or guest room.
Master suite, abundant storage with built ins, 2 walk in closets, shoe storage and more. Full size laundry in unit.
Open floor plan and 24 hour doormen.
Garage parking, pool, tennis, 57 … (2 comments)
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homerome: Pretty New Listing In Parkville- 8506 Chestnut Oak Road
- 03/06/17 06:12 PM
We have new listing in the Parkville area of Baltimore County.
Click To See Slideshow
Here is the perfect opportunity to own a "NEW" four bedroom home in the established neighborhood of Parkville close to Loch Raven, Joppa Road and the Baltimore Beltway.
So versatile with 2 bedrooms on the main level with a full bath and a powder room for guests. Gourmet beautiful kitchen with stainless appliances, gas cooking, granite counters and porcelain floors. There is an adjacent sun room perfect for dining with a private door to the patio and fenced yard.
Upstairs there are two more bedrooms, a full bath, a … (7 comments)
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homerome: Would You Like To Be On The Radio
- 03/06/17 09:28 AM
Yesterday, I had a guest on ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE, my weekly live radio show. This guest is a former client, friend and neighbor.
The discussion was regarding a new installation of a gas heating system in the home he recently purchased.
Permits were pulled (but only after the work was almost completed ) and Baltimore City would NOT pass the inspection because of code safety issues and an improper installation. The licensed contractor basically said the code was not good and the customer could "go fight city hal! " He also said the home owner was responsible for knowing the code.
My … (11 comments)
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homerome: Brain sPARK - Come Curious Leave Smarter
- 03/05/17 09:19 PM
That's what happens when you attend BRAIN sPARK 2017.
Today I attended three sessions at The Park School in Baltimore where my daughter was a student from nursery school through high school.
It was a pleasure being back and participating in this Park School tradition, formerly known as Brain Thrust.
There were 80 presenters in 50 sessions plus supper... all this taking place betweem the hours of 4 to 8 pm.
To me the event was flawless and run with ease and precision.
How do you get a sold out crowd of more than 600 people fed and into 3 different lectures?
It is … (3 comments)
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homerome: Do You Have Any References?
- 03/02/17 07:41 PM
Today I spent the afternoon interviewing and being interviewed for a new listing. As you know I love a challenge and the sellers did not want an "average" real estate agent.
The appointment should only have taken an hour or less but the sellers and I bonded with so much in common and the conversation flowed. I think there is a pretty good chance I will take them on and I think there is a pretty good chance they will hire me IF they decide to make this move.
The last question they asked...'If we want references could you give us some?' … (14 comments)
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homerome: Get Your Knit On
- 03/01/17 07:08 PM
It doesn't always have to be about real estate.
This past week when visiting with my friend Peg Silloway, we went to Woolworks in Mt. Washington.
After all Peg is a fine weaver and loves to knit. I enjoyed watching her and the store owner talk about the different colors, textures, weights and origin of so many beautiful fibers.
If you are a knitter, you always take your wool to the window, or even outside, to allow the natural light to show off the true colors of the yarn.
I did not participate in the conversation but did take photos while in this small … (6 comments)
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homerome: Finding The Right Buyer
- 02/27/17 07:35 PM
For every unique home, there is a unique buyer. The chemistry has to be there. They must have it and know it was worth the wait.
Your unique home is no exception!
My Job Is To Find That Right Buyer
Almost every agent will tell you any house will sell quickly if the price is low enough. In fact there will be agents who comment below saying this.
With one of a kind properties...it may mean that the right buyer has not been introduced to this home.
My passion is listing, marketing and selling unique listings that are
not Cloneonials.
Below are a few examples.
Then there was the house on … (27 comments)
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homerome: Eye Candy In Baltimore - Day 2 Of The ACC
- 02/25/17 08:12 PM
The ACC is in Baltimore and today I went again for a second full day with my long time friend Peg Silloway who is in town from Oregon. What a coincidence that she would meet a fellow weaver Karen Gelbard (see the video and look for "The Oregon Weaver") who was showing at the craft show.
When we arrived this morning there were thousands of people waiting in lines all around the block of the convention center. We quickly found out all of these people were in town to audition for The Voice.
Peg and I had a lovely lunch meetup, planned weeks ago, … (4 comments)
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homerome: Fine Crafts In Baltimore ACC 2017
- 02/24/17 07:48 PM
If it's February and you are in Baltimore...you must go to the ACC show at the Convention Center.
I have been attending every year for decades and this year is no exception. We spent all day today and covered less than half of the show. So tomorrow we return to meet other craft lovers and try to cover the rest of the show.
So much eye candy!
Here is a sampling of some of the creative artists.
Being a former porcelain artist...I really appreciate everything about this yearly event.
Here's one of my pieces.
… (2 comments)
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homerome: Busy In Baltimore And Beautiful Weather
- 02/23/17 06:21 PM
Wonderfully busy day starting with negotiations on one of my favorite unique homes.
What a beautiful day in Baltimore and the temperature hit 77 degrees and the date is
February 23, 2017.
Taking advantage of the weather and a special friend, we took a ride to DC and spent the afternoon at
The Arlington National Cemetery.
Have you visited this sacred shrine?
There have been many blogs about my very special friend Peg Silloway and this week we are catching up in person.
… (8 comments)
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homerome: Another Smooth Sale In Baltimore
- 02/22/17 09:19 PM
Such a pretty house. Such a smooth settlement.
Our closing today was a delight. Happy seller and overjoyed young family that are first time home owners. The smiles, the love, the excitement of completing a transaction is wonderful to witness.
Smart buyers...they did not tell their children today was the day they actually were getting the house. Their reasoning...what if something goes awry in the last minute...they did not want to disappoint the family.
Everything went well, keys were exchanged, lots of congratulations and another beautiful home is "too late" and "sold!"
Helping people realize the dream of home ownership is evident at the end … (4 comments)
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homerome: Coming Soon Baltimore County Semi Detached !
- 02/21/17 06:38 PM
Coming soon in the Joppa Road-Loch Raven area of Baltimore County.
This Semi detached has been completely renovated from the 4 bedrooms (2 on main level and 2 upstairs) to the 2 1/2 new baths. Gleaming wood floors, fenced yard, gas heat and central air.
Gourmet granite kitchen with sun room, gas cooking and all new appliances.
Two of the bedrooms are on the first floor along with washer and dryer. The other two spacious bedrooms are upstairs and with a bit of creativity...you could possibly have a 32' roof top deck.
410-530-2400
Such versatility...this would make a good investment property. Live in one unit and rent … (2 comments)
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homerome: George Washington Did Not Do This!
- 02/20/17 07:16 PM
Yesterday when showing my favorite listing in Monkton and walking to the river cottage, I saw this downed tree and realized right away that...
George Washington did not do this!
More about beavers.
Talk about sheer beauty...take a look at a few photos while hiking on the NCR trail to the river cottage.
This little cottage would make a great fishing/hunting lodge, guest house or a quiet get-a-way in Baltimore County.
The river cottage is being sold along with the main property at 1560 Blue Mount Road in Monkton, Md. 21111.
Take a tour of the property
… (8 comments)
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homerome: Baltimore Is Beautiful In February
- 02/19/17 04:47 PM
Such a pretty weekend in Baltimore. It is February and the temperature actually reached 70 degrees both days.
So lucky to have out of town company and was able to enjoy a lovely lunch at the The Valley Inn on Falls Road. This restaurant is minutes from my condo listings at The Risteau.
Beautiful service, lovely presentation and delicious food.
Below is a plate of oysters on the half shell, lobster risotto and just a perfect hamburger served with fries and onions.
Afterwards, I was able to meet a couple of buyers to show this gorgeous full service condo.
This is the view overlooking the pond at … (7 comments)
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homerome: Home Inspection Prior To Listing
- 02/18/17 07:38 PM
Most of us wait until after we have a contract offer before we move forward on a full home inspection.
The normal procedure in our Baltimore area...the buyer orders and pays for all the inspections.
There can be many in addition to the general inspection.
To name a few... radon, septic, well yield, water quality, chimney, mold, structural, roof, HVAC, termite, water penetration, in ground pools, spas, jetted tubs, polybutylene piping, underground oil tanks, electrical and lead based paint inspections.
For those of us in the business for a while...we have seen challenges with all of the above.
An inspection can take many … (16 comments)
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homerome: You Want Proof...Here's Proof
- 02/17/17 09:28 AM
How many times have you been asked if blogging works? How many times have you seen a question asking if you get real business from ActiveRain? How many comments have you read asking for confirmation that this is not a waste of time?
I am not looking for referrals and I am not trying to convince anyone to use this blogging platform, but thought I would share what's happening right now.
I sold a property to a buyer who lives out of my area and was able to recommend a wonderful Realtor® who I met ,through ActiveRain.
This agent, over the years, has become a … (12 comments)
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homerome: Make Me An Offer
- 02/16/17 07:29 PM
After showing one of my listings, the buyer's agent asked what the seller would take.
My answer...'I could probably get them to take the list price.'
They answer back... 'but we don't want to insult you with an offer.'
You cannot insult me and I will not allow the seller to be insulted.
It takes an agent time to prepare and present a 40 plus page offer signed by the buyer, get them qualified, write an earnest money deposit, figure out dates for settlement, loan commitment, home inspections, title company etc.
Personally this is not an insult no matter what the price or terms.
That agent has done their job, presenting what the buyer has … (19 comments)
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homerome: Time To Say NEXT
- 02/15/17 05:04 PM
I never said it was EASY to say NEXT.
This week I have spoken with several agents who have gone out of their way to do so much for a buyer or a seller "friend" and each one of these professionals has been let down. Either they didn't get the listing or had another agent take over after months of handholding or "their friend" went and purchased a home with another Realtor®
Lets put it this way...the golden rule was not used. What these clients did was not fair but if you've been in the business for awhile...this stuff happens even when you have … (16 comments)
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homerome: Gretchen And Harmony Could Use Some Love
- 02/13/17 08:25 PM
It's Valentine's Day and what a perfect way to show some special love. Take a ride out to the Baltimore Humane Society and meet Gretchen and Harmony.
They both require some TLC and maybe you are the right person to supply that love.
Just give the BHS a call at 410-833-8848 to visit these guys.
Do you have room in your home or your heart for either of these pets?
… (11 comments)
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