margaret rome 410 530 2400: And The Survey Says...
- 08/27/26 06:09 PM
Two Surveys, Two Surprises
A property survey can reveal something completely unexpected, even when neighbors have
lived peacefully beside each other for many years.
In the first situation, the location drawing showed that part of a driveway extended approximately six inches to one foot over the property line. It looked like a very simple problem. The driveway had been there for years, and everyone assumed the neighbors
could sign an agreement or accept a small payment to correct the paperwork so settlement
could proceed.
Unfortunately, that neighbor was a bit 'kindness impaired.' Once he realized the encroachment could prevent the property from going to settlement, he demanded … (8 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: When a Win is a loss
- 08/09/26 07:08 AM
August 9, 2026
When the First Real Offer Finally ComesAfter years on and off the market, different marketing efforts, price discussions, and plenty of frustration, a seller finally gets the first truly viable offer. And then comes the hard part. Instead of focusing on the fact that a real buyer has finally stepped forward, the conversation turns to a difference of only a few thousand dollars. It is almost funny, except it isn't. This is where an agent has to stay very calm. You cannot react to the frustration. You cannot take comments personally. You cannot allow the seller's stress, fear, or sense of "losing" to become … (9 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Be a Bird Dog Stay in Touch With the Other Agents
- 08/01/26 02:59 PM
The Bird Dog That Found a Home One of the best lessons I ever learned in real estate was staying in touch with other agents. Most of us would have crossed it off our list and moved on. But I knew my buyers would love this historic house, so I called the listing agent anyway.
I simply said, "I know it's under contract, but if anything changes, I have buyers who would be ready." That was it. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a professional conversation and a relationship built over time. The seller's wife had passed away, and I had known … (11 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Stay Out Of Real Estate Jail
- 06/27/26 02:12 PM
Walking on Eggshells... Trying to Stay Out of Real Estate Jail!
There was a time when writing an MLS description was one of my favorite parts of listing a home. I got to tell the story, paint a picture, and hopefully make buyers want to see it before they ever pull into the driveway.
Today? Sometimes I feel like I'm trying to stay out of Real Estate Jail. Every sentence gets a second look. Can I say, "master bedroom?" Nope...it's now "primary … (13 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: 6507 Shelrick Place 21209
- 06/24/26 06:03 PM
6507 Shelrick Place 21209
MLS MDBC2166970
NOW AVAILABLE!
Prepare to be captivated by 6507 Shelrick Place, a home that beautifully blends modern elegance with versatile living. Originally sold in 1997 as a charming two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence, this property has undergone a stunning transformation over nearly thirty years, and it's ready for its next adventure!
Step inside to discover a thoughtfully expanded floor plan that encompasses four to five bedrooms and four full baths, spread across four finished levels. This home effortlessly adapts to your lifestyle, whether you need space for multi-generational living, guest quarters, dedicated home offices, or simply room to breathe. The … (7 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: ActiveRain 20th Anniversary Song
- 06/22/26 09:49 PM
The Song We Didn’t Know We Were Writing
CLICK TO LISTEN & SING ALONG
20th ActiveRain Anniversary Song
After twenty years on ActiveRain, I’ve come to realize that sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don’t plan. They develop naturally, similar to a thriving community garden!
20th ActiveRain Anniversary Song
Recently, I came across Bill Spears’ post about the impact of ActiveRain; it triggered a lot of thoughts.
Sure, it’s a blogging platform and a hub for real estate and marketing knowledge. However, it's much more than that! It's a place where friendships flourish.
Experienced agents provide guidance to recruits, while referrals … (23 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: The Basement That Forgot It Was A Basement
- 06/20/26 05:35 PM
Some homes have a finished basement.
This one has a destination.
The lower level of this custom-built 7000 sq ft property is so much more than extra square footage. It is an entire entertainment wing designed for fun, creativity, relaxation, and gatherings of every kind.
Love to entertain? Imagine hosting family celebrations, holiday parties, game nights, corporate events, reunions, or neighborhood gatherings with room for everyone to spread out comfortably.
The billiards area creates an instant gathering spot. At the same time, the recording and karaoke studio invites guests to grab a microphone, sing their favorite songs, record music, or enjoy the show. For those … (10 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: It Feels A Little Like Magic
- 06/13/26 09:43 AM
There are closings, and then there are closings that stay with you forever.
Today was one of those.
No, it wasn't my biggest settlement. Not even close. It certainly wasn't my quickest. We're talking years, not days, from the time we first discussed selling until the day we finally sat down at the closing table.
It was a studio apartment.
Click to Take a look
Over the years, many people told me it would be difficult to sell. Some didn't like the size. Some had no idea what a coop was. Others didn't understand the charm. Many commented on the furniture, the antiques, the artwork, … (13 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Shelrick Place...Coming Soon...
- 06/08/26 08:25 PM
COMING SOON
Every once in a while, a home comes back into your life and completely surprises you. I first sold 6507 Shelrick Place in 1997. Back then, it was a lovely two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home. Fast forward nearly thirty years, and what stands here today is something entirely different.
The house didn't just grow. It evolved.
Today, this remarkable home offers four or five bedrooms, four full baths, four finished levels, and a floor plan that seems to adapt to whatever life requires. Whether you're looking for space for extended family, room for guests, multiple home offices, or simply a home that doesn't force everyone … (5 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Twenty Years But Who's Counting-June Contest
- 06/01/26 07:22 AM
What Do I Do to Make ActiveRain Better?When I joined ActiveRain in 2006, I had no idea it would become such a huge part of my life.
Twenty years later, I honestly don't think there has been a single day that I haven't signed in.
No, I haven't written a blog every day. But I have checked in every day. ActiveRain has become as much a part of my routine as your morning coffee. (I don't drink coffee in the am.)
So, what do I do to make ActiveRain better? The same thing I think most of us do. I share.
I write about my successes, my … (16 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Extra rooms-Extra Possibilities
- 05/21/26 08:52 AM
If you are lucky enough to have an extra room connected to the primary suite, do not waste the opportunity by simply calling it “another bedroom.”
Sometimes it's not how many bedrooms a home has, but how those rooms can be used. Today’s buyers are looking for flexibility, comfort, privacy, and creative living spaces more than ever before. The question is not just what the room is, but what it could become for the right buyer.
Help buyers imagine themselves living there. An extra room on the same level as the primary suite can mean something completely different … (6 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Who Absquatulated?
- 05/16/26 06:04 PM
Who Absquatulated? A Real Estate Mystery
There are many moving parts in a real estate transaction. Buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, title companies, contractors… It’s like a carefully choreographed dance where everyone has a role, a timing, and a responsibility.
And then… someone absquatulates.
If you’ve never heard that word before, it’s a good one. It means to leave suddenly, maybe a little mysteriously, without much explanation. In real estate, it doesn’t always mean someone physically disappears. Sometimes it’s more subtle. The calls stop. The emails slow down. The urgency fades. And you start to wonder… who absquatulated?
I’ve seen it happen in all … (14 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Some Homes Are A CHALLENGE
- 03/23/26 09:32 AM
I Like the Houses Other Agents Walk Away FromSome agents want the easy listing.Perfect condition. Perfect price. Quick sale.
I’ve always liked the challenge.
Vacant kitchen above
AI staged below
I recently took on a property that had already been through three agents and an auction. It still didn’t sell. When the owner called me, I knew the house, and I knew exactly what it was: a real challenge!!
Was it overpriced? Maybe.Does it need work? Yes.Windows? Likely. Roof? Probably.Vacant for years? Yes.
But here’s what else is true.
It’s in a fabulous, highly sought-after neighborhood. Nearby, smaller lots alone are being offered around $600,000. And here we … (8 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: One Question-One Call-20 Minutes Later-The Answer
- 03/20/26 03:35 PM
One Question. One Call. 20 Minutes Later…It started, as so many good things do, with a simple question.
On Q&A Tuesday morning, I posted:“Does anyone have a suggestion? I’m looking for a simple program that lets me upload my floor plans, with labeled rooms and measurements, so it can automatically furnish the rooms. I feel like I’ve tried everything with AI! Does anyone have any suggestions?”
Jane Luo, a Realtor® and data scientist from Hoboken, responded thoughtfully and honestly. She explained something that immediately made sense: today’s AI is generative. It creates beautiful images, but it struggles with exact measurements. In other words, … (8 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Beware of Callers You Don't Know
- 03/14/26 08:45 AM
Phone scams can come from anyone, whether they're posing as a potential homebuyer, a contractor, or even a police officer.
Scammers are more cunning than ever, targeting trusting individuals. Always be cautious when someone asks for your personal information. There’s absolutely no reason to share sensitive details over the phone. And there is no reason to open your home to a stranger wanting to do something for you.
We're talking about sharing Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and even calls from people posing as your grandchild.
Yes, this happens...It goes something like this, 'Grandma, I'm in trouble and need some money." … (13 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: FinCen Rule: Making Cash Home Sales Clearer!
- 03/12/26 06:19 AM
As of March 1, 2026, a new rule introduced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the U.S. Treasury has gone into effect concerning certain all-cash residential real estate transactions. This rule is designed to improve. transparency in the real estate market, particularly for purchases made through entities like LLCs or trusts. These types of transactions have sometimes been used to conceal the true ownership of properties, raising concerns about money laundering and financial crimes.
Under this rule, when a property is purchased without a traditional mortgage and involves an entity or trust, specific reporting will be required. However, … (7 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Did They Or Did They Not Pull A Permit
- 03/07/26 08:54 AM
Did They Pull a Permit? A Quick Check Every Buyer Should KnowWhen buying a home in Baltimore or Baltimore County, one simple question can save a lot of surprises later:
“Was a permit pulled for that work?”
Over the years, I’ve shown homes with beautiful new kitchens, finished basements, decks, and updated electrical panels. They look great, but sometimes buyers and agents forget to check whether the proper permits were issued and inspected.
The good news is that in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County, permit records are public and can usually be searched online by address. With just a few clicks, you can … (9 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: About Answering That Phone
- 03/03/26 08:16 AM
I’ve always said, “I answer my phone.” And for the most part, I do. Buyers don’t wait, sellers don’t wait, and real estate rarely rewards voicemail ping-pong. But when my caller ID flashes “Spam Risk,” even I pause for a split second. Is it really spam… or is it the perfect buyer calling about the house I just put back on the market?
Here’s the truth: you can’t be 100% sure. Many spam calls are exactly that. SPAM. They want to send me "buyers "and "sellers" extended car warranties, mystery investments, or someone wanting to “help” me improve my career by buying … (10 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Recognizing Value Before Everyone Else
- 02/23/26 05:49 PM
Recognizing Value Before Everyone Else Eleven Slade #412
MLS-MDBC2141936
Sometimes the market quietly presents an opportunity so extraordinary that people assume something must be wrong. At 11 Slade, nothing is wrong, except the lack of awareness.
This is the only co-op building in all of Baltimore County, and currently, an estate sale is offering over 2,000 square feet of living space for $145,000.
Let that sink in.
This residence offers three bedrooms, or two bedrooms and a den, two full baths, a bright corner location, and a balcony. The space is generous, the layout comfortable, and the possibilities endless. Take a look at the floor plan.
But what … (9 comments)
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margaret rome 410 530 2400: Hang In There...
- 02/05/26 06:05 PM
Real estate is more than just a transaction; it’s about people and their lives. When families buy or sell a home, they often carry a mix of emotions with them: stress, grief, excitement, and fear of change. These feelings can impact the process, even if we try to set them aside. I believe that homes often sell themselves when they are priced and shown honestly. The real challenges usually come from the emotional states of everyone involved.
Recognize that people enter “HANGER” phase, feeling hungry, angry, tired, and emotionally drained. In these moments, even small issues can feel overwhelming, and words … (11 comments)
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