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Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome, Broker/Owner HomeRome Realty. Radio Host ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE. Sundays 12 noon. Author: Real Estate The Rome Way. 410-530-2400
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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)
 Condo May Be A Better Investment Than Dorm Room or RentalConsider a condo for your college and professional sons and daughters.Think about a condo for your graduate students.Explore condos for both married and single individuals.Consider investing in a condo if you or your child is attending a university, law school, medical school, or any other professional program in Baltimore. If you need housing for three years or more while pursuing your education, a condo could be the ideal choice. For those with temporary job placements lasting a few years, condos are worth considering, too. Parents, if your child will be studying or working in the Baltimore area, consider condos as a housing option. There isTBb no outside maintenance and solid security. Plus, bringing in a roommate can help off...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Working Solo...With My Team Can you be successful in real estate if you don't have—or are not part of a mega team? Of course…provided you can call on your team.What’s the difference? Many people hear the term “team” and think of the “multi-agent team,” a group of real estate agents working for one mega agent.  I love working solo but have all the advantages of a "team." At any point in the process, I can call in experts I have chosen for their quality of work and service. Whether it's a mortgage broker, appraiser, carpet installer, contractor, roofer, home inspector, stager, cleaning, or settlement officer, I have an expert ready to meet the needs of my buyers and sellers.After years in the real estate profession, you learn who will treat your clients precisely as you would. My team of ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Unveiling the Hidden Gems in Your Home An obstacle for one person may be the selling point for another. Be aware of potential negative aspects when touring a home to list. When it comes to the real estate market, what may seem like a disadvantage to one person could very well be a unique selling point for another. As an agent, I’ve learned to look beyond first impressions and explore the different perspectives that potential buyers might have about a property. One of my first steps when preparing to list a home is to have an open conversation with the current owner. I like to ask what they don’t particularly like about their home. This often reveals hidden insights that can be reframed as opportunities for the right buyer.For instance, a ranch house with no steps and little storage migh...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The best gifts aren’t expensive!  They are the ones with a story or personal meaning.  This is about that gift that fits perfectly into this month's challenge. It is a thoughtful present that leaves a lasting impression. This is such a unique and personal gift that will be remembered.  Tell us the story behind it!Once upon a time, back in 2008, I wrote my favorite blog post ever. I've written over 5,000 posts, but this one still stands out as my number one.Over the years, Carol Williams and I have talked about our hobbies, travels, our marriages and all that we are thankful for. A few years ago, Carol spent an afternoon in Baltimore, and I can tell you that a three-hour lunch allowed us to have a deeper conversation outside of real estate.Carol shared wonderful memories of the love of ...
Comments 25
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Talk To Me About Buying Or Selling In December One reason to sell your home in December is the reduced competition. Some homeowners take their properties off the market during the holidays, resulting in fewer buyer listings. While your house may not sell in December, it certainly won't sell if it's not listed.This situation can work to your advantage, as your home will stand out more in a quieter market compared to the crowded spring season. By listing during this time, you may attract serious buyers who are highly motivated to find a new home. If someone is house hunting in December, they are likely serious about purchasing. They may be relocating for a job, expanding their family, or simply eager to settle down before the new year. These motivated buyers are often ready to act quickl...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Eighteen Years Blogging But Who's CountingBlogging Bliss Journey  I started blogging in 2006; it has been an amazing journey! I was a nurse, a ceramic artist, and, for the past three and a half decades, a Realtor®. I never thought I would share my thoughts with so many people, but my passion for what I do keeps me excited, and that’s what it is all about.. I loved nursing, the making of ceramic art, and celebrating the memories of my 47-year marriage. That passion keeps me connected.Staying consistent is easy when you love something. I enjoy talking to people through phone calls or comments and look forward to my weekly radio show. Everything comes together perfectly!I do what feels right.  It's been said: I was marching to a different drummer. My art was different.  My blogging led to ...
Comments 25
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I I want to take a moment to express how much I enjoy and appreciate having my own weekly live radio show, "All About Real Estate." It’s such a joy to connect with listeners each week, share my passion for real estate, and engage in meaningful conversations. I love discussing various topics, answering your questions, and learning from your insights.I'm particularly enthusiastic about sharing stories involving unique properties and special buyers and discussing the journey of buying or selling a home. I also enjoy discussing various transactions and the challenges that arise, which helps educate the public and other real estate professionals. This not only benefits my audience but also serves to teach newer Realtors®, ultimately making the industry better for everyone involved.The energy...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When I’m helping a buyer find their perfect home, the first thing I talk about is defining their wants and needs. I ask them to describe what they want, considering their lifestyle and plans. We need to clarify what their ideal space looks like. Next, we dive into budget talk. I often suggest they get pre-approved for a mortgage to give them a clear picture of what they can afford. Once we have that sorted, we create a wish list together. I ask them to share their must-haves and nice-to-haves, prioritizing what’s most important. It’s a helpful way to narrow down potential homes. I also encourage my clients to explore different neighborhoods. I provide insights on various areas based on schools, commute times, and local amenities, helping them find a community that suits their lifestyle....
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Grateful for being a Real Estate BrokerAs November comes, I love to think about everything I'm thankful for, and being a real estate broker is at the top of my list! It's more than just buying and selling houses; it’s about helping people find their dream homes and helping them with any problems that come up along the way. One of my favorite parts of this job is the fun of the search—whether I’m finding the perfect home for someone or helping a seller show their house so buyers will love it. Every day in real estate is a new adventure, and I enjoy the different things I get to do. I get excited with each new listing when I’m working out the details of a sale, negotiating, and especially when I help someone finally get their home or sell a special property. I also like that I get to choo...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
You are going to need some help when moving.Moving can be both exciting and stressful. While the idea of a new place is adventurous, the tasks ahead are overwhelming. There are ways to simplify the moving process and get help when needed.  If you have more stuff than space in your new home, consider getting a storage unit. This way, you can keep things you don’t want to throw away and have a tidy living area.To keep important papers safe, organize your documents in a folder. To make moving easier, group things like lease agreements, change-of-address forms, and packing lists together.Don’t forget about your internet and cable! Set up these services ahead of time to avoid waiting. If it’s too hard, ask a tech-savvy friend for help.Ask friends or family for good movers, cleaners, and help...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Eleven Slade Penthouse #906Baltimore County Co-opThis rare penthouse, located on the 9th floor of Eleven Slade, features three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It's truly a gem. The St. Charles eat-in kitchen is bright and spacious, with two pantries, a stainless-steel side-by-side fridge that includes an ice maker, double ovens, and a skylight that fills the space with light.A separate door from the kitchen to the hallway makes it convenient to bring in groceries.The living room features a wall of windows and a glass door leading to a 26-foot balcony, perfect for enjoying tree-top views and watching fireworks displays from The Golf Club, which are visible from every room.The expansive 37-foot living area is a highlight. One of its unique features is a paneled wall with a concealed bar that open...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Finding Home: Why Chemistry Matters More Than Your Wish ListBuildings have personalities just like people have personalities. When looking for a condo or coop, checking out the building before choosing the unit is imperative. You’ve heard me say that each building, hey, each neighborhood has a personality. We all look and feel differently in a building, home, or neighborhood. I have worked with people who have made a detailed list, written down and described where they want to live, the area, size, type of lot, the number of rooms, the layout, the heating fuel, the square footage, placement of the primary bedroom, and a kitchen that had everything on the list. We’ve found a home that has everything on that paper—it sounded perfect. But…there was no question that it was not the right pro...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Could a basement be a Raven's Studio?Are you looking for a large basement ready to finish just for you?This elegant home has a lower level ready to customize for all your needs.A spacious lower level with its separate outside entry has various potential uses. It is ideal for family gatherings, anniversaries, weddings, and holiday celebrations. How about the yearly cousins' club gatherings?   Transforming a home's lower level into a multifunctional, practical, and enjoyable space can greatly enhance its potential. Sports lovers in-home stadium perfect for a Raven's gameOne of the best reasons for this lower-level space is that the main elegant home stays pristine, furniture does not need moving, and guests can come and go without disturbing the main home. Graduation parties and retiremen...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
October 2024 ActiveRain Tech Tools Challenge  Over thirty years ago, I began my journey in real estate, marking the start of a new era.  There was the fax machine with curled paper, handwritten offers, and typewriters for contracts.  Remember the jammed copy machine. I made six copies of each contract offer and got signatures on all six. That was for every offer.  If it went through, everyone would have an original. Remember the saying, 'Press hard. That's cheap carbon paper.' There were the MLS books, bag phones, and Palm Pilot (I loved). We went nowhere without a camera and film. I remember going to my favorite photo store with rolls of the same photo, the front of the house, and asking them to make duplicates so I could have a photo for each flyer. Back then, the MLS allowed only one...
Comments 23
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Welcome to this four-level split home located off Stevenson Road inside the beltway, Exit 21. This home features 5000 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and two and a half baths.  Enjoy hosting gatherings in the well-lit and spacious living room featuring a bay window.  The primary bedroom suite includes a soothing jetted tub, separate vanities, heated floors, a luxurious walk-in shower, and a generously sized closet.   This kitchen offers more than just a place to cook. It features architectural ceilings, a spacious granite island that seats six, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, space for a full-sized dining table, and a bright seating and relaxing area.  Sliders from the kitchen provide seamless access to a spacious deck and a private manicured yard.   And there's ...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Yes! It is possible to be in your new home by Thanksgiving.Are You Ready to Move? Let's Find the Right House!Are you thinking about moving before Thanksgiving? If so, there are a few important questions to consider. Moving can be complex, but proper planning and preparation can be a smooth and successful transition.First, are you completely ready for this big step? Ask yourself: Are your finances in place?  Do you have your earnest money ready? Do you have proof of funds if you plan to pay in cash? Is your family willing to assist you with the purchase? A clear understanding of your financial situation and a solid plan is crucial before diving into home-buying.If you require a lender, getting pre-qualified and being prepared to act swiftly when the right property comes along is importa...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Buyers and Sellers You Always Have a ChoiceBuyers and sellers should not feel obligated to use a particular real estate agent. Maybe it's a friend, a relative, or an acquaintance who has previously talked to you about RE. Perhaps it's an agent you have me through an open house, a party, or at work. Maybe it's a person who is friends with a relative, and again, you feel that obligation.You feel like you must use them and may feel trapped by a specific agent. This is not the time or place for guilt.How do I know? Buyers and sellers talk to me; they call and ask me for advice. In the past couple of weeks, two callers asked me about properties.The responses were disturbing when asked if they had a buyer's agent.They "sort of" have an agent and don't feel they are looking out for them. The a...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Choose your clients wisely. It's like that old saying goes, "You can choose your friends but not your relatives." In the same way, you can choose your buyers and your sellers. Don't put up with toxic clients because you need the sale. Working with people you like, and respect is essential for a successful and fulfilling transaction. Trust your instincts and be willing to walk away if the client isn't the right fit. Doing so will make room for exceptional buyers or sellers who will make the real estate journey more rewarding.As agents, we have the freedom to select clients who value and respect our expertise. Understand that not every potential client is a good match, and that's perfectly acceptable. If you find yourself dreading each interaction, it might be time to acknowledge that the...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A few months ago, I found what I thought was the right condo for a favorite buyer. We had been looking for six months. Our offer was accepted, but the inspection revealed latent defects that were not acceptable. There was no choice but to withdraw from that transaction. Finally, another one showed up, and we made an appointment for this one the minute it hit the market.  We immediately made an offer that could not be turned down. We asked the listing agent what the seller wanted, including the price, terms, closing dates, and whether a post-occupancy was needed. It was a desirable property we had waited for and was perfect.  The rapport with this agent was perfect, and she was a delight.  Her only goal was to make this deal work for everyone. A few concerns were quickly addressed, and a...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Choose who you want to work with. This decision is in your hands. It is not how many listings you take or how many buyers you are helping.Ask questions. Have they already spoken to agents, or have any relatives or others they may feel obligated to?  I know agents who have spent time with sellers, helping them price, stage, or telling them what they need to do before selling.  Those same agents get disappointed when the seller goes with another agent.  If you are spending time and giving this advice, you better have a signed agreement. Otherwise, that seller has no obligation to you.  I wonder how many have been in this situation.  Be careful, Realtors®. Some buyers and sellers interview agents for their knowledge and ideas.  Some, when they are already listed with another agent, will a...
Comments 28
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Some place you choose to live may not allow you to choose your front door color.Real Estate is local. Rules in one state, city, county, or neighborhood can differ. The same is true with the kinds of property in different areas. Rules are different and change, so make sure you have a knowledgeable Real Estate Broker to help with your transactions.  Understanding the Local Nature of Real Estate When it comes to real Estate, it's important to remember that "real estate is local." This means that rules and regulations can vary significantly from one state, city, county, or neighborhood to another. Even the types of properties available can differ greatly from one area to the next.  For example, zoning laws, property taxes, and regulations regarding rental properties can vary widely dependin...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Throughout the week, I receive questions from the public. This past Sunday, I presented five questions on my noon radio show. Callers enthusiastically shared their solutions, making it an enjoyable show. We received responses for four out of the five questions.1- The neighbor next door is a heavy smoker, and it permeates my townhouse/condo. Some of the smoke is not from cigarettes. How to handle it? 2-If another person's animal has attacked your pet or you, do you know whether you have recourse against the pet owner's insurance? 3-My neighbor feeds the wildlife, and now I have raccoons in my yard, garbage cans, and even the community trash. I've taken photos but haven't received an answer from my HOA. 4-My neighbors have two mixed Pitt Bulls, and I fear walking my small dogs. Is there a...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
But I thought it was my house!Agents, make sure you know what you are selling. Are the names correct? Who is on the title? Have you checked the tax ID? Have you checked the deed? Is the estate in a trust? Is there one or more trustees? Do you have documentation of who legally can sign? Do you have their power of attorney or letter of administration? Has anything changed since someone created those documents? A death, a divorce, or someone added or removed? Are there siblings or children from previous relationships? What, if any, are they entitled to? A while ago, I was called to list a home—not one she wanted to sell! She and her late husband purchased their forever home twenty-five years ago. They were so proud that it was paid for without mortgage or debt. They wanted that security fo...
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