Real Estate Broker/Owner
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)
Open HouseSunday 10-1-232-3 PM8319 Stevenson RoadStevenson 21208MLS #   MDBC2077546 Looking for a spacious, move-in-ready home without any HOA or condo fees? Check out this beautiful Stevenson Rancher! With four bedrooms, three full baths, and a two-car garage, it's perfect for anyone who needs extra space. The bright gourmet kitchen with white and grey quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, and a wine cooler is sure to impress. Don't miss the luxury vinyl plank flooring on the lower level, which includes a fourth bedroom/studio/office, laundry, and a full bath.  Two-car garage  Wall of sliding glass plus a separate door to the patio and deck.  Check out the gleaming wood floors on the entire first level.  The bright gourmet kitchen with the white and grey quartz 'waterfall' count...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Who is this radio show for?  It's hard to tell who listens while sitting in the studio alone. It's for the general public's education.  It is for those who are thinking about buying or selling.  It is for those who have had a RE transaction and want to share their experience.It's for my past, present, and future buyers and sellers. It is for Realtors® (new and seasoned), brokers, RE professionals such as inspectors, contractors, title people, and lenders who share and learn from each other. It's for those who love Real Estate. Recently, someone told me her husband listens weekly, and she knows better than to "bother" him between 12 and 1 on Sundays.  The funny thing is, they have absolutely no plans of moving.  And many of my knowledgeable callers are lifelong renters and choose never t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Here is what happens when there is teamwork and vision.  It starts with the owners of Kar-Ess Properties, Karen and Esther, a cute play on their names.  They saw a home's potential in a wonderful location in great need of TLC. Note: Anyone around me for a while knows that Tender Loving  Care TLC also has a different meaning when describing specific properties.  In addition to passion, vision, talent, hard work, and expertise, there must be " Tons Liquid Cash!" It's not an exaggeration; cost is a huge factor.  What needs to be done to wake up a tired house has many stages. Bathroom before We put in an as-is offer, a 2-week settlement with the right to inspect.  The roof and a dry basement are two biggies anyone buying must evaluate.  A contractor "checked" these two areas and gave us a g...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?  Why are you asking when it is still September?  Are you looking forward to the holiday?  Are you looking forward to having your home filled with friends, traditions, and memories?  Think about it.  If you found the right home this month, you could have your holiday turkey in your new house.ORAre you one who is dreading the holiday with the cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and the concern of having a group in your home now?  Maybe the time is perfect to "rightsize" to the next house.  To purchase a new 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)
Have you or are you thinking about buying a home that needs a great deal of work? It sounds pretty simple to buy at a low bargain price and then sell it much higher. When I say low, I mean much lower than those selling in the neighborhood, knowing you can probably resell it for much more, maybe even double what you paid. But be careful!This flipping business is not what you see on TV programs. I promise it is not as easy as it seems.You could lose your shirt by not considering these things.-The amount of work,-The time needed to invest in the project -Demolition and dumpsters- The cost of carrying the money. Maybe you are dealing with hard money, and the rates are exorbitant. Time is not on your side.-How expensive supplies and labor are.-Thinking that the resale is going to be a consid...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Finding properties for a buyer when inventory is low to non-existent has been a real challenge. Finding a perfect home-even more of a challenge. I have been working with this buyer for a year or more.  Her desires in a home are specific, and she does not deviate. Her wish list is in Baltimore County, with an easy commute to her studio.  It has to be pristine (if not brand new) and finished to move in immediately.  Public water and gas cooking is a must.Loving the look of the soft greys and whites and lots of light, she wants a bright open floorplan with white cabinets, black hardware, granite or quartz counters, a finished walk-out basement with a separate bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closets, and laundry.  A wide driveway and a garage with easy access are essential, along with high ceili...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
8319 Stevenson RoadStevenson 21208MLS #   MDBC2077546Rarely available, better than new, is this four-bedroom, three full-bath Stevenson Rancher.  Two-car garage with access from the front, kitchen, and patio.  Wall of sliding glass plus a separate door to the patio and deck.  Check out the gleaming wood floors on the entire first level.  The bright gourmet kitchen looks great against groceries with the white and grey quartz 'waterfall' counters.  Stainless appliances include a deep sink with a curved black faucet and a double-door, double-drawer refrigerator/freezer.  Five burner gas cooking with double oven and microwave.  Convenient laundry on both levels.  Central Air and warm gas heat.  Beautiful open floor plan includes kitchen, dining, and living.  Luxury vinyl plank flooring on t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291 September 01, 2023 08:07 AM     How do we find the right house in the right location? Please tell me where you want to be and let me draw you a map. A picture is worth a thousand words. Below is a view of the area where we are looking for  Baltimore homes. I have lovely out-of-state buyers relocating a large family and will need three single-family homes. Two would be starter homes, three plus bedrooms, two baths, and children and pet-friendly backyards. The third home could be much larger and more upscale. Four, five, or even more bedrooms with a sizable lot and a pool would be ideal. If you have a home or know of someone who lives in this area, please call me. Instead of listing t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Real Estate Licensing in MarylandEffective August 2023, agents will no longer be able to self-declare their continuing education classes.  Licensees who have not completed their CE requirements or are not showing the necessary CE hours in the renewal will no longer be able to self-certify compliance. If your license renewal date is coming up, check your CE status in the license portal and ensure your coursework is properly reported before your expiration date.What took so long?  It makes it easier for everyone.  There is no question whether you are compliant and have taken all your required courses.  There is no need to guess or round up your credits from past classes.  Find out if you have the necessary Continuing Credits and topics by going to the Real Estate Continuing Education  Sta...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Embracing Life’s Lessons The Rome Way The loss of my father  My daddy was a diabetic, and I gave him insulin shots as a little girl.  He died of a heart attack at forty-nine.  At eight years old, I knew I going to be a nurse!   My father's death made me appreciate each day spent with MY LEE.   We counted every day (16,802) of our marriage. Mother, a widow with two young kids, ran the restaurant business, opening from six in the morning until nine at night.  What a role model!  Mom taught by example, never missing one day in all those years. Maybe there is no coincidence that I've missed one live radio show in ten years.  A Car AccidentA car accident (I was rear-ended) put an end to my custom-designed porcelains. Since I refused back and neck surgery, the doctors told me not to lift anyt...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When there is a transaction with a ''committee" you better be the chairperson!Your property may be coming on the market, is already listed or you may have an offer. Unsolicited advice starts coming in from others, like children, in-laws, siblings, best friends, neighbors, and even people you hardly know.  These are the people I refer to as "the committee."  Think about how your own family makes significant decisions.Even though the seller has complete title to the property (without legal or financial need) they may feel overwhelmed if not prepared for all the advice.If you are Selling by "committee"...you, the REALTOR®, must be the Chairperson.  Why?  Because everyone has an opinion to share.  Anyone who has ever lived in a house is now the expert.  They want to be helpful with the dec...
Comments 31
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Stone Gate Ct 21208Cobblestone RancherMLS  #MDBC20698043 Bedrooms2 1/2 BathsHOA $220/Mo  This is the home these lucky buyers were waiting for, and they wasted no time. They toured on the same day it hit the market, made a successful bid, and we had a smooth closing this week.Check out this single-family rancher with a finished lower level and a two-car garage.The spacious primary bedroom, with a soaking tub and separate shower, has a door to the private patio. Did you notice the tray ceilings?    The second bedroom/media room with a full bath and an office with built-ins is also on the main level.  The bright eat-in kitchen has white appliances, cabinets, and granite on the counters and island. Another set of sliders from the kitchen leads to the enclosed private patio. A convenient la...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The Clubhouse 6711 Park Heights Ave Baltimore, Md. 21215 #319 MDBA2094396     Rarely available one-bedroom, one-bath  bright corner condo unit on the third floor of The Clubhouse!  This all-brick condo at 6711 Park Heights Ave has the convenience of a full-service building. This third-floor unit is accessed by an elevator, and you have a doorman to greet you and help with your needs.     The light-filled eat-in kitchen, with a window, has updated appliances. In addition, there is a party room, library area, elegant lobby, and planned social activities. Your assigned parking space, #61, can be seen from your covered private balcony.      All Brick, well-built condo in Upper Park Heights  Baltimore, Maryland The lobby makes you feel welcome. Front desk personnel is available with a smile...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
If you're thinking about purchasing a property that requires significant work, it might seem like a wise investment to buy it at a lower price and sell it at a higher one later.  However, it's crucial to be cautious when flipping homes. There are many factors to consider, such as the amount of work needed, the time frame, demolition and dumpsters, carrying costs, expensive supplies and labor, and the projected profit margin. Additionally, it would help if you predicted the market conditions when you plan to sell the property. As a contractor, you may have more insight and knowledge regarding the project's time and cost. However, if you're a buyer seeking an affordable house, you must take extra care. Ensure that the floor plan is practical and the major systems, such as the roof, heatin...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What Stays & What Goes When real estate contracts are made, it is essential to specify what the buyer wants to stay and what the seller is willing to leave.  It could include window coverings, appliances, built-ins, furniture, pool tables, lawn furniture, pool toys, paints, extra wallpaper, or flooring.  And don't forget the sheds, attics, crawl spaces, and contents.  It could also include personal artwork, furnishings, bed coverings, chandeliers, mirrors, and area carpets.  You don't want to hear the words: But I thought. This why it is essential to do a final walk thru when the house is vacant and before you go to settlement. I've had a transaction where the buyer tried to get the seller to remove some old appliances even though this property was sold AS IS.  The buyer attempted to ho...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Many years ago, I was selling a one-bedroom, one-bath condo in a very posh building.  Security cameras everywhere, in the garage, elevators, grounds, parking lot, and an alert when a vehicle comes onto the property.  In addition, there was a 24-hour concierge.  It was not an easy sell because of its size and first-floor location.  It was beautifully designed and furnished to complement the small space.  And the building itself was very desirable. My seller planned to sell the one-bedroom unit and then move to a new place in Florida.  I had a showing for a young woman; she wanted and needed security.  She confided in me that she and her young daughter needed a safe place from an abusive situation.  Being very secretive, she wrote a contract, full-price cash, 30-day closing, proof of fund...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I had a caller this week that said they felt I was talking directly to them. This is someone who has lived in the same home for over fifty years and knows it is time to start to make arrangements for a move. Even though she won't be ready for another 6 months to a year, there is lots that can be done now. I suggested I take a look at her house when she is ready because her concerns were what to do with all her treasures. The family does not want the, crystal, silver, china, furniture or table linens. Some suggestions: some people specialize in helping with the sorting, donating, consignment, what to give away, what to throw away, what to sell, and what to keep.If one is going to an adult living community, the facility usually has professional people to take a look at their home; they se...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Just because the market is active right now does not mean I have to change how I have always taken listings.  Yes, I have a waiting list.  This gives you, the seller, time to do your cleaning and purging and decide where you are going. When you and the house are ready, professional photos are taken, sorted, captioned, and uploaded to the computer.  We may do the professional photos weeks or months before being prepared to list.  I can have everything in place, including measurements and documents, so when your date arrives, we are ready with the click of a computer key.Everyone sees the property at the same time.  There is no need to do a coming soon or have multiple showings and inconvenience all parties.  A few good showings will sell the home, especially in this market.  I did that y...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I recently spoke with an upset friend.  She wasn't upset with me or anything to do with real estate.  It was a troubling situation, and she needed to vent. It immediately reminded me of another day.  It was a day when a dear lady in her eighties,  mother-in-law of a dear friend, buried her husband.  This was a sad day, and she had reason to be upset.A comment was made to my friend, which was unkind, and she complained to her mother-in-law.  This sweet, newly widowed lady put her hand on my friend's arm and said: "Don't let unimportant  things become important."Think about it - almost every time we get upset, isn't it about something or somebody that is unimportant?That day I decided that "I don't do upset." When I told my colleague that story yesterday, they quickly saw that the upsett...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Some excellent posts are in this month's contest, and we are looking for many more entries in the next few weeks.  Please look at July's Contest that John Meussner and I are hosting. By the way, the members who sponsor a contest also write an entry, and I was thinking about what that post would be. When checking the comments on our contest, I saw that Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist, wrote the first entry on the very first day.  That was Saturday, July 1st, and I called ( I often do this)  to congratulate her.  Since neither of us is ever at a loss for words, and I was not sure of my show's topic- I extended the invitation to be a guest on my live radio show the next day, Sunday. Katherine called in at noon, and the hour flew by.  We had so much fun with lots of dial...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Notes from a radio listener   I always look for real estate ideas to discuss on my weekly show. When a long-time radio listener called asking me to discuss buying a house AS IS, I was happy to accommodate.    I asked some questions,  I listened, and I took notes.   They purchased six or seven homes "as is" over the decades. Here are some of the suggestions about this type of purchase:  You can never do too much preparation and research. The primary consideration is the land and the location!  They always had good contact with the sellers when they bought the homes.  They listened and learned as much about the house as possible.  They knew and understood the language of each contractor, including the tools, materials, building codes, and permits. They made sure to find the right contract...
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