Is there anyone NOT looking for a great deal in real estate?Clients call me for advice when they see what they perceive as a genuine bargain: a home in a desirable neighborhood below market price. They are ready to make an offer. Not so fast. Let's research the property, its history, and the neighborhood. If you are still interested, it's time to visit it with a contractor for evaluation. Every house can be made livable, but at what cost? Buying a home that needs a lot of work can be tempting, especially when you see those bargain prices compared to the rest of the neighborhood. However, weighing the pros and cons before taking the plunge is necessary. **Pros**- Potential for Profit: If you can successfully renovate and quickly sell the property, there’s a chance for a significant retur... 12/29/2024

 Is it better to buy a smaller home in an exclusive neighborhood or a larger one in a less desirable area? It depends. Some prioritize location, while others prioritize size, affordability, or unique features. Ultimately, personal needs and preferences dictate the decision, so there's no one correct answer.  The decision between a smaller home in an exclusive area or a larger one in a less desirable location depends on personal priorities, lifestyle needs, and buyer preferences.Questions about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome   12/27/2024

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... 12/13/2024

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 ... 12/12/2024

 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... 12/07/2024

 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 ... 12/04/2024

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... 11/27/2024