Special offer

Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Twelve observations related to real estate.Similar to flying, it is not unusual to encounter a few bumps when buying and selling. This real estate turbulence happens anytime between signing up with a listing agent and the final settlement day.   I read a list of items that a pilot won't always tell you, and this triggered a list of things that agents may not want you to know about the real estate transaction.        I have encountered all of them and want to share my observations. Each could be a book chapter or a stand-alone blog post. 1. Houses sell houses, and people foul up deals.2. Avoid settlements early in the morning on Mondays or late  Fridays.3. Don't turn the keys over until the settlement is funded.4. Don't let a seller know a contract is coming in... Always wait until the o...
Comments 25
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 A few years back, a lovely young family hired me to help them sell their house. They were looking for a bigger space for their new baby and a better school district and wanted my assistance. After completing all the necessary paperwork and agreeing on a listing price, we took photos of the property and made a list of required repairs and updates. Unfortunately, there were some deferred maintenance issues that we had to deal with before selling the property.When I called to check on their progress, I was pleasantly surprised that they had almost completed everything on our checklist. They had done a lot of purging to prepare for their next move, evident in the sparkling clean house. I stopped by for a visit and was amazed at how different the house looked.What happened next was somethin...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What do you fear, what are you afraid of, and what keeps you from living a full life?Umar Hameed is going to answer these questions on Sunday.My radio guest is an expert in changing individual behavior. He uses techniques and tools of Applied Neuroscience and NLP to make individuals and organizations more successful. He has been the Keynote Speaker in 16 countries and held a briefing at the white house. He's the author of three books, and his latest title is Unleash Your Crazy Sexy Brain.  Please tune in Sunday, January 8, to listen toUmar Hameed & Margaret Rome  
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I am grateful for this heartfelt letter from my beautiful buyer.    ''Margaret Rome - A Force of NatureI am a retired professional woman and first-time property buyer who sought Margaret Rome’s help to buy a condominium. Margaret Rome, an amazing, skilled realtor, exceeded all my expectations and helped me find the perfect condominium.Margaret took me in hand; provided ongoing buyer education and reassurance; guided me relative to my purchase; maintained a watchful, close eye on events as they unfolded, and kept her hand on the process from inception to sale completion! Never was such a naïve buyer so lucky to find such a “mama bear” realtor!During the peak of summer vacations Margaret secured a seasoned housing inspector and stayed with me while he performed the inspection and detailed...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
January 2023 Marketing Challenge!Anna Banana Kruchten, Phoenix Broker, and Aura Alex are co-hosts for this contest and are asking for our most effective marketing tips and practices that have led to success in the real estate business. Being a big believer in marketing, this is fun.  There are many ways to market, brand, and advertise. It is our job to let the folks know we are in real estate! It is not their job to remember!Half the advertising does not work, but do we know which half? There are so many ways of marketing. Check out other marketing Consistency is my marketing secret, including my weekly advertising, blogging, and radio show.  Since I build my listing inventory at the end of the year, I have been having an excellent  December and January. But I need to be careful not to ...
Comments 21
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
One of my clients is moving out of state when her home is sold. She asked how to find a Realtor® to help in her new area. Easy peasy! Just give me the city, state, and zip; with my connections, I can find an experienced agent in every state. This comes from my long-standing participation in ActiveRain. Usually, in one or two phone calls, I can hook you up with a professional, seasoned agent in your desired area.Moving is less stressful when you already have someone working for you in your chosen area. Give me a call so we can find you the best Realtor® for your needs. So the client above asked how to find an agent. Within 24 hours, I had the right person and introduced the two of them. My seller is now looking forward to her search in Virginia and knows she is in good hands. Just anothe...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Help Me Celebrate TEN years on live radio.Sunday, January 1, 2023 ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE    ON AIR PARTYEveryone is invited! 12 noonCall In 410-922-6680 or Listen to  http://www.wcbm.com/  There is also an app called WCBM.   So let's have some fun.  ActiveRain members are invited to listen/call/text if you are up early enough this New Year's Day! (The football games don't start until 1.) What are you doing on New Year's Day? Help me celebrateTEN YEARS  'All About Real Estate ' 
Comments 46
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Like averages (which we know are meaningless!), headlines tell only a tiny part of any story. Indeed, getting a reasonable price for your home in a sale is essential, or getting a great deal if you buy. Remember to look at your own housing needs and not listen to others. Most folks don't buy a home to make money; they do it as a place to raise their family, entertain, put down roots, and feel secure. Housing markets go through cycles. The down markets follow up markets which follow down markets.People who have been in the industry long enough recognize they are as natural as the seasons. And the real estate professionals who have built their careers on service and value will find the ups just as exciting as everyone else and the downs not nearly so deep.Thinking of selling a homeCall M...
Comments 24
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It's all about passion. The real estate business is the best profession in the world in any season. People buy and sell all year long.Go ahead, march to your drummer. There is no time clock. You make and set the hours. You are the boss.And this profession is compatible with all personalities. The good, the bad, and the ugly can make a career on their terms. However, our industry continues to experience a revolving door.Is it because agents never find their niche in the business? They are too busy looking for that magic bullet, the newest gadget, the latest program that will bring all the buyers and sellers straight to them.It's not about making your market larger but instead fine-tuning what you are doing that works. Bigger is not necessarily better. Find your passion,  focus on it and ...
Comments 23
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How's the weather? That's a question to ask in Baltimore today. It started at 57 degrees this morning, dropping as I write. At 11 am, it's down to 25 degrees, with rain, snow flurries, and wind blowing at 22 miles an hour. Oh, and the sun just came out.The forecast is for an extreme temperature drop down to single digits. So when you ask about the weather, it depends on what time you inquire and what area. Reminds me of real estate. You can listen to the news, read the headlines, or listen to buyers and sellers. The market is excellent if your house gets lots of showings and sells. You might perceive a lousy market if your house does not. As with the weather, real estate is also subject to change.The weather and real estate are both local.Be careful who you listen to. Questions about bu...
Comments 24
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The above photos show an open floor plan with entertaining areas and storage galore 45 drawers in the gourmet kitchen. Three to four bedrooms with an oversized garage measuring 30' x19' with storage rooms. Gorgeous, relaxing landscaped pond and waterfalls. Huge patio areas with retractable awning. Stone floors, a sexy shower, a heated towel rack, and a  smart Toto.   Porcelain heated bath floors, tankless hot water, pocket doors, clerestory windows, a bedroom with two walk-in closets, and custom storage. Are you looking for private, convenient one-level living?  NO STEPS.Are you looking for luxury in a private home?Are you looking for convenience without condo fees?Are you looking to move in and start living.?Look no more...Click To See Photos3433 Philips Drive may be your home.Call Ma...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When asked the question, "Why hasn't this house sold, it would be easy to say it is overpriced. And most agents would agree. But there are quite a few homes that are unusual, funky a bit quirky, and my answer is THE RIGHT BUYER HAS NOT SEEN THIS HOUSE!  It's time to try new ways to get the property into the vision of those interested. Some unusual homes are bought by folks who were not even looking to move. Kind of like art, you don't NEED it, but when you see the piece you can't live without, you have to own it. So yes, some properties are on the market longer than others. And when asked why the answer may be the right buyer has not seen this home. Thinking about selling your unique homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
New agents inspire me with their enthusiasm. When speaking to newly licensed agents, or those in the first year or two,  there may be only one that sparkles. That's what I am looking for. Not the ones who are complaining that they did not get a new listing from their friend. It's the ones excited to go after a hunch and listen to new ideas of getting a new buyer or seller. You can almost see that fire in their belly. Sharing with other agents makes us better agents. These newer agents see things from a unique point of view, and they ask questions. These questions keep us all sharp.When was the last time you shared with, listened to, mentored, or even spoke with a newer agent?Give it a try. You, too, may be inspired by a newbie.When asked: Is this a good time to get into real estate? My ...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It's the middle of December, and some think REAL ESTATE has shut down.  Buyers are still looking for a home. Sellers are still anxious to sell. Appointments are still being made. Families gathering during the holidays are still thinking about moving. I am still available for those calls. Here is my ad for this week. Does it look like I've slowed down?Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! wrote a post recently that reminded me of the inspection attended by both mothers-in-law of a young married couple. They killed that deal but not before dragging it out and upsetting everyone. The young buyers loved the house but made a mistake bringing along both moms! There was nothing right for those two women. They took the wind out of the sails of the young wanna-be homeowners. They gave knit-picking a whole new meaning. They badgered the inspector to highlight and bold every minor defect. They thought by doing this, and they could negotiate a better price for the home. They came back with a long list of minor repairs and asked for a considerable reduction in its place. The kids wanted the house, the parents destroyed the negotiation, and the seller...
Comments 17
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Realtors® are not competitors. They are customers.This is my take when asked how to survive in this industry with so much competition. The other agents have buyers for my listings, and the other Realtors® have listings for my buyers. That's not competition. That's called working together. I have advertised for another agent's buyer looking for a specific home. And I have found the buyer for another agent's listing. This is good business; many people are involved in making a transaction come together. We have all seen smooth settlements even when there are bumps and turbulence at various stages. Everyone is geared toward getting the property to the closing table, everyone doing their part and whatever is necessary to get to the final sale. Instead of looking at other agents as competitio...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How To Sell in Any MarketI've recently been asked what works to sell listings in today's market. For me, it comes down to a few simple but powerful practices:1. Start by giving - make it easy for anyone to get information. My website allows any visitor to search all listings - not just mine - without having to give personal information first. Buyers can see what's available in the areas they are interested in. But savvy sellers also use this to see what's happening in their neighborhood. And then, I make it easy for a visitor to get in touch with me by email or phone.2. Be available - having the listing agent available to take the phone call or text saves time and aggravation for everyone. The person who knows the property best can answer questions. Of course, the listing has all the pr...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Check out this gift which couldn't be more perfect! They are key chains with my name and number. Are these cute or what?My friend gifted me with these adorable items, and I will put the buyer's key on one of these rings at my next closing, which happens today.How fun to have a best friend who thinks of me with such a practical gift.Do you have a unique keychain?  Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This Sunday, I will have a virtual stager named Kathy Streib on my ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE  weekly Sunday radio program.  What will we talk about? We will talk about decorating your home during the holidays. There is controversy on this subject. Some will tell you not to put any holiday decor up because it will detract from the house. However, buyers are more tolerant at this time of year.   I have sellers knowing this will be their last Christmas in the house, and they want it to be memorable. It is a personal decision. And some buyers love seeing a home decked out for the holidays giving them an idea of how they will decorate when they own the home. Stay tuned for more conversation.What questions do you have for this virtual stager?You, too, are welcome to call in or text. I'm looking f...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It was a lovely closing last week, and today, I received the best gift...a testimonial:"We have heard every complaint about real estate agents. When it comes to Margaret Rome, we have none. She made the process of selling our home go smoothly. Margaret is highly practical, making only necessary recommendations. She is savvy. She knows her market and attracts buyers. And she goes for the best price possible, resisting pressure from other agents. She has the sellers' best interest in mind. She is responsive, considerate, and available. Most importantly, she has total integrity. We highly recommend listing your home with Margaret. Claire and Howard Freeland"                             
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
23 Cobbler CourtAnnen Woods 21208mls MDBC2053612 23 Cobbler Ct in Annen Woods is sold and settled. It never hit the market. The buyer and seller had made contact and tried to make a private sale. Emotions got in the way, and that's when I was contacted to list the home. In the meantime, the buyer had an agent selling her home who called to see if we could make this transaction happen.It turned into a pleasant and smooth transaction.We came to terms, and settlement took place on December 5th. Congratulations to the buyer and seller.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome
Comments 5
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
For me, blogging is a way to record my real estate happenings. I can share with my clients and my listening audience what is happening. If it is a listing, an open house, a too-late property, or a smooth settlement, I am logging in to share all about real estate.It is also a way to engage others. My buyers, sellers, and radio listeners have access. I have a link in my email address, and I love that the public can follow me. If there is a question on the show, via email, or a phone call...I may turn that question into a blog. And then that blog can become a topic for my radio show: double duty and a great way to stay in touch with clients.So many people have stopped or slowed down their daily or weekly posting using the lack of SEO as their reason. As long as I have comments, calls, emai...
Comments 38
Explore Pikesville, MD
Pikesville, MD Real Estate Professionals