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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)
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 their leads. But occasionally, a legitimate call can wear the ugly “Spam Risk” label. An out-of-country cell phone. A Google Voice number. A relocated buyer driving through the neighborhood who found my sign online. Technology tri...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Today, I checked out a house and was asked about the basement floor tiles. They were square, about 9 inches, and most likely asbestos.  The question: Should we be concerned?Years ago, asbestos was widely used in flooring tiles, pipe insulation, siding, and roofing because it was strong and fire-resistant. At that time, it was considered a great building material.However, we now know that problems can arise if asbestos is disturbed. For example, solid 9-inch basement floor tiles that are flat on concrete or exterior siding shingles that aren’t crumbling are generally stable. The concern arises when asbestos is sanded, broken down, or turned into dust.So, when someone asks if basement tiles are dangerous, my answer is clear: it depends on their condition and whether they’re being disturb...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Don’t Forget… Spring Forward!Tonight is the night we move our clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time. It happens late Saturday night—technically at 2:00 a.m., when the clock jumps ahead to 3:00 a.m.Most of us won’t be awake to witness this magical little time jump, which is exactly why it’s smart to change the clocks before you go to bed Saturday night. Set them ahead one hour and you’ll wake up right on schedule Sunday morning.For me, that’s especially important because I have to be ready for my Sunday noon “All About Real Estate” radio show. If I forget to move the clock forward, I could be enjoying a peaceful Sunday morning… while the show is already on the air without me!The good news? After we lose that one little hour of sleep, we gain something much better: longer daylight in th...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A young woman asked for my advice as she considered a career in real estate. So, I asked her why. And then I said, “Please don’t tell me it’s because you love looking at pretty houses.”  Yep, and she got very quiet.She explained that her supervisor was a successful real estate agent who also worked a full-time 9-to-5 job. From the outside, it looked easy. It looked flexible. It looked like fun. My question...why is he still working a 9-5 job? Maybe he is getting all of his buyers and sellers because of that day job? Probably not. This gal was a go-getter, smart, motivated, and confident, all qualities needed for a career in RE, and she’d be good at it. But I asked her a simple question: “How many people do you know right now who are ready to buy or sell a house?” She started counting on...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
If Margaret knows, Margaret responds. My phone doesn’t sit on a desk. It doesn’t hide in a purse. It lives right on my belt. Years ago, I made a simple decision that if someone reached out to me, I wanted to know. Not later. Not when I happened to check. Right away. My phone doesn’t ring loudly. It vibrates and flashes, a quiet signal that someone needs me. Even if I’m with a client, in a listing presentation, in a meeting, or out to dinner, I am aware. I can feel the call, and the moment I am free, I respond. Technology has made this a bit more complicated lately, with spam, scam, and telemarketing calls filling the airwaves, but wearing my phone allows me to stay in control. I can recognize the important numbers, return calls quickly, and acknowledge messages so people know they’ve b...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Living With Modernism: A Margaret Rome SeriesWhy I Love Mid-Century Modern HomesOver the years, I have sold many different and unique kinds of homes. Colonials. Cottages. Condos. Farms. Historic. Each one has its own story.Homes stay with me long after the sale.Not because of its size.Not because of its price.But because of how it felt.These homes are often mid-century modern, showcasing stunning examples of this design style. Mid-century modern homes were designed with intention. Architects believed that a home should serve the people who live in it. Do not overwhelm them. Do not distract them. But support daily life in a calm and meaningful way.These homes often feature durable materials like stone, wide expanses of glass, and open floor plans that let light flow freely throughout the...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Recognizing Value Before Everyone Else Eleven Slade #412MLS-MDBC2141936Sometimes 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 truly sets 11 Slade apart is the lifestyle.The monthly co-op fee includes heat, air conditioning, water, building maintenance, available garag...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This morning, the snow was magnificent.Fresh. Quiet. Untouched. The kind of snow that makes everything slow down and take a breath. View from my desk.Some would cancel showings on a day like this.Not us.Because serious buyers don’t stop looking when it snows, and serious sellers don’t stop being ready.In fact, snow tells a story that sunshine cannot. It shows which paths are cleared. Which buildings are cared for. Which homes feel warm and welcoming even before you open the door.Today’s showings were both condominiums, warm, comfortable, and a welcome contrast to the sparkling cold outside. There’s something special about stepping in from the snow and instantly feeling at home.My buyers aka special friends chauffeured me and we saw two condos and then had a lovely lunch. And later in th...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
My very first listing began with a dare. My husband had just started at a new company as its CEO, replacing the former executive who had held the position. Somewhere in the conversation, he mentioned that this man was selling his house. Almost casually, he said to me, “You should go after the listing.” I was brand-new to real estate. In my first week, I had no experience, no track record, no reason to believe that someone in his position would trust me with something as important as selling his home. But I picked up the phone anyway. I started the conversation by congratulating him on his retirement and offered to help him sell his home. He hung up on me! I remember standing there for a moment, holding the receiver, feeling the rejection. My husband chuckled softly, the kind of laugh t...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The location you've been waiting for.7617 Seven Mile Lane 21208 This spacious colonial single-family home, situated in the ideal location at Slade and Smith on a generous 0.38-acre lot, welcomes you with open arms.With approximately 2,676 square feet of finished living space, this home features four bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs making it an ideal single-family home.The main level features a spacious floor plan that includes a living room, dining room, and a large eat-in kitchen. There is also a den with a fireplace, complete with a charming breakfast area. This first-floor space can also be used as a bedroom. Additionally, you'll find a convenient laundry area and a half bath. Sliding doors lead to a large deck, perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor relaxation.As you head to the upp...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
February Contest: The One Who Inspires Me Shows UpThe February contest asked me to choose one person on ActiveRain who inspires me.I tried. I really did.But the truth is, the one who inspires me most is the one who shows up.The one who reads a blog and takes the time to comment. The ones who accept my calls and pick up the phone when I call them. The ones who turn a simple post into a real conversation. Those conversations often last far longer than the original reason for the call.It works both ways.Sometimes they call me because something I wrote sparked an idea. Sometimes I call them because something they wrote sparked something in me. Sometimes it is a question in the Q&A section. Sometimes it is learning something new together. Sometimes it is simply sharing what is working and w...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
You don’t expect a rancher to feel this spacious, but 814 Woodglen Place surprises you the moment you walk in. The cathedral ceilings and hardwood floors create an open, airy feeling that makes the home live larger than its footprint.With three bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, everything you need is right where you want it. The eat-in kitchen connects easily to the living space, and the lower level offers additional room and workshop area, a half bath, and access to the backyard patio. Situated on a level lot in the Willow Glen subdivision, this solid brick home includes gas heat, central air, a generator, and a detached garage. Whether you are looking for one-level living or a home with room to grow, this is an opportunity to make it your own in a convenient Baltimore Cou...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Too Many Mothers in the Inspection RoomSome homes don’t close for reasons you would never find written in a contract. Financing, appraisals, and inspections are the obvious hurdles, and those can usually be worked through.But sometimes, what stops a sale has nothing to do with the house at all. It has to do with the people. I remember an inspection where not only the buyers were present, but both mothers came along. When two mothers show up for the inspection, you are no longer dealing with just buyers. You are dealing with two mothers-in-law!! What began as a routine inspection slowly turned into something else. Each mother, with the best of intentions, asked questions, raised concerns, and imagined future problems. Individually, their questions were reasonable. Together, they created ...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Tech Tip of the WeekSo Many Shortcuts… So Little TimeThere are hundreds - maybe even thousands - of keyboard shortcuts, depending on what programs you’re using. It can feel overwhelming before you even begin. Let’s start with just ten.Ten simple shortcuts that make everyday computer tasks easier. You can always add more later. You don’t have to learn everything at once.You may already know and use them.Here are ten simple ones to start with:Copy - Ctrl + CPaste - Ctrl + VSave - Ctrl + SPrint - Ctrl + PUndo - Ctrl + ZSelect All - Ctrl + AFind - Ctrl + FClose Tab - Ctrl + WSwitch Windows - Alt + TabShow Desktop - Windows key + DAnd one more:Windows key + gives you emojisYou don’t need to memorize them. Just start using the one you feel comfortable with and add more later if you choose.So ...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
For February’s ActiveRain contest, instead of choosing just one member to highlight, I’m choosing a small but mighty core group, the people who quietly and faithfully keep our Tuesday Zooms alive week after week. At the center is Debe Maxwell, CRS , who hosts, manages the tech, keeps us on schedule, lines up speakers, and somehow maintains order when it can feel a little like herding a room full of very smart, opinionated cats. Alongside Debe are Eileen Burns 954.483.3912  Carol Williams , Kat Palmiotti, and George Souto, who announces weekly highlights and presenters, plus  Kathy Streib, who reminds us in her column that Tuesday is coming (as if we could forget). But truly, there are many more who deserve mention, presenters, moderators, idea generators, topic creators, and consistent ...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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 can hurt more than we intend.   Resolving challenges doesn’t always require a strong argument. Often, it’s about listening. When people feel heard, the tension eases. What might seem l...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
February ActiveRain challenge. Choosing just one member to highlight is nearly impossible, given how many extraordinary people are in this community. I decided to keep it simple and genuine and recognize the last ActiveRain member I interacted with, and that is Andrea Bedard. Andrea has been filming my properties, and the way she captures them feels almost like a fairy tale, bringing them to life and infusing them with magic through her video, music, composition, and storytelling.Andrea's view of my stone cottageOne of her videos went viral, which was exciting for both of us, and as a direct result, my showings jumped to almost -one a day for an entire week-yes, this was the house with no kitchen. What makes this even more special is that Andrea is so appreciative, thanking me for allow...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 3123 Betlou James 21207...officially closed - and the timing couldn’t have been better. We were fortunate to close before the snow arrived and even luckier to have negotiated a two-week rent-back, so no one had to move in the winter weather. That alone made the day feel like a win from the start and allowed everyone to focus on what really mattered - a successful closing and a new chapter beginning.This home belonged to one of my very special sellers, someone who loved this house deeply for many years. That always raises the stakes, because finding the right buyer matters just as much as selling it. And we did. We found the perfect buyers - first-time homeowners who truly appreciated the home and were excited to begin their journey there.It wasn’t an easy wait. There were many showings...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The Cold Attic, the Warm House, and the Roof With No SnowYesterday, while showing my magical little cottage, I emphasized how well-insulated the house was. The attic windows were open despite the single-digit temperatures outside, yet the main floor remained toasty warm.When we opened the door to the attic, it was like walking outside, freezing. The attic was just as cold. This wasn’t a mistake; it was intentional. An uninsulated attic needs to breathe, and proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup, which protects the structure in the long term.Then we walked back downstairs.Warm. Cozy. Comfortable.That dramatic contrast told the real story: this house is exceptionally well insulated where it matters. The cold stays up, the warmth stays down. That doesn’t happen by accident, it happe...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The Buck Stops Here -and Why That’s a Good ThingOne of the things I value most in real estate is professionalism, especially when we’re working together on contracts. When an addendum is missing, the wrong form is used, or something simply doesn’t say what it’s supposed to say, I believe it’s our responsibility as agents to catch it before it reaches our clients.When I review a contract from another agent (or they review one from me), my intention is never to criticize. It’s a collaboration. It’s about making sure the paperwork reflects exactly what we mean it to say clearly, accurately, and professionally or both the buyer and the seller.So when I gently say, “I think this might not be the right form,” or “It looks like this section was left blank,” I’m always surprised when the respo...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Tech Tip: You Can’t Break AnythingHere’s something I just discovered, and it’s huge. No matter what I click, I can’t break anything. The computer might freeze, something annoying might happen, or a window might appear that I don’t understand yet, but nothing actually breaks. And if I get stuck, all I have to do is describe what I see and help is right there.It reminds me of the advice I’ve always given people who are afraid of public speaking. You can’t break anything. You won’t get fired. And the truth is, no one is listening as closely as you think they are. So, stand tall, breathe, and just talk.When I spoke publicly, I had my kick-ass shoes on - and as long as I had them on, I was golden.They gave me confidence. Then life happened. I had an ankle reconstruction from a sports injury,...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
WIN: What’s Important Now (and How I Finally Made It Easy)About 30 years ago, I stood on a stage at an MSA event and shared a simple idea I had coined called WIN -What’s Important Now. It was meant to help people stay focused when everything around them was demanding attention.Funny thing -it still works.What’s different today is how I use WIN.For years, my system was paper. Folded sheets, scribbled notes, names, and numbers were written wherever there was space. Some of those notes were filed as listings or sales and were recorded correctly. Most didn’t. They became piles… and stress.Now everything lives in one place - a master, rolling to-do list.When an interruption happens, it’s no longer a derailment. A call comes in. A contract needs to be written. A CD is requested for a closing ...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 There Is No Bad Weather-Just WeatherAny temperature close to my age is too hot for me. Rain is simply liquid sunshine. And the person who invented air conditioning deserves unlimited credit and lifelong praise. The weather has personality. It changes, it surprises us, and sometimes it refuses to cooperate, but it’s never personal.In the winter, My Lee used to say he was moving to Florida. My answer never changed: “You’re going to miss me, Babe.” Weather, like life, is only part of the story. It’s how you live with it that matters.That’s exactly how I feel about real estate. When someone asks, “How’s the market?” the answer is never a simple one. Is it a buyer’s market? A seller’s market? Hot? Cold? The truth is, just as the weather does, it depends on where you are standing.Home sales ...
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