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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)
  Saying Goodbye & Moving Forward When it’s time to leave your home, it’s important to find closure. Each home holds special memories, from childhood to the moments you’ve shared with loved ones. As you prepare to move on, take a moment to remember the good times—the family gatherings, cozy evenings, and even the challenges that helped you grow. Inviting your children or grandchildren to share stories can make saying goodbye easier for everyone. It’s okay to feel joy and sadness as you reflect on your experiences. Allow yourself to embrace these emotions fully; they show how much love has filled your home.   As you walk through each room, recall the laughter, cooking smells, and the conversations. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to such a meaningful place, hold onto the memories as...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Real estate can often feel like the weather—unpredictable, ever-changing, and influenced by various external factors. Just as a sunny day can quickly turn into a thunderstorm, the real estate market can shift rapidly based on economic conditions, interest rates, and consumer sentiment.As I sat at my desk today, the sky was sunny blue and a very comfortable 70 degrees. In a split second, there was thunder, and within minutes, a driving rain with heavy gusts followed. It looked like pink snow; so many flowering trees were losing their petals. The weather can change anytime, just like the real estate market. It's not good or bad weather. It's just weather! It is how it is perceived.In many markets, spring is synonymous with a surge in activity, akin to the blooming of flowers. Buyers come ...
Comments 0
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  About twenty years ago, a retired couple met and fell in love. She owned a single-family home, while he had a top-floor condo in a lovely 55-and-over community. They faced the challenging decision of where to move together. We discussed the pros and cons of both options. He was reluctant to move into her rancher, and she didn’t want to move into his condo.I began asking them questions: What would your ideal place be? Do you have to remain in Maryland? Can you describe what you are looking for in a dream home?  And here is what they came up with:They envisioned a home filled with art, culture, warm temperatures, and open skies.He was an astronomer, and she was an art lover and collector. Realizing that Baltimore no longer met their needs, they traveled west and quickly found and purcha...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
. Our homes are like mirrors to our personalities, often showcasing our quirks in interesting ways!Turning a spare bedroom into an extravagant walk-in closet—talk about living your best fashion life! Then there's the family that swapped a large rec room for an enormous poker den where friends gather for game night. And I am about to visit a listing with a chicken in the kitchen sink.  Stay tuned for that one.Another family went all out with a “cat room” in their Victorian farmhouse, filled with tree branches and cozy nooks, leaving hardly any space for humans. But hey, the cats get the VIP treatment!And another home had Christmas-themed pigs everywhere!That’s a conversation starter. And speaking of quirky collections, I know a guy whose whole room was dedicated to turtles. Others fill t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When buying a home, it's important to understand EMD earnest money deposits. These deposits demonstrate your seriousness about the purchase, showing the seller that you are ready to invest your interest and finances. Think of it as putting your "skin in the game."Earnest money is a deposit that demonstrates your commitment to buying a home. Typically held in escrow, this deposit is applied toward the purchase price when you close on the property. In a competitive market, offering a larger earnest money deposit can make your offer more attractive to sellers, as it shows your dedication to purchasing their home.While there’s a chance you could lose your deposit, there are protective measures in place. If the seller doesn’t follow through on their responsibilities, you can often get your m...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I shared this years ago, and it's still relevant today!In a busy town, there was a popular hair salon with talented stylists who provided great haircuts and color, and they made it a fun experience. When a number of budget salons opened nearby, offering haircuts for just $5, the stylists at the upscale salon became worried. Instead of lowering their prices, the smart owner decided to turn the challenge into a joke with a sign that read: “We Fix $5 Haircuts!” This funny sign attracted clients who were unhappy with their cheap haircuts and wanted a makeover. The stylists gained confidence as they worked on these clients, showing that good quality and a sense of humor can beat more affordable competition. The upscale salon survived, thrived and found a special place in the market, proving ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Attention Renter Attention LandlordThis may be a long shot!If you’re renting and need to move, you may face a challenge due to a housing shortage. The few houses on the market often attract multiple offers at inflated prices. So, what can you do? There’s one potential solution, though it may not suit everyone.Imagine you are a renter who has received notice to vacate because your landlord will not renew your lease and plans to sell the property.  Now you must start searching for, making offers, and possibly being outbid—even on properties you don’t love. One Possible SolutionHave your Realtor® contact your landlord to propose selling the rental property to you!  It's best if you do this before it officially hits the market. You could make an offer to purchase the property with a short c...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Doing Nothing Is Not an OptionWhat to do when market showings start to slow down? Stay in frequent contact with sellers. Make regular phone calls to keep them updated. During this time, consider hosting a one-hour open house and invite friends, neighbors, and past clients to attend.Freshen up the listing by updating the MLS photo or highlighting a specific feature or showcasing an open floor plan.  Review and tweak your MLS description to reflect the season or emphasize a key feature.Showcase the features of a home, an elevator, a sunroom, the fenced yard, or a glass block shower room.  You can also create content related to gardening, nearby dog parks, play areas, gyms, or senior centers with special programs. Use your listings as examples—highlight the patio, grill, or local attractio...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 During my journey with ActiveRain, I've shared various flowery stories and a few life lessons. As we stroll down memory lane, let’s revisit some of these simple experiences. I’ve included a link to the original post for each story, complete with a brief summary highlighting the key takeaways. Enjoy! **It was a busy Sunday in Baltimore, filled with meetings and property showings. On my way home, I stopped to buy beautiful roses that matched the sunset colors. I parked to enjoy the view as the sky changed. When I got home, I arranged the flowers in a vase, and with Lee beside me, we took a moment to admire their beauty together. Arizona colors and Baltimore skies.**My Lee always brought me flowers. One beautiful bouquet of stunning green roses left me feeling quite envious of their uniqu...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Navigating the real estate market is a roller coaster ride for Realtors®, buyers, and sellers.  A roller coaster ride is a situation or experience characterized by sudden and extreme changes, often involving ups and downs.As Realtors®, our journey is filled with excitement and opportunities. We work with a variety of clients and adapt to the ever-changing market, allowing us to use our skills to meet their needs. This positive environment not only helps us close deals but also allows us to build strong relationships along the way.Buyers feel a thrill and anxiety as they search for their dream homes. One moment, they might find a great listing, only to face fierce competition or rising prices in the next, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.Sellers, are on a ride filled with t...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
My journey into real estate has been anything but ordinary. My life experiences have shaped it and influenced by the people and moments that have defined me.When I was eight years old, I experienced the profound loss of my father. As a child, I used to give him his insulin shots. This early experience inspired my dream of becoming a nurse. Throughout my time in nursing, I learned the vital importance of compassion, communication, and treating others with kindness—skills that have proven invaluable in my current career.While working as a nurse, I met the love of my life, and together we created a beautiful family with our daughter. I cherished my time as a stay-at-home mom, enjoying those formative years with my child.An unexpected twist in my journey came when I took a ceramic course. I...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
One of my listings has a unique feature. The previous owners transformed their large dining room by dividing it with a built-in storage cabinet, creating an additional office den. They also raised the floor in that space. This area can serve as a play area for kids or a casual eating space, effectively separating the adults from the children. It's a clever idea, but it may only be suitable if it fits your needs.    This setup also worked for the current owners. We listed the property, took photographs, and put it on the market. During the first showings, buyers were informed about how simple it would be to remove the wall divider, and we also had a contractor's quote for opening up the space.  The home received positive feedback about the location, style, number of bedrooms, kitchen, ba...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 🎶Does anyone remember the song 'Searching"🎶Searching for the perfect house in a specific area can be exciting but challenging! Begin by examining a map that shows potential neighborhoods and zip codes. Consider choosing a location close to relatives, schools, or your workplace. You might want a commute that takes no more than 30 minutes. Let's start the search for a neighborhood that interests you!  When searching for a home, consider your specific needs. I am looking for three single-family homes for out-of-state buyers relocating with a large family. Two of these homes should be cozy starter options with three or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and spacious backyards where kids and pets can play. The third home can be more upscale, ideally featuring four or five bedrooms, a large lot, ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
List in March forget this madness:March Madness is the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament with 68 teams competing in a single-elimination format. The tournament is divided into four regions (East, West, South, Midwest) with teams seeded from 1 to 16. Key rounds include the First Four, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and the Championship Game.  This is March Madness.  Listing in March has its advantages. Warmer weather and longer days, more people are out looking for homes. And you won’t have to worry about the snow and tracking salt on your nice floors.  And keeping a comfortable temperature is easier and less expensive, especially our hot Baltimore summers when the AC is blasting.One of the biggest advantages of listing your home in March is the lower level of competition. ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This Sunday, the second Sunday in March, we will "Spring Forward" at 2 a.m. Make sure to set your clocks ahead one hour.  Remind your Sunday appointments about the time change.Remind your Sunday appointments about the time change. Adjusting all devices is pretty important for tomorrow's 12-noon radio show.  
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Some people make it sound so easy: You can buy a neglected property cheap, fix it up, and sell it for a huge profit. That's what first-time rehabbers think.When flipping a house, it’s important to plan your timeline carefully. Depending on the amount of work needed, renovations can take anywhere from one to six months. Make sure to include time for any necessary building inspections.Hiring a general contractor is smart if you’re not skilled in renovations. Look for qualified tradespeople and check their licenses and references.  Make sure the quotes fit within your budget and timeline.Once the renovations are complete, you can sell your property. A real estate agent can assist you with pricing and marketing the home. There are common mistakes to watch out for during this process. One ma...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It's Just a Phone...Pick It Up Real estate thrives on relationships, so talk with anyone interested in buying or selling. Find a way that is fun for you. You might be in the wrong field if it feels like a chore. An eager agent wanted to boost their income with a tight budget and sought ways to attract more buyers and sellers. Many suggestions came in, most of which needed more funding than was available. It was time to get to work—to pound the pavement.The best starting point is right in your hands: the phone. Open your address book and phone contacts and reach out to everyone you know—friends, family, neighbors, and former colleagues. Embrace the opportunity to have fun with conversations; any chat could lead to a new opportunity. In my early days, I was taught to cold call potential c...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Years ago, before I entered real estate, I dealt with a recurring issue with "Swarmers," or flying ants, which signal possible termite activity. After each swarm, we found countless wings. We hired pest control companies for treatments—drilling around and inside the house, lower level, and garage—but that had to be repeated.Continuing our search, we removed a wood deck covering a concrete porch and opened an exterior wall but found nothing. The breakthrough came when we replaced the windows. We found significant termite damage in the front window; it was so compromised that a pocketknife easily slid into the wood! In Maryland, there are two kinds of houses: those that have been treated for termites and those that will need treatment. Homeowners and agents need to recognize the signs of...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Seeing A Home from Different Angles2322 Sugarcone Rd photos Sometimes, it’s important to have a different perspective. Looking at a house from various angles can reveal distinct features and qualities. For example, viewing a home from the street allows you to appreciate its curb appeal. You can explore the backyard in this image, showcasing the outdoor spaces and fence lines. Looking from above, you can appreciate the property's layout, including the roof structure, the shape of the yard, and how the house sits within its lot.  This view captures the home from the back, which is not usually seen.  Another angle to view a home is with floorplans.   To View Angles of your homeCall Margaret Rome
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Negotiation is like poker, where you try to figure out what others think and how to get what you want. Two ways to do this are bluffing and telling untrue things, but they’re different!Bluffing is like pretending you have a super strong hand in a card game. Imagine saying you’re ready to leave the game if you don’t get what you want, even though you don’t want to go. You act confident and strong to make the other person worry and give in. If you can bluff well, you might get what you want. But be careful! If someone calls your bluff, they might not trust you later.Now, telling untrue things is more serious. This is like lying or making up stuff to trick the other person. If you do this, you’re breaking their trust, hurting your chances of working together again. Once trust is broken, it...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This stunning four-level split home off Stevenson Road inside the beltway, Exit 21, has officially been sold and settled! This beautiful property features 5000 square feet and four levels of luxurious living space, offering four spacious bedrooms and two and a half baths.The elegant living room, highlighted by a charming bay window, provided the perfect backdrop for gatherings with family and friends. The primary bedroom suite was a true retreat, complete with a soothing jetted tub, separate vanities, heated floors, a lavish walk-in shower, and a generously sized closet.  The kitchen, designed for both cooking and entertaining, boasted architectural ceilings, a grand granite island that seats six, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, and ample space for a full-sized dining table ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
2322 Sugarcone Rd 21209This letter captures the love the owners feel as they say goodbye to their home. It highlights the deep connections we have with our living spaces, making it a perfect sentiment for Valentine's Day. ''We still remember the day we first visited 2322 Sugarcone. It was a hidden gem nested in the trees. We took a tour through the home appreciating the spacious entry and large rooms and knew that we could make it our home. It was a labor of love to get the home in the condition it is now. Peeling away the layers of time – removing overgrown trees and taking down outdated wallpaper, enlarged the windows and updates to numerous to list and we finally started to see the home we have grown to love. Each morning the home fills with sunlight as a great way to start the day. ...
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