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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)
  Don't be Late for ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE   Time to Fall Back!  It’s that cozy time of year again—Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 2nd, at 2:00 AM!Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour and enjoy that well-deserved extra sleep.  While you’re at it, check all your timekeepers—phones, microwaves, car clocks, and those favorite watches that might not be quite so “smart.” Remember: “Spring Forward, Fall Back” keeps us right on track.Enjoy the gift of an extra hour… and don’t be late for ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE!
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Many people are concerned about the high cost of housing in Baltimore County and feel like homeownership is out of reach. However, if you dig a little deeper, you might be surprised at the options available to you! Here are two homes in Baltimore County, both listed under $350,000. If you're serious about finding the right home, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you navigate the Baltimore real estate market. 3123 Betlou James Place, Baltimore, Md. 21207  This charming home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, an eat-in kitchen, and a convenient driveway leading to the kitchen. With three levels and recent updates, including new systems, roof, heat, air conditioning, and even a generator, it’s ready for you to move in and start making memories.=8602 David AveBaltimore, Md 2123...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
    Baltimore and Charlotte may look different on a map, but they both share a fun love for crabs! In Baltimore, eating crabs is a beloved tradition. Friends and families gather around tables covered with newspaper or brown paper, ready to crack open piles of blue crabs sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning. It’s a joyful, messy time filled with laughter and great conversation. Charlotte, although farther from the coast, has joined in on the crab fun too. You can enjoy crab boils and seafood festivals that bring the community together to celebrate good food. These events create a warm and friendly atmosphere, much like in Baltimore. Both cities also have rich histories that add to their unique charm. Baltimore is famous for Fort McHenry, the place where the Star-Spangled Banner was born, an...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What Happens Between "For Sale", "Too Late", and "Settled"? When a house goes from "For Sale" to "Too Late," people assume the hard part is over. But anyone who has moved knows that this is when the real challenge begins. The time between "Too Late" and "Settled" is a busy period. Buyers are measuring walls and picking paint colors, while sellers are surrounded by boxes and wondering why they have so much stuff. They might ask, “Didn’t we just clean and declutter?” Moving is chaotic. You have to manage home inspections, appraisals, loan approvals, and fix things like leaking faucets. You are packing boxes and making donation runs, all while searching for that one box with your phone charger. Then, just when you think you have everything in order, the movers change the schedule and push ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The Gardenview StoryOne of my favorite transactions in real estate has to be the journey of Jimmy and Daniel and their incredible home on Gardenview Road. It’s remarkable how sometimes a house can become a part of your own story, and this one is no exception.I first met Jimmy and Daniel 14 years ago when they bought my listing at 3506 Gardenview Rd.   Gardenview 14 years agoGardenview Today Back then, the house needed more than TLC, but there was something uniquely charming about it that captured their heart. Definitely, love at first sight!  I had the joy of witnessing the transformation of that house into a spectacular home.   Check more photos of Gardenview. The first thing that strikes you about 3406 Gardenview Rd is the light; every window has been replaced and enlarged, fitted wit...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
October 7th Zoom ChallengeThe challenge: Share a dream listing in a down market and five suggestions for selling it. Here are mine:-Photography -Love letter -Video, -Opens-Marketing  Photography Change the feature MLS listing picture weekly.  Thank  Debe Maxwell, CRS , for this tip from Tuesday's Zoom. Have the house rephotographed for a seasonal change or by a different photographer who may view the home from a different perspective. Love LetterHave the seller write a letter of love to the house. Here's one example.  VideoHave a friend who is also a wonderful Realtor® create a video capturing the highlights, set to music, blog it, and post it on social media. That AR member is Andrea Bedard.  Here is the link.  Open HouseOver the years, I have done many impromptu short open houses, but...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Eleven Slade Unit 412Baltimore County 21208Three Bedroom two bath MLS MDBC2141936Rarely available, this 3-bedroom unit, now used as a 2-bedroom with a den, has over 2400 square feet of living space. This fourth-floor corner Co-op features two full baths in the highly sought-after Eleven Slade, the only cooperative in Baltimore County. Close to the elevator and a private corner unit.This is a great opportunity for a quick estate sale. It is being sold as-is and includes the option to acquire the furniture.  The spacious eat-in kitchen features a window above the sink, a pantry, a washer and dryer, and abundant storage space.  Enjoy a balcony with views that extend the length of the spacious living and dining rooms. The bright third bedroom now used as a spacious den is adjacent and opens...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The Myth of Guaranteed Home Value: Not All Upgrades Pay OffWhen it comes to selling a home, many homeowners assume that any improvement automatically increases its value. This is a myth. While certain updates can make your home more appealing, not every project translates into a higher selling price.Major kitchen and bathroom remodels often come to mind as investments that can significantly boost a home's resale value. Not all remodels are equal. A high-end, ultra-modern kitchen in a historic home may not appeal to potential buyers. And a lavish bathroom renovation with highly personalized features may not appeal to the broader market. These improvements may limit your pool of buyers if the design choices are too specific. Necessary maintenance, such as replacing a roof, fixing structur...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Skipping the Inspection: The Costly Myth Every Buyer Should Know                                               Over the years, I’ve heard stories from buyers, radio callers, and other professionals who thought skipping a home inspection was a smart shortcut. Some said, “My friend is handy, they’ll take a look,” while others thought, “I’ll save a few hundred dollars and put it toward moving costs.” It sounds reasonable at first, but the truth is that skipping a professional inspection can end up being one of the most expensive mistakes a buyer can make. A friend might notice a leaky faucet or a stuck door, but a licensed home inspector is trained to see what most people cannot. They check the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems. Hidden problems—lik...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Three Distinct Co-Op Opportunities at 11 SladeIt’s rare for three separate co-op units to become available in the same desirable, full-service building, but that opportunity exists right now at 11 Slade.Two of the residences, which will be "coming soon," are spacious three-bedroom homes, each offering a flexible layout that can easily function as two bedrooms plus a den. Both are bright corner units featuring two full bathrooms, making them ideal for comfortable living and hosting guests. One of the units is an estate sale being sold “as is,” with optional furniture included. The other 3-bedroom unit is in move-in condition, featuring gleaming hardwood floors, a granite kitchen, two large pantries, a steam shower, and a walk-in tub. Both units also include washers and dryers. These home...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Feng Shui Meets Real EstateSome real estate stories are so unusual that they cannot be made up. This one involves a beautiful home, a remodeling project, and the guidance of Feng Shui.A family purchased a home they loved just last year. They were excited to personalize it, beginning with a major kitchen renovation. The updates were fresh, stylish, and carefully chosen. On paper, the house was everything they wanted.Wanting to create harmony in their new space, they invited a Feng Shui consultant, and their insights revealed something unexpected: the home’s energy was not aligned for this family. As the story was told to me, they mentioned that the "Feng Shui was not good.” Almost at the same time, another problem surfaced. A leak in the lower level, caused by the recent renovation, was...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Stress-Free Home Showings The Rome WayThis is a safer and more comfortable way to show your home. Selling a home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you live alone. One of the biggest frustrations I hear from sellers is thewaiting game: an agent makes an appointment, the seller preparesthe house,and then... nothing. They show up late, much later, orsometimes not at all. Meanwhile, the owner is stuck at home,unable to make plans and wondering what’s happening. I knew I needed to find a better solution for sellers who also needed peaceof mind and security during showings.Here’s the system I've put in place—and it worksbeautifully. The appointment is confirmed with instructions to call me for access.  When the showing agent arrives at the property, I am notified a...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Unpacking Real Estate MythsNavigating the world of real estate can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many people hold onto myths that can impact their decisions. Let’s break down some common misconceptions to help you make informed choices.Myth 1: The listing price is the final price.  In reality, it’s often negotiable! Market conditions and buyer interest can lead sellers to consider different offers. If you find a home you love, don’t hesitate to make your move. Too often, I’ve seen people miss out because they waited too long.Myth 2: Skipping a home inspection saves time and money.   A professional inspection can save you from costly surprises in the future. Trusting a friend’s casual look isn’t enough—get a professional evaluation to protect your investment. Just because someone yo...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
3506 Gardenview RoadStevenson 21208Interest Rates Have Dropped – An Opportunity for Buyers!  Private outdoor living room with retractable awning. Stunning Mid-Century Modern (MCM) dream home that has been beautifully upgraded throughout. The property features a gorgeous free-form pool, perfect for enjoyment day or night.  Five bedrooms and three full baths, all within a sleek ranch-style layout that delivers impressive curb appeal. The award-winning kitchen, has been featured in a magazine, is truly a chef's dream.Located on a quiet no-thru street, the home is conveniently situated just a mile from 695, making it easy to access the shops at Stevenson Village. Additionally, it's close to Greenspring Valley Rd, Wegmans, Trader Joe's, and various other shopping options. The finished lower ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Why hasn't the home sold? Because the right person has not seen it!There’s a common belief that certain homes just “don’t sell.” Maybe it’s because the layout is unconventional, the architecture is a little eccentric, or the finishes reflect a very specific style. In a world where buyers are often shown perfectly staged, neutral, cookie-cutter homes, anything that stands out can quickly be labeled as “hard to sell.” And when a home sits on the market for longer than expected, the assumption is that something must be wrong with it — when in reality, the only thing missing is the right buyer. Even other agents fuel this myth by referring to DOM (days on market) without investigating the property. Same as the telemarketers, the letters increase as the house stays on the market longer.Uniqu...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Realtors® Helping Realtors ® In real estate, we should see ourselves as partners, not competitors. I cringe when I hear someone say, “I don’t want to show that listing because of that agent.” When we treat each other as customers, everyone benefits—the buyers, the sellers, and the agents.We rely on each other every day. On my listings, other agents bring their buyers. And when I’m working with buyers, I bring them to my colleague's listings. We’re not competitors; we’re customers for one another.Recently, a fellow agent reached out to me, concerned that a listing was getting little attention.  I suggested a few simple changes: updating photos, rewording the description, and asking the condo association to add some plants for curb appeal. Also use captions to highlight special features ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 It's important to realize that not every buyer or seller is a good fit for you. Those of us in the business for any length of time understands this concept. It’s important to learn how to recognize the "wrong" clients, especially the toxic ones. When you pass up these challenging clients, you make room for much better buyers and sellers. Remember, walking is good, but sometimes walking away is even better.When we take on a difficult client, we often recognize the signs from the very beginning but choose to ignore them. Unfortunately, it rarely gets better and can lead to more frustration down the road. Trust your instincts. When something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to step back. Walking with clients who appreciate and value your work is rewarding, but if a client feels more like a b...
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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 a cash buyer or can make a non-contingent offer, there are some deals to be found.We are noticing some price reductions in the housing market, not because there’s anything wrong with the homes, but because sellers have already bought their new houses and need to sell their current ones. This is especially true for those moving out of state; they want to avoid renting or leaving either home empty. To manage the situation, some owners stay in one house while the other is being sold, which isn’t ideal but helps keep both homes occupied.One good solution for those who are unable to stay in their homes is to hire a home check service. I know of one that visits the house several times a week to check on things like the water, watering plants, collects packages, mail, takes photos of...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When you notice that your neighbor’s house is priced higher than yours, it can be puzzling. There are several friendly factors that might explain this difference. First, the condition of a home plays a huge role in its value. If your neighbor has recently updated their kitchen or bathroom, or has taken great care of their home, this can really boost the price. Fresh paint, new flooring, or modern appliances all make a home more appealing to buyers.Another thing to consider is the size and layout of the houses. If your neighbor has more square footage, an extra bedroom, or a more open floor plan, it can naturally lead to a higher price tag. Did they do an addition that you cannot see? Many buyers love homes with abundant natural light and spacious designs, which are highly sought after.L...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Let’s talk about a favorite topic of mine, unusual homes! Have you ever listed a wild place or visited a home that made you do a double-take? Maybe it was a quirky house, a converted church, a McMansion, or even a tiny house where you had to sleep in a fetal position. Whatever it is, I want to hear your stories!What makes a home truly unique is the personality of its inhabitants. Some folks swoon over sleek, modern designs, while others would trade their morning coffee for a cozy cabin in the woods. Your tastes transform a mere house into a living, breathing reflection of who you are. And honestly, that’s what really makes a space feel like home.When I work with buyers, I like to dig a little deeper. What unusual quirks do they dream about in their ideal abode? A secret garden? A hidden...
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