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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)
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)
Where Do You Want The For Sale Sign? A client said they did not want a FOR SALE, and I asked why; the response:They didn't want their nosy neighbors to know the house was for sale!WHOA... If your neighbors don't know you are selling, I have  NOT done my job. I aim to get as many people as possible to look at your property.Before the Internet, we relied heavily on yard signs.The question is not: 'Do you want a for-sale sign?' The question is: "Where would you like the sign located?"   Many condos and HOAs do not allow signage.When selling a home, for sale signs can be either helpful or harmful, depending on the situation.A few examples==I once took a listing that had been on the market for a year or more. It was on a high-traffic street adjacent to a church. The seller did not want signa...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Suppose you have a front-loading garage. But you don't like the look.What can you do?Be creative. Go ahead and change the look of the door. This company, Style-Your-Garage, lets you transform your garage doors into works of art using customized photo tarpaulins featuring cars, airplanes, boats, and more. You can even create a personalized design. PHOTOS ABOVE  STYLEYOURGARAGE.COM There are numerous options to choose from, ranging from a Fire Engine to a Fold-Wing Jet Fighter, a Family Boat, a Tank for clearing your way in traffic, a Stealth Bomber, a Room for practicing your music, a Biplane ready for takeoff, a Vintage Dream Car—or you can use your creativity and design one that suits you best.What would you put in (or on) your garage?To buy or sell your homeCall Margaret Rome
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Have you had a buyer who was surprised and even shocked to find out that a property they had been watching went under contract? They were sure it would not sell quickly and wanted to wait a bit. No matter what kind of market, properties are selling, so if you see a home that suits your needs, it's important not to hesitate to make an offer. Encourage buyers to submit a bid even if there is a concern about insulting the seller or the other agent. A contract should not be considered an insult but a starting point for negotiation. Remember that a buyer's agent works for the purchaser, and the seller's agent works for the owner. Preparing and presenting a net sheet showing the seller's proceeds is key to the negotiation process. It would be best if you prepared a couple of net sheets: Firs...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
In Real Estate, Patience Pays In today's world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the real estate market portrayed by so-called experts, the media, and the negative headlines. In the past, sellers had buyers competing to purchase a home above the list price. The headlines that once frightened buyers are now scaring sellers. But the reality is that it's still an excellent time to buy or sell a house.If YOUR house sells, it is a great market! If YOUR house does not sell, it's a lousy market.  A few stories in the real estate market.=A home is listed for two months. The sellers decided they needed a break and wanted to temporarily take it off the market. In the MLS, we made it TOM, stopping the advertising. And to our surprise, the RIGHT BUYER came to us the same week! The home was perfect ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Welcome to Eleven Slade Coop #515, in Baltimore County's zip code 21208.Affordable, Accessible, Appealing, Adorable, and Available!This is a luxurious and spacious one-bedroom co-op with a bright and elegant design. The wall of windows allows you to enjoy views of the changing seasons. The 24' living and dining area, with high ceilings, is large, open, and bright, making it perfect for entertaining guests. The co-op also provides ample storage space, including four walk-in closets and an accessible bathroom with a walk-in shower and a special seat.  The kitchen features white cabinets, a cooktop, a wall oven, a full-size freezer, a refrigerator, a stainless-steel sink, a pantry, and a dishwasher, all of which make Unit 515 an ideal place to call home. The monthly fee includes heat, AC, ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I was delighted when William Johnson quickly returned my call after several years. Although he has retired from real estate, his love of photography and travel remains.I remember William as the kindest, most knowledgeable, and best photographer. He was also an excellent Realtor®, an interior designer, and one of the nicest members. He was always willing to share his knowledge, and his generosity was overwhelming. If he thought he could make your day, he would.William taught me the simplicity of photo blogging: taking a current photo with your phone camera, writing fifty words about it, and posting the evening's blog post. We also used to talk about photography, and I remember once thanking him for his suggestion. Because I took his advice, I was able to capture the squirrel's eye, the ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Being a Realtor® is more than pretty houses; it's expensive.When someone comes to me and asks me about getting into Real Estate, I ask what their motivation is. Some people dream of becoming real estate agents and want to work for themselves. They want flexible hours, love looking at houses, and it seems like a glamorous career. But being a REALTOR® is not just about showing pretty houses. Below are ten costs and expenses associated with the profession. And there are more. If you are an agent, were you informed of these costs before you took the real estate classes? 1. Advertising: REALTORS® are responsible for advertising expenses, including marketing materials, MLS fees, print media, weekly radio shows, etc.2. Licensing and Dues: REALTORS® must pay their license fees and dues for vari...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Look For A House That Knocks Your Sox Off.When you're looking for a new house, it is important to be sure that you can afford it. Before you start looking, you should get pre-qualified and know your financial limits. Find an agent and a lender who can understand your requirements and preferences. While getting as much house as you want is important, avoiding falling in love with a property beyond your means is equally important. We often receive requests from potential buyers to view houses they have found on advertisements, yard signs, or online, but they haven't yet met with a lender or real estate agent. As a result, they have no idea whether they're qualified to make a purchase. By asking the right questions, we can help these buyers. So, always remember that you should find a house...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
They are listeningAs most of you know, I host a live weekly radio show called All About Real Estate.After a recent Sunday show, I received an email from a listener who had heard about the couple who changed their minds about selling their home. I love it when one of my topics helps others.  "Good Afternoon Margaret,I listen to and sometimes call your Sunday Real Estate Show weekly, and I wanted to tell you how much I really enjoyed hearing your story of a couple who changed their minds about listing their home and fell in love with it again once it was fixed up and cleaned up." Here is that story:  They changed their mind.  “I have been going through a lot of emotional turmoil about selling my Maryland home and have found myself making a complete break from MD to my house in FL full tim...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
So, who pays the agent?- Once upon a time, the listing and selling broker ( both ) worked for the seller, and the agent who brought the buyer was a sub-agent who also worked for the seller. This meant that even if you were out looking at properties with an agent, they always worked for the seller and not for you.Then, a Buyer Agency was established. A fiduciary relationship was created between the buyer and the broker/agent, and the buyer's agent worked for the buyer. Maryland has had a buyer agency for many years. Now, the agreement needs to be signed before showing any property.In the past, the listing company paid the buyer's agent, and an amount was agreed to and posted in the MLS. In the buyer agreements, buyer agents had their clients agree to a specific amount but accepted the se...
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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...
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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...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
As a real estate broker, I understand the significance of advertising in the industry. Our friend and mentor, Barbara Todaro, the marketing guru, shared and encouraged all of us, especially me. While the internet has revolutionized the way we market properties, traditional forms of advertising, such as print and radio, are still incredibly valuable. I always use a combination of advertising methods for my clients, including online and offline options. This allows me to reach many potential buyers and sellers, increasing their property's exposure.Advertising is crucial for reaching out to people who may not be as comfortable with technology. By placing ads in print media and airing them on my live radio show, I can target potential clients who may not be actively searching online.Propert...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Did you know that it is National Map Reading Day?This morning, an email from Terry Green from PRMG asked the following question."What would you do if the directional satellites went down? Can you get from point A to point B without using a finger and thumb to zoom in?" Hmm. How many of us could still function without our Waze, Apple Maps, Google Maps, or any apps, including GPS? Do we know where we are? Do we know where we are going? Remember when we had to rely on ADC books, paper maps, and our sense of direction to find our way around? They were not fun days for me, but I think they were the main reason I became a listing agent. When selling Real Estate, it's much easier to find one location than several with buyers in tow.I fondly remember calling my husband TLH and asking, "Where am...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Caring for your home can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! You can keep your home safe and in good condition by following easy steps. Here are some things you can do to help keep your home in great shape: - Check your roof every spring for any damage or missing shingles. If you find any problems, call a professional to fix them. Don't use a pressure washer on your roof, which can cause damage. Clean your gutters and downspouts, and confirm they're attached securely to your home. Fix any leaks to make sure the water drains away from your house. - Look for cracks in your driveway, walkways, and pool deck. Repair them as soon as possible to avoid more significant problems later. - Check your outside faucets to make sure they're not leaking and the is flowing correctly. - Keep your ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Spring is a great time to start thinking about selling your house and finding a new home. There are many decisions to make, including whether to move, where to move, and what you're looking for.You are thinking about moving, getting your home ready for sale, and more about where you will live. You need help finding the right buyer for your home, and I am here to help.  Buying And Selling A HomeCall Margaret Romema 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Finding The Right Agent-Are They  Listening To You Find a REALTOR® who genuinely cares about your needs and takes an active interest in listening to you.Consider whether the agent works full-time or has a side job, as real estate is a full-time career. Ask if they have a buyer's or seller's plan and if they can guide you through the entire process. Also, determine if the agent will serve you personally or pass you off to a team member.  During your interaction with the agent, evaluate whether they ask questions about you or talk about themselves. Determining whether it's a consultation or a sales pitch is important.You should also know if they have years of experience in the market you're interested in and can answer your questions intelligently. It is important to have a real estate ag...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A few years back, I was selected to list a home. However, the seller had a relative who used to be an agent and wanted to meet me. I had to go through another interview with the seller's relative, a retired and pessimistic agent who had worked in another state ten years ago. During the interview, the former agent said nothing has changed in real estate over the past 30 years except for technology. Anyone can sell a house in this market by putting it on the MLS and waiting for competing offers. When informed that I needed to share all information and negotiations with the pessimistic retired agent, I declined the listing and wished the seller well. I will share the outcome of the sale one day, but it was not in the owner's best interest.  Here is a list of situations to illustrate that r...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Double the Flair  Furnished and Bare!" Buyers look at a home in different ways. Some may not be able to picture how a house would look with its furnishings, while others may prefer to imagine it as a blank space.  As a seller, you can accommodate the buyer's needs and preferences while prioritizing your interests. Selling a furnished house can help buyers visualize how to utilize each room and make the house feel more like a home. On the other hand, selling an unfurnished house presents a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their belongings. To cater to both types of buyers, take photographs of your furnished and unfurnished house. Double the Flair Furnished and Bare!
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Dream home -All-brick charming Colonial3500 Fallstaff RdBaltimore, MD mls mdba2100322Welcome to your new dream home in the charming neighborhood of Fallstaff, northwest Baltimore! This beautiful all-brick colonial house is everything you have been looking for. From the exquisite Flemish bond brickwork to the well-maintained landscaped corner lot, this home will impress you from the moment you set foot on the property.  As you step inside, you will be greeted by a cozy vestibule leading to a spacious foyer that separates the formal living and dining rooms.  The custom-built house features mahogany and oak extensively throughout, adding to its warmth and charm. The updated kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, and a breakfast bar is perfect for all you...
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