Admin

Pikesville, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Aha’ Moment - Self-discovery and Personal Growth This month’s theme of self-discovery has me reflecting on my journey through several decades. Have you ever experienced a moment that opened your eyes to a new path? For me, it came during a challenging time. As a dedicated stay-at-home mom, I had poured my heart into my ceramics business, creating custom pottery for designers, private clients, the D&D Building in DC, and creating displays in jewelry store displays. It was fun having my pieces draped with diamonds and pearls. It was a fulfilling way to express my creativity and connect with others. However, everything changed when a car accident left me with neck and back injuries. The surgery the doctors were recommending would not guarantee the use of my hands, forcing me to pause my c...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
So here is my 2nd attempt at our homework assignment. This time, following these directions. "Today's assignment is to visit your favorite AI platform and use the prompt, "Roast me like Comedy Central" and share what you get!  For your feature photo, ask your favorite graphic-generating AI platform to "Create a photo of me in the style of me in my environment." Here goes:   Alright — Comedy Central Roast level, gloves off, still love underneath 😈🔥Margaret Rome is Baltimore real estate’s final boss. She’s been selling houses so long that when a listing says “built in 1920,” she remembers the open house.She’s a former RN, which explains why every client gets medical clearance before writing an offer. Buyers don’t get pre-approved — they get triaged. “Your budget is bleeding, lie down.”Mar...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Being a professional Realtor® means your calendar is rarely your own. Days fill up fast with appointments, showings, inspections, settlements, family commitments, and those rare moments you protect like they're gold. We all learn pretty quickly how to juggle priorities and keep things moving.What still surprises me, though, is how much information some people feel compelled to share when they’re unavailable.Trying to reach an agent about a closing challenge via email, text, and phone; the call was answered, and the response was: "This is not a good time, I’m getting a pedicure."Another was, “I’m at a medical appointment and won’t be feeling great afterward.”Helpful? Not really. Necessary? Absolutely not.Here’s the thing: being unavailable does not require a backstory. You don’t owe anyo...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I I want to take a moment to express how much I enjoy and appreciate having my own weekly live radio show, "All About Real Estate." It’s such a joy to connect with listeners each week, share my passion for real estate, and engage in meaningful conversations. I love discussing various topics, answering your questions, and learning from your insights.I'm particularly enthusiastic about sharing stories involving unique properties and special buyers and discussing the journey of buying or selling a home. I also enjoy discussing various transactions and the challenges that arise, which helps educate the public and other real estate professionals. This not only benefits my audience but also serves to teach newer Realtors®, ultimately making the industry better for everyone involved.The energy...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When I’m helping a buyer find their perfect home, the first thing I talk about is defining their wants and needs. I ask them to describe what they want, considering their lifestyle and plans. We need to clarify what their ideal space looks like. Next, we dive into budget talk. I often suggest they get pre-approved for a mortgage to give them a clear picture of what they can afford. Once we have that sorted, we create a wish list together. I ask them to share their must-haves and nice-to-haves, prioritizing what’s most important. It’s a helpful way to narrow down potential homes. I also encourage my clients to explore different neighborhoods. I provide insights on various areas based on schools, commute times, and local amenities, helping them find a community that suits their lifestyle....
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Grateful for being a Real Estate BrokerAs November comes, I love to think about everything I'm thankful for, and being a real estate broker is at the top of my list! It's more than just buying and selling houses; it’s about helping people find their dream homes and helping them with any problems that come up along the way. One of my favorite parts of this job is the fun of the search—whether I’m finding the perfect home for someone or helping a seller show their house so buyers will love it. Every day in real estate is a new adventure, and I enjoy the different things I get to do. I get excited with each new listing when I’m working out the details of a sale, negotiating, and especially when I help someone finally get their home or sell a special property. I also like that I get to choo...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
You are going to need some help when moving.Moving can be both exciting and stressful. While the idea of a new place is adventurous, the tasks ahead are overwhelming. There are ways to simplify the moving process and get help when needed.  If you have more stuff than space in your new home, consider getting a storage unit. This way, you can keep things you don’t want to throw away and have a tidy living area.To keep important papers safe, organize your documents in a folder. To make moving easier, group things like lease agreements, change-of-address forms, and packing lists together.Don’t forget about your internet and cable! Set up these services ahead of time to avoid waiting. If it’s too hard, ask a tech-savvy friend for help.Ask friends or family for good movers, cleaners, and help...
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Eleven Slade Penthouse #906Baltimore County Co-opThis rare penthouse, located on the 9th floor of Eleven Slade, features three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It's truly a gem. The St. Charles eat-in kitchen is bright and spacious, with two pantries, a stainless-steel side-by-side fridge that includes an ice maker, double ovens, and a skylight that fills the space with light.A separate door from the kitchen to the hallway makes it convenient to bring in groceries.The living room features a wall of windows and a glass door leading to a 26-foot balcony, perfect for enjoying tree-top views and watching fireworks displays from The Golf Club, which are visible from every room.The expansive 37-foot living area is a highlight. One of its unique features is a paneled wall with a concealed bar that open...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Finding Home: Why Chemistry Matters More Than Your Wish ListBuildings have personalities just like people have personalities. When looking for a condo or coop, checking out the building before choosing the unit is imperative. You’ve heard me say that each building, hey, each neighborhood has a personality. We all look and feel differently in a building, home, or neighborhood. I have worked with people who have made a detailed list, written down and described where they want to live, the area, size, type of lot, the number of rooms, the layout, the heating fuel, the square footage, placement of the primary bedroom, and a kitchen that had everything on the list. We’ve found a home that has everything on that paper—it sounded perfect. But…there was no question that it was not the right pro...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Could a basement be a Raven's Studio?Are you looking for a large basement ready to finish just for you?This elegant home has a lower level ready to customize for all your needs.A spacious lower level has various potential uses. It is ideal for family gatherings, anniversaries, weddings, and holiday celebrations. How about the yearly cousins' club gatherings?   Transforming a home's lower level into a multifunctional, practical, and enjoyable space can greatly enhance its potential. Sports lovers in-home stadium perfect for a Raven's gameOne of the best reasons for this lower-level space is that the main elegant home stays pristine, furniture does not need moving, and guests can come and go without disturbing the main home. Graduation parties and retirement gatherings are just a few thin...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
October 2024 ActiveRain Tech Tools Challenge  Over thirty years ago, I began my journey in real estate, marking the start of a new era.  There was the fax machine with curled paper, handwritten offers, and typewriters for contracts.  Remember the jammed copy machine. I made six copies of each contract offer and got signatures on all six. That was for every offer.  If it went through, everyone would have an original. Remember the saying, 'Press hard. That's cheap carbon paper.' There were the MLS books, bag phones, and Palm Pilot (I loved). We went nowhere without a camera and film. I remember going to my favorite photo store with rolls of the same photo, the front of the house, and asking them to make duplicates so I could have a photo for each flyer. Back then, the MLS allowed only one...
Comments 23
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Welcome to this four-level split home located off Stevenson Road inside the beltway, Exit 21. This home features 5000 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and two and a half baths.  Enjoy hosting gatherings in the well-lit and spacious living room featuring a bay window.  The primary bedroom suite includes a soothing jetted tub, separate vanities, heated floors, a luxurious walk-in shower, and a generously sized closet.   This kitchen offers more than just a place to cook. It features architectural ceilings, a spacious granite island that seats six, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, space for a full-sized dining table, and a bright seating and relaxing area.  Sliders from the kitchen provide seamless access to a spacious deck and a private manicured yard.   And there's ...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Yes! It is possible to be in your new home by Thanksgiving.Are You Ready to Move? Let's Find the Right House!Are you thinking about moving before Thanksgiving? If so, there are a few important questions to consider. Moving can be complex, but proper planning and preparation can be a smooth and successful transition.First, are you completely ready for this big step? Ask yourself: Are your finances in place?  Do you have your earnest money ready? Do you have proof of funds if you plan to pay in cash? Is your family willing to assist you with the purchase? A clear understanding of your financial situation and a solid plan is crucial before diving into home-buying.If you require a lender, getting pre-qualified and being prepared to act swiftly when the right property comes along is importa...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Buyers and Sellers You Always Have a ChoiceBuyers and sellers should not feel obligated to use a particular real estate agent. Maybe it's a friend, a relative, or an acquaintance who has previously talked to you about RE. Perhaps it's an agent you have me through an open house, a party, or at work. Maybe it's a person who is friends with a relative, and again, you feel that obligation.You feel like you must use them and may feel trapped by a specific agent. This is not the time or place for guilt.How do I know? Buyers and sellers talk to me; they call and ask me for advice. In the past couple of weeks, two callers asked me about properties.The responses were disturbing when asked if they had a buyer's agent.They "sort of" have an agent and don't feel they are looking out for them. The a...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Choose your clients wisely. It's like that old saying goes, "You can choose your friends but not your relatives." In the same way, you can choose your buyers and your sellers. Don't put up with toxic clients because you need the sale. Working with people you like, and respect is essential for a successful and fulfilling transaction. Trust your instincts and be willing to walk away if the client isn't the right fit. Doing so will make room for exceptional buyers or sellers who will make the real estate journey more rewarding.As agents, we have the freedom to select clients who value and respect our expertise. Understand that not every potential client is a good match, and that's perfectly acceptable. If you find yourself dreading each interaction, it might be time to acknowledge that the...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A few months ago, I found what I thought was the right condo for a favorite buyer. We had been looking for six months. Our offer was accepted, but the inspection revealed latent defects that were not acceptable. There was no choice but to withdraw from that transaction. Finally, another one showed up, and we made an appointment for this one the minute it hit the market.  We immediately made an offer that could not be turned down. We asked the listing agent what the seller wanted, including the price, terms, closing dates, and whether a post-occupancy was needed. It was a desirable property we had waited for and was perfect.  The rapport with this agent was perfect, and she was a delight.  Her only goal was to make this deal work for everyone. A few concerns were quickly addressed, and a...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Choose who you want to work with. This decision is in your hands. It is not how many listings you take or how many buyers you are helping.Ask questions. Have they already spoken to agents, or have any relatives or others they may feel obligated to?  I know agents who have spent time with sellers, helping them price, stage, or telling them what they need to do before selling.  Those same agents get disappointed when the seller goes with another agent.  If you are spending time and giving this advice, you better have a signed agreement. Otherwise, that seller has no obligation to you.  I wonder how many have been in this situation.  Be careful, Realtors®. Some buyers and sellers interview agents for their knowledge and ideas.  Some, when they are already listed with another agent, will a...
Comments 28
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Some place you choose to live may not allow you to choose your front door color.Real Estate is local. Rules in one state, city, county, or neighborhood can differ. The same is true with the kinds of property in different areas. Rules are different and change, so make sure you have a knowledgeable Real Estate Broker to help with your transactions.  Understanding the Local Nature of Real Estate When it comes to real Estate, it's important to remember that "real estate is local." This means that rules and regulations can vary significantly from one state, city, county, or neighborhood to another. Even the types of properties available can differ greatly from one area to the next.  For example, zoning laws, property taxes, and regulations regarding rental properties can vary widely dependin...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Throughout the week, I receive questions from the public. This past Sunday, I presented five questions on my noon radio show. Callers enthusiastically shared their solutions, making it an enjoyable show. We received responses for four out of the five questions.1- The neighbor next door is a heavy smoker, and it permeates my townhouse/condo. Some of the smoke is not from cigarettes. How to handle it? 2-If another person's animal has attacked your pet or you, do you know whether you have recourse against the pet owner's insurance? 3-My neighbor feeds the wildlife, and now I have raccoons in my yard, garbage cans, and even the community trash. I've taken photos but haven't received an answer from my HOA. 4-My neighbors have two mixed Pitt Bulls, and I fear walking my small dogs. Is there a...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
But I thought it was my house!Agents, make sure you know what you are selling. Are the names correct? Who is on the title? Have you checked the tax ID? Have you checked the deed? Is the estate in a trust? Is there one or more trustees? Do you have documentation of who legally can sign? Do you have their power of attorney or letter of administration? Has anything changed since someone created those documents? A death, a divorce, or someone added or removed? Are there siblings or children from previous relationships? What, if any, are they entitled to? A while ago, I was called to list a home—not one she wanted to sell! She and her late husband purchased their forever home twenty-five years ago. They were so proud that it was paid for without mortgage or debt. They wanted that security fo...
Comments 34
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How many listings do you have, or how many listings are waiting for you? I keep a waiting list for potential clients. This approach has helped me work with clients willing to wait for my services. As a listing agent, I focus on quality over quantity, preferring to handle fewer transactions and provide better service.As a listing agent, I make all my appointments, and no one talks to my sellers but me. I aim for fewer transactions and a higher service. Walking away from a listing is always an option. I don't do business with people I don't like or respect.  Don't think of it as turning down a listing; think of it as making room for a better listing.I'm working on my waiting list, so watch for new listings in the next few weeks and months. It's ok to walk away from a potential listing if ...
Comments 17
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Marcel Breuer: Midcentury Modern Home and Chairs Marcel Breuer designed midcentury modern homes and created iconic furniture like the Wassily and Breuer chairs. His designs are known for being simple, functional, and timeless symbols of modernist furniture.  Breuer's use of flagstone floors adds a natural and rustic element to the sleek and modern aesthetic of the home. This contrast of materials creates a visually striking and harmonious effect, adding depth and character to the interior space.   Breuer incorporated expansive glass elements into the home to seamlessly integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The glass's transparency blurs the boundary between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light to flood the li...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The first time I saw a suitcase full of cash at a settlement table was like something out of a movie. The buyer strutted in, plopped it down, and opened it up like they were unveiling a priceless artifact. And poof! Just like that, the cash vanished quicker than you can say "abracadabra." After a couple of hours, the settlement went off without a hitch. Keys were exchanged, papers were signed, and the house was sold. Fast forward a few years, and I get a call from the IRS and the FBI. I was about to tell them I was too busy for a meeting, but my husband gave me a reality check with a resounding "Not The Right Answer!" So, we ended up meeting the IRS and the FBI, and I had my husband by my side to keep me in check. I spread out all my hand-written records, copies of the contract, and ev...
Comments 27
Explore Pikesville, MD
Pikesville, MD Real Estate Professionals