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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)
Every listing appointment is a different scenario. And that's what keeps it so fascinating. My job is to figure out the problem first...then go for the solution. You, the agent, are not there to see how quickly you can list a home; you are there to determine the seller's need and make that happen.Find out the why.Some reasons to meet with a seller:-Death of a spouse: this period is highly emotional and may not be the right time to decide to sell. Be available to answer questions and help with various decisions.-Illness or loss of mobility: maybe there is a way to make the house accessible, for example, a chair glide for steps, added grab bars, or finding extra space for a first-floor bedroom.-Job loss or transfer: Find the time frames to get the house sold and the other options. Maybe t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Exquisite High Tech With Taste!We found the perfect buyer, and Eleven Slade Coop Unit 404 isSOLD & SETTLED Elegant Eleven Slade address with a Baltimore County location.A large 22’ covered balcony spans the living and dining areas. The Primary 20’ x 13’ bedroom boasts TWO walk-in closets. The luxury bathroom has lavish glass doors—a custom marble vanity with designer drawers, and an abundance of mirrors. Bright Open Gourmet kitchen is perfect for entertaining and your cooking needs. Shiny white cabinets, white quartz counters, a smooth five-burner cooktop, and white Jenn Aire appliances fill this spectacular space. Built-in microwave, refrigerator with freezer on the bottom,  mirrored backsplash, and a breakfast bar—such a pretty kitchen space.    The nine-foot ceilings and the gleaming...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When you are ready to sell, there is the paperwork, and lots of it is needed for your Realtor®, so start collecting early. Here are some items necessary to move forward with listing and selling.   Original documents - including the contract, the settlement sheet, loan documents, title insurance, and the location survey. Documents from a refinance, ground rent or proof of redemption, home equity, or second mortgage, along with loan numbers and bank pay-off information. Receipts and permits for significant improvement or renovation, such as adding a bathroom or extending a deck. Copy of all owner's driver's licenses. Warranties for appliances or home systems that you've recently repaired or replaced. Do you know the age of the roof? Floor plans or original house plans, a location drawing...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Here's a way to update those built-in slatted cabinets. Pretty they are not! So we put plywood over the outside along with some molding strips and painted it all the same color. The interior shelving was still usable.  On the inside, we left the open slats exposed and used "S" hooks like the one below. The dated cabinets are now cleaner, more modern, and perfect for double duty, using the existing open slats to organize jewelry. Three-inch flat ' S' hooks worked well. How are you creatively updating?  Selling your home Call Margaret Rome S 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
We read a lot to keep up with our industry. And we don't always give credit when due.We talked about the stress of moving, but Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, did more than talk about it. He moved and shared his experience in a recent post. Just because we are REALTORS® does not make us experts when we move. This article is so good and honest that I will use it with Nick's permission as a topic on today's radio show. I've already given it to  my  clients who are in the process of making a move this coming year, and here is their response:"..we can't thank you enough for all the good advice. It pays to deal with an expert! You've given us a lot to think about. And thanks for the article, which I've just printed." Click here to read about Nick's move.What is so remarkable about AR members? W...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Buyers have been patiently waiting for the main level primary bedroom and bath. Click on each address below for a description and more photos.8200 Stevenson Rd 21208 Bedroom with sliders to the pool ====3433 Philips Dr 21208Sprawling rancher with a 2-car garage and exquisite open space  ===10515 Harford Rd 2105715 acres 27 E Chatsworth Ave 21136 Thinking of buying or selling a 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)
Will the listing agent show my house?You have a rapport with the listing agent. They know the ins and outs and the quirks of your home. You chose them for a reason. But 99% of the time, they are not the ones who will be showing your house. When making an appointment, usually electronically, the agent will have access to a lockbox or combination lock, or you, the seller, will be home to let them in. After all, it is time-consuming, and agents are too busy to show their listings. When I take a listing, I will be the one showing it. Is it because I'm not busy? Is it because I have nothing better to do? Neither! It's the way I have chosen to run my real estate business. I take on fewer clients, and I give this first-class service. I make my appointments, and it is easy to reach me. Agents c...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Let's Find You A HouseThere are so many different housing styles that it takes time to narrow down what a buyer is looking for. Some buyers know what they want, a one-level or a colonial. But with so many names and styles, finding them with different name types may be challenging. And when searching in the MLS, they usually only list one or two descriptions. It takes more than a simple check to see what's on the market. Ask your buyers many questions to help find the needle in the haystack. Some people are particular about the outside and the curb appeal; others only care if the interior meets their needs. Here are some of the various styles of homes, in no particular order, but I bet you can add to this list. Single Family Home Condominium, Cooperative Townhouse Semi-detached Bungalow ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It is October Contest time, and Aura Alex, Leanne Smith, and Carol Williams are co-hosting this month's ActiveRain Challenge. They are asking us to share our favorite blogging success stories, of which I have many. Just search 'blogging success HomeRome' to come up with more.There are a lot of naysayers who believe blogging isn't effective anymore. These same naysayers have said many things do not work. And sometimes they are right. So glad I didn't listen to them. Some of the things that they say don't work or are not worth the time are as follows:Blogging is a waste of time.You can't drive a two-door car.No one listens to the radio.Print media no longer works because of the internet.One-hour open houses don't work.You can't make appointments, service, and show all your properties.You ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When you plan to move, it's never too early to prepare your house. In fact, by doing this, you will also enjoy your home while living in it. My friend shared the article from AARP  Magazine named "Ready, Set, Sell Your home! Your one-year countdown." II used my notes below and made this today's radio topic.  Plan for storage Declutter/edit Get a pre-inspection Leaky faucets/stained ceiling tiles Contact your REALTOR® Gather paperwork surveys, POA, warranties, death certs, Ground Rent Post-month-long sales for bikes and sofas. forget the yard sale  Donate the rest Fix floor squeaks and cracked tiles, and make sure all doors are aligned and close smoothly Curb appeal, new plants, clean trim, mulch Power wash outside Paint front door and mailbox or replace Ask a friend to take a look-fresh...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Eileen Burns and Kathy Streib host September's contest. And here are the rules. This month's challenge will be crazy stories about working with other agents or clients. Be sure to change all names to protect the guilty! Your story may include horror, happy or humor-filled episodes. Whether it is murder, sex, nudes, lost in the mansion, we will look forward to your submission.  Here is my entry.Some time ago, I wrote Giving Advice With Confidence. If you have a minute, please read.When giving and taking advice from someone... make sure they are the expert, trained and knowledgeable in the area you seek advice. Make sure they possess... Some time ago,  I had a very "confident" buyer's agent who said everything with assertiveness and authority. He dressed to impress and had a car to match....
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Homes are coming on the market. But, what's taking so long? There is much preparation for getting your home ready to photograph and show. It's easy to say let's get the house ready. Think of the time and labor to edit your home, purge, declutter, donate, and toss! Then there is the painting, floor refinishing, cleaning, lawn and exterior maintenance, washing windows, and so on. Don't take those extra boxes and things to the garage or the basement. Mark/label them- the new home, donate, or trash.Most sellers who have worked with me know the garage is essential, so empty it and get it painted. Remember, you must leave the house empty and clean when you sell. Start preparing early. Stay in touch with your sellers, check their progress, and see what they need. Maybe a visit to check out th...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This week, I received a call from a buyer asking if there is a glossary just for real estate terms. There are unfamiliar words when she reads a description and was looking for a place to look them up. I have talked about Alphabet Soup, a list of Realtor ® designations.   But this caller asked about a comment in a listing that mentioned a 'pony wall'. And she was not familiar with this real estate term? Pony Wall:  'For all intents, a pony wall is just a short wall that does not reach the ceiling; it need not be any particular height nor width, though it typically reaches about 3 feet tall.'' Below are examples from my home, 1 Diamond Crest Ct in Baltimore, Md. 21209. The first divides the great sunken room from the kitchen. The second one shows the pony wall as a divider from the stairc...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
We found the lucky buyer a seventh-floor floor condo in the Eleven Slade Co-op Lucky Number 711 Beautiful! Rarely available, this 11 Slade Co-op is move-in ready with a gourmet granite eat-in kitchen, soft-close drawers, and a gigantic stainless refrigerator/freezer. A primary luxury suite has a separate shower and a separate laundry. There are high ceilings and a spacious balcony overlooking the lushly landscaped grounds.Check out the walk-in closets and abundant storage.The nine-foot ceilings throughout add to the spacious feeling. The monthly co-op fee includes front desk concierge service, central air conditioning, heat, water, cable TV, valet parking, elevator, and TAXES! And the new owner's lucky number is 71111 Slade Avenue # 711Pikesville, Md. 21208Is SOLD & Settled The nine-foo...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
While on a listing appointment and touring the property, I went into the lower level to check the systems and electric box, and there was a distinct odor of natural gas. I mentioned it to the seller. Neither the owner nor the other occupants could smell anything. It is not unusual to get used to this odor and no longer detect the smell.She said she would make the call later after I left.WHOA! Get thee to a phone! Call our BGE emergency line.She saw no need to hurry, but with my gentle persuasion and a suggestion that I would make the call, we had a BGE representative in the house with equipment within twenty minutes. It took a long time, but by the end, he had discovered multiple 'minor' leaks and a list of the next steps to follow.Going on a listing, if you smell gas, please report it....
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Speaking of very special friends who are also clients, my day was made when this message arrived. And that's how the letter began: "Well, we did it again, eh?  And when I say we, I mean you, of course, as our involvement was little more than signing our name a few times.  Oh, and having the good sense to say, “Time to move again!  Call Margaret…”They say everything gets easier with practice, and this, our SIXTH transaction in 7 years, certainly proves that.  At the last closing, we hardly sat down when suddenly everything was done.  Of course, most of that was due to your impeccable professionalism; all the details were taken care of well in advance, so no surprises on closing day.  Smooth sailing all the way, for which we are eternally thankful.  Buying and selling a house can be hugel...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I attended my first PhillyMINI Vinyl Day this past Saturday. Hosted by Mike and Steph, there were Mini Coopers everywhere. Below you can see a couple of before and after shots. One member wore a Mini Shirt with a design that would be identical to the new vinyl stripes about to be applied. Then there was the grey one getting three tapered bars down each side.    There were red, white, and blue MINIS, a rare purple haze, lots of happy Mini owners, and a common bond; their love of this small car.  It was fun seeing everyone sharing friendships along with car stories. This group can teach a lot about the different types and styles. And you can see the pride of ownership in the way each vehicle takes on a personality.  It reminds me of my love for real estate. What common bond do you share ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 So you think you know how to count?Watch those dates!Time is of the essence at the very top of our contract.     Dates are important. Real important. Our contracts include the offer date, ratified date, and settlement date. Many dates count from the date of the agreement. But not all.There are so many days for financing, so many days for the loan application, so many days for loan commitment, so many days to order the appraisal, and so many days to respond.Home Owner Associations, Co-ops, and Condos have more dates and days to review and withdraw.  Days from contract to perform the inspection. Days to respond if not satisfied by the buyer. Days to respond from the seller. Then more days for responses between the buyer and seller. Some inspections like radon might add additional days to...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I love it when professional calls into my radio show and talks about a personal transaction. That happened on Sunday.My friend, Lauren Sisson (a Realtor and office manager), shared the experience of selling her home using a top negotiator from her office. Smart to let another REALTOR® handle the listing. I've known Lauren and  Gary Sisson for over thirty years.Gary was my first mentor in Real Estate and was present for the Get By Giving Award.How many agents cannot resist representing themselves? By giving the listing to another professional, Lauren was free to be "the seller." When multiple offers came in, Lauren used guidance and reduced the emotion of selling her property. This past Sunday, 9.5.22,  Lauren and I shared with the audience how she decided to take an "underdog family" F...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
A few weeks ago, I went on a listing appointment. This two-story home will be an excellent property to sell: a beautiful four-bedroom, side-loading garage on a half acre with great schools. These are the homes  Maryland loves, and I have affectionately named them "clononials." The sellers are mother-daughter. Both are artists and love the outdoors, gardens, and trees. We discussed the price, what needs doing, and a timeline for painting, floor refinishing, purging, and professional photography. We also talked about what they wanted in the new home purchase. Last week I got a call from these sellers to visit a new listing. We did, we fell in love, and we made a bid. With four other offers, even with our higher price, they could not accept a contract contingency on the buyer's home.But th...
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