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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. ...
Comments 13
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, a pri...
Comments 1
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Embracing Life’s Lessons The Rome Way The loss of my father  My daddy was a diabetic, and I gave him insulin shots as a little girl.  He died of a heart attack at forty-nine.  At eight years old, I knew I going to be a nurse!   My father's death made me appreciate each day spent with MY LEE.   We counted every day (16,802) of our marriage. Mother, a widow with two young kids, ran the restaurant business, opening from six in the morning until nine at night.  What a role model!  Mom taught by example, never missing one day in all those years. Maybe there is no coincidence that I've missed one live radio show in ten years.  A Car AccidentA car accident (I was rear-ended) put an end to my custom-designed porcelains. Since I refused back and neck surgery, the doctors told me not to lift anyt...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When there is a transaction with a ''committee" you better be the chairperson!Your property may be coming on the market, is already listed or you may have an offer. Unsolicited advice starts coming in from others, like children, in-laws, siblings, best friends, neighbors, and even people you hardly know.  These are the people I refer to as "the committee."  Think about how your own family makes significant decisions.Even though the seller has complete title to the property (without legal or financial need) they may feel overwhelmed if not prepared for all the advice.If you are Selling by "committee"...you, the REALTOR®, must be the Chairperson.  Why?  Because everyone has an opinion to share.  Anyone who has ever lived in a house is now the expert.  They want to be helpful with the dec...
Comments 31
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Stone Gate Ct 21208Cobblestone RancherMLS  #MDBC20698043 Bedrooms2 1/2 BathsHOA $220/Mo  This is the home these lucky buyers were waiting for, and they wasted no time. They toured on the same day it hit the market, made a successful bid, and we had a smooth closing this week.Check out this single-family rancher with a finished lower level and a two-car garage.The spacious primary bedroom, with a soaking tub and separate shower, has a door to the private patio. Did you notice the tray ceilings?    The second bedroom/media room with a full bath and an office with built-ins is also on the main level.  The bright eat-in kitchen has white appliances, cabinets, and granite on the counters and island. Another set of sliders from the kitchen leads to the enclosed private patio. A convenient la...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The Clubhouse 6711 Park Heights Ave Baltimore, Md. 21215 #319 MDBA2094396     Rarely available one-bedroom, one-bath  bright corner condo unit on the third floor of The Clubhouse!  This all-brick condo at 6711 Park Heights Ave has the convenience of a full-service building. This third-floor unit is accessed by an elevator, and you have a doorman to greet you and help with your needs.     The light-filled eat-in kitchen, with a window, has updated appliances. In addition, there is a party room, library area, elegant lobby, and planned social activities. Your assigned parking space, #61, can be seen from your covered private balcony.      All Brick, well-built condo in Upper Park Heights  Baltimore, Maryland The lobby makes you feel welcome. Front desk personnel is available with a smile...
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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 thinking about purchasing a property that requires significant work, it might seem like a wise investment to buy it at a lower price and sell it at a higher one later.  However, it's crucial to be cautious when flipping homes. There are many factors to consider, such as the amount of work needed, the time frame, demolition and dumpsters, carrying costs, expensive supplies and labor, and the projected profit margin. Additionally, it would help if you predicted the market conditions when you plan to sell the property. As a contractor, you may have more insight and knowledge regarding the project's time and cost. However, if you're a buyer seeking an affordable house, you must take extra care. Ensure that the floor plan is practical and the major systems, such as the roof, heatin...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What Stays & What Goes When real estate contracts are made, it is essential to specify what the buyer wants to stay and what the seller is willing to leave.  It could include window coverings, appliances, built-ins, furniture, pool tables, lawn furniture, pool toys, paints, extra wallpaper, or flooring.  And don't forget the sheds, attics, crawl spaces, and contents.  It could also include personal artwork, furnishings, bed coverings, chandeliers, mirrors, and area carpets.  You don't want to hear the words: But I thought. This why it is essential to do a final walk thru when the house is vacant and before you go to settlement. I've had a transaction where the buyer tried to get the seller to remove some old appliances even though this property was sold AS IS.  The buyer attempted to ho...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Many years ago, I was selling a one-bedroom, one-bath condo in a very posh building.  Security cameras everywhere, in the garage, elevators, grounds, parking lot, and an alert when a vehicle comes onto the property.  In addition, there was a 24-hour concierge.  It was not an easy sell because of its size and first-floor location.  It was beautifully designed and furnished to complement the small space.  And the building itself was very desirable. My seller planned to sell the one-bedroom unit and then move to a new place in Florida.  I had a showing for a young woman; she wanted and needed security.  She confided in me that she and her young daughter needed a safe place from an abusive situation.  Being very secretive, she wrote a contract, full-price cash, 30-day closing, proof of fund...
Comments 30
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I had a caller this week that said they felt I was talking directly to them. This is someone who has lived in the same home for over fifty years and knows it is time to start to make arrangements for a move. Even though she won't be ready for another 6 months to a year, there is lots that can be done now. I suggested I take a look at her house when she is ready because her concerns were what to do with all her treasures. The family does not want the, crystal, silver, china, furniture or table linens. Some suggestions: some people specialize in helping with the sorting, donating, consignment, what to give away, what to throw away, what to sell, and what to keep.If one is going to an adult living community, the facility usually has professional people to take a look at their home; they se...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Just because the market is active right now does not mean I have to change how I have always taken listings.  Yes, I have a waiting list.  This gives you, the seller, time to do your cleaning and purging and decide where you are going. When you and the house are ready, professional photos are taken, sorted, captioned, and uploaded to the computer.  We may do the professional photos weeks or months before being prepared to list.  I can have everything in place, including measurements and documents, so when your date arrives, we are ready with the click of a computer key.Everyone sees the property at the same time.  There is no need to do a coming soon or have multiple showings and inconvenience all parties.  A few good showings will sell the home, especially in this market.  I did that y...
Comments 18
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I recently spoke with an upset friend.  She wasn't upset with me or anything to do with real estate.  It was a troubling situation, and she needed to vent. It immediately reminded me of another day.  It was a day when a dear lady in her eighties,  mother-in-law of a dear friend, buried her husband.  This was a sad day, and she had reason to be upset.A comment was made to my friend, which was unkind, and she complained to her mother-in-law.  This sweet, newly widowed lady put her hand on my friend's arm and said: "Don't let unimportant  things become important."Think about it - almost every time we get upset, isn't it about something or somebody that is unimportant?That day I decided that "I don't do upset." When I told my colleague that story yesterday, they quickly saw that the upsett...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Some excellent posts are in this month's contest, and we are looking for many more entries in the next few weeks.  Please look at July's Contest that John Meussner and I are hosting. By the way, the members who sponsor a contest also write an entry, and I was thinking about what that post would be. When checking the comments on our contest, I saw that Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Estate Specialist, wrote the first entry on the very first day.  That was Saturday, July 1st, and I called ( I often do this)  to congratulate her.  Since neither of us is ever at a loss for words, and I was not sure of my show's topic- I extended the invitation to be a guest on my live radio show the next day, Sunday. Katherine called in at noon, and the hour flew by.  We had so much fun with lots of dial...
Comments 26
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Notes from a radio listener   I always look for real estate ideas to discuss on my weekly show. When a long-time radio listener called asking me to discuss buying a house AS IS, I was happy to accommodate.    I asked some questions,  I listened, and I took notes.   They purchased six or seven homes "as is" over the decades. Here are some of the suggestions about this type of purchase:  You can never do too much preparation and research. The primary consideration is the land and the location!  They always had good contact with the sellers when they bought the homes.  They listened and learned as much about the house as possible.  They knew and understood the language of each contractor, including the tools, materials, building codes, and permits. They made sure to find the right contract...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 I wrote a similar article seven years ago and found it still relevant.  It is challenging to find affordable homes for first-time buyers. Here are three ways to find a home for specific buyers. #1Announce the buyer's specific need on my weekly  Sunday radio program.  #2Place an ad in print media.   #3Put the buyer to work by having them write a note similar to this:"Dear Home Owner, Our family wants to live in this neighborhood.  We like your home, and if you are thinking of selling, please get in touch with our real estate agent: Margaret Rome, at 410-530-2400, mrome@homerome.com.  All calls are confidential." Buyers keep these notes in their cars.  They mail or leave this message on the front door when they see a home they both like.  They let me know which houses they are interested...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
They Never Had A ChanceI have known this young couple for the past year.  Finding an affordable property for these buyers has been quite a challenge.It may not be a new strategy, but this particular property was deliberately underpriced, giving these first-time buyers false hope that they could have a chance to buy their dream house.One recent property had a 'coming soon'  sign for three weeks, followed by an open house on Saturday and Sunday after it went active on the MLS.  There were too many cars to count on the first day, with lines and standing room only.  This property continued taking appointments for the next several days. This hopeful young couple made a strong (quite a bit over list) offer on Saturday, the first day allowed. Despite being substantially above budget, the famil...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Working with first-time newlywed homebuyers, we wrote a contract for a highly sought out property.We made our best offer over the list price, a flexible date for closing, a substantial deposit, a strong lender letter, and home inspections of 7-10 days. I called, texted, and emailed the agent ahead of the presentation. Buyers kept asking what they could do to ensure their offer was as good as possible.Some of the things they could ask for that would take them out of the running:Seller's contribution, pay for points, upgrade items, i.e., the electricity, and provide proof that the well/septic was in good working order.Should we raise the price-no? They are already at their maximum amount. Should we waive inspections? IMO no! And not on a home built more than seventy years ago. The listing...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I love Real Estate; some clients call me a matchmaker of houses. I specialize in unusual, funky, attractive, Mid-Century Modern, and all kinds of custom-built homes. My buyers are about unique features and styles, like the house with the indoor pool or a rehabbed barn on acreage that will be coming on the market next month.But today, and for several buyers, I need what  Maryland calls the perfect American dream.Colonial with a side-loading garage. Let me describe it:It is usually a two-story colonial with a garage (preferably a side-loading one), an open floor plan, high ceilings, a bright, modern, pristine kitchen with gas cooking, a nicely finished lower level for guests, a spacious primary bedroom with a luxury bath and a big tub. A yard with a bit of privacy from the neighbors and n...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
6 Stone Gate Court Pikesville,Md. 21208Cobblestone HOAMLS MDBC Oh, if all sellers could be so darn lucky!  Last Sunday I received a call asking about selling a home in "as is" condition.  My response was when can I take a look. After meeting the owners on Monday, a listing contract was signed.  My professional photographer, Israel Orange, was available in the afternoon and quickly had the pictures back to me the same day. Tuesday and Wednesday, I was wonderfully busy with buyer clients.  I blogged about this special zero-lot line rancher on Thursday, made it live in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and published this ad. We had two showings Friday morning and another in the afternoon. There was genuine interest.Before midnight, we had three offers. We had to turn down the other agent...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
6 Stone Gate Ct 21208Cobblestone RancherMLS  #MDBC20698043 Bedrooms2 1/2 BathsHOA $220/Mo What you’ve been waiting for! Check out this single-family rancher with a finished lower level and a two-car garage.The spacious primary bedroom, with a soaking tub and separate shower, has a door to the private patio. Did you notice the tray ceilings?  The second bedroom/media room with a full bath and an office with built-ins is also on the main level. The bright eat-in kitchen has white appliances, cabinets, and granite on the counters and island. Another set of sliders from the kitchen leads to the enclosed private patio. A convenient laundry room with a pantry and storage is between the kitchen and the two-car garage. The spacious living room/dining room (34 x 20) has a gas fireplace and acces...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Not For Sale!How would you react if you found a  FOR SALE sign on your lawn? Very official, broker's name, rider, and all.My friend received a call from a neighbor, hurt and disappointed that they would list their home without telling the neighbor first. What? We are not selling! Bill and his wife called me to share this situation. They sent me a photo of the post and another agent's sign.This couple is more than friends. I've known him since he was ten years old, attended their wedding, was at the birth of his beautiful daughter, and sold them their house more than 25 years ago.I immediately called the agent with the errant sign. Yes, it was a mistake. We found that her listing had the same house number, but that property was on a different nearby street. They even had the photographer...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Listening to various buyers, I started listing what they said was important when buying a Baltimore home. These things come after selecting the right location, condition, style and of course price range.Here are a few, and they are in no particular order.Kitchen: open floor plan, white cabinets; double ovens; center island; gas cooking, stone or quartz counters; a single large sink; and a walk-in pantry.Parking: two-car garage, carport, but, at the minimum, definitely off-street parking.Butler's pantry for those who like to entertain.Main-level primary suite and laundry on bedroom level. Mudroom or a suitable place to unload groceries, packages, and hide shoes and coats with lots of hooks and storage.Wood flooring/or high-quality engineered wood.Double vanities and at least one bathtub....
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