Baltimore County, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Have you or are you thinking about buying a home that needs a great deal of work? It sounds pretty simple to buy at a low bargain price and then sell it much higher. When I say low, I mean much lower than those selling in the neighborhood, knowing you can probably resell it for much more, maybe even double what you paid. But be careful!This flipping business is not what you see on TV programs. I promise it is not as easy as it seems.You could lose your shirt by not considering these things.-The amount of work,-The time needed to invest in the project -Demolition and dumpsters- The cost of carrying the money. Maybe you are dealing with hard money, and the rates are exorbitant. Time is not on your side.-How expensive supplies and labor are.-Thinking that the resale is going to be a consid...
Comments 7
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Finding properties for a buyer when inventory is low to non-existent has been a real challenge. Finding a perfect home-even more of a challenge. I have been working with this buyer for a year or more.  Her desires in a home are specific, and she does not deviate. Her wish list is in Baltimore County, with an easy commute to her studio.  It has to be pristine (if not brand new) and finished to move in immediately.  Public water and gas cooking is a must.Loving the look of the soft greys and whites and lots of light, she wants a bright open floorplan with white cabinets, black hardware, granite or quartz counters, a finished walk-out basement with a separate bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closets, and laundry.  A wide driveway and a garage with easy access are essential, along with high ceili...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Just last week, we had a smooth settlement on my new listing. This seller was responsive, kind, and a pleasure to work with.  He always got exactly what we needed for the closing: his quick responses, follow-up, ordering the condo docs, or doing some minor repairs were done with speed and efficiency. And the above message arrived this week. My Lee always said I worked for thank you notes. And he was always right.Thinking about selling a home,Call Margaret Rome
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291 September 01, 2023 08:07 AM     How do we find the right house in the right location? Please tell me where you want to be and let me draw you a map. A picture is worth a thousand words. Below is a view of the area where we are looking for  Baltimore homes. I have lovely out-of-state buyers relocating a large family and will need three single-family homes. Two would be starter homes, three plus bedrooms, two baths, and children and pet-friendly backyards. The third home could be much larger and more upscale. Four, five, or even more bedrooms with a sizable lot and a pool would be ideal. If you have a home or know of someone who lives in this area, please call me. Instead of listing t...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Real Estate Licensing in MarylandEffective August 2023, agents will no longer be able to self-declare their continuing education classes.  Licensees who have not completed their CE requirements or are not showing the necessary CE hours in the renewal will no longer be able to self-certify compliance. If your license renewal date is coming up, check your CE status in the license portal and ensure your coursework is properly reported before your expiration date.What took so long?  It makes it easier for everyone.  There is no question whether you are compliant and have taken all your required courses.  There is no need to guess or round up your credits from past classes.  Find out if you have the necessary Continuing Credits and topics by going to the Real Estate Continuing Education  Sta...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
9960 Shoshone Way Baltimore, Maryland 21133MLS MDBC 2072516The Village of Twelve Trees9960 Shoshone Way isSOLD & SETTLED We found the perfect and very lucky buyer for this home.It is the largest home in Twelve Trees, with four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths in this townhome.  The finished lower level has a guest suite with two rooms, a full bath, and a laundry room.  This would also make good office space, media room, or teenage hang-out. The granite kitchen, with a five-burner gas stove, has a window over the stainless sink, and it opens into the dining area with a ceiling fan and recessed lights.  Both of these rooms have hardwood flooring.  The 19' living room looks even more prominent with one mirrored wall.  The sliding glass doors open to the private deck with a gate, perfect for young ...
Comments 7
By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Assigned Out Of a Commission Here is the possible scenario: A real estate agent has a signed Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement with a buyer. A property is found and placed under contract with this buyer using this agent. The listing agent for this property has indicated via the Multiple List Service that a commission is being offered to buyer's agents, but not to sub-agents. The buyer assigns the contract of sale to another agent. The contract of sale that is typically used in Maryland does not allow for assignments. Since this particular buyer is a wholesaler, the agent, buyer, and the seller agree to remove this clause from the contract. The new buyer, the assignee, does not have an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement with the real estate agent and hence, has no obligation to pay a commis...
Comments 4
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)
The best things in life seldom happen overnight.  They take time, and patience is learned only by waiting.  This market has not been kind to buyers. We have been looking for the right house for these first-time buyers for the past year.  We texted and emailed each other as we screened the various properties.We could rule out many things from the description, location, price, and researching the house's history.  If one looked promising, I encouraged the buyers to drive by and see if they liked the curb appeal, the area, the traffic, the neighborhood, and the proximity to work and family.  Over this past year, we have ruled out and made many offers, only to be outbid with price or those who could waive both home inspection and appraisal.We got lucky this past week.  A home came on the ma...
Comments 19
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...
Comments 6
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 9
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)
9960 Shoshone Way 21133MLS MDBC 2072516The Village of Twelve Trees9960 Shoshone Way isTOO LATE We found the perfect and very lucky buyer for this home.It is the largest home in Twelve Trees.  Yep, four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths in this townhome.  The finished lower level has a guest suite with two rooms, a full bath, and a laundry room.  This would also make good office space, media room, or teenage hang-out. The granite kitchen, with a five-burner gas stove, has a window over the stainless sink, and it opens into the dining area with a ceiling fan and recessed lights.  Both of these rooms have hardwood flooring.  The 19' living room looks even more prominent with one mirrored wall.  The sliding glass doors open to the private deck with a gate, perfect for young people or pets.  The back...
Comments 6
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)
9960 Shoshone Way 21133MLS MDBC 2072516The Village of Twelve TreesTake a look at this new listing in Baltimore CountyLargest home in Twelve Trees.  Yep, four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths in this townhome.  The finished lower level has a guest suite with two rooms, a full bath, and a laundry room.  This would also make good office space, media room, or teenage hang-out. The granite kitchen, with a five-burner gas stove, has a window over the stainless sink, and it opens into the dining area with a ceiling fan and recessed lights.  Both of these rooms have hardwood flooring.  The 19' living room looks even more prominent with one mirrored wall.  The sliding glass doors open to the private deck with a gate, perfect for young people or pets.   The backyard is fenced and backs to open land.  Thr...
Comments 7
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