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... 10/19/2024

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... 10/17/2024

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 ... 10/14/2024

 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... 10/13/2024

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... 10/08/2024

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... 10/07/2024

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... 10/06/2024

 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... 10/04/2024

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... 10/01/2024

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... 09/28/2024

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... 09/19/2024

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 ... 09/15/2024

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... 09/12/2024

 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... 09/05/2024

Feeling overwhelmed by the task of moving? You don't have to do everything on your own. When preparing to sell your home, let me assist you in evaluating indoor and outdoor tasks. Deciding whether to repair, remove, or replace items and what to keep, give away, or dispose of can be stressful.BeforeYour home can be show-ready within a few weeks. I can expedite the process when you are moving and need to get your house ready for the market. Do you need a complete move-out and deep clean? No problem. The bonus: Dealing with just one person simplifies the process.  And if you need it done, Lickety Split, I can help make that happen.Let me show you how to complete everything in weeks instead of years.  AFTERThe house above was done within ten days.When you need help selling your homeCall Mar... 08/29/2024

 Going Down The Rabbit Hole and AI Many people have heard the expression "Going Down The Rabbit Hole" (GDTRH), but what does it mean, and how does it relate to real estate? It means exploring a new technology while incorporating it into my blogging.    It's like killing two birds with one stone ( BTW, who wants dead birds). Sure, I could take some AI courses, but blogging is already on my schedule.   Going Down The Rabbit Hole.  Embrace change and have some fun. Being open and learning a new skill adds to Real Estate The Rome Way. 1-Sign up for our Tuesday Zoom 2-Learn a new skill 3-Share it in your next post    But will this help someone Buy or Sell a Home with Margaret Rome   08/26/2024

To purchase a home with a mortgage, you'll need a  1-strong credit score, 2- steady income, and 3- substantial down payment.One suggestion for potential buyers is to start a "House Account," which acts as a form of forced savings and allows you to track progress toward your goal. To buy a homeCall Margaret Rome  08/16/2024

 Real estate professionals, especially realtors, have been facing a lot of stress lately. We're no strangers to pressure, but we've become masters of problem-solving. Our stress comes from navigating challenging transactions and the highs and lows of buying and selling. Moving ranks up there with major life events like death, divorce, retirement, and illness. Despite the immense stress, we real estate professionals have proven incredibly resilient. We've weathered the storm of COVID-19, tackled a wild seller's market with multiple offers, and empathized with our stressed-out buyers. We've submitted countless offers, scoured every available property, and experienced the pressure of multiple bidding situations. We've seen interest rates double and triple.  Lately, we have been bombarded w... 08/11/2024

A post today real estate niche- selling hoarder homes made me remember this transaction from years ago, I took a listing that could have been described as an ''indoor outhouse'' including stray animals, and stray people.A friend asked me for a favor. They wanted me to sell the house of one of their professional colleagues. This property was extremely packed and cluttered, to the point where you couldn't even walk through some of the rooms. This was a unique challenge for me.ANDIt was apparent that...                  How did I help them sell this hoarder's house?  I asked them to paint the dining room which was packed floor to ceiling, and the table piled three feet high with stuff. I just assumed they would empty the room. But I was wrong. They moved all the stuff one foot from the wal... 08/09/2024

                            Thanks to Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, and his expertise, we are learning about AI. The best part is the enjoyment that comes with "the ah-ha moments'' when we "get that" something new. We are using various programs, and numerous trials and errors with prompts are used to create these AI assignments. Our assignment: create images with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)###For the following four images, the prompts are below each photo. Perfect? Not by a long shot. However, with each attempt, I am exploring and having fun with this technology, and...Sometimes, it even listens to me! I made a few more attempts to get a house and ADU on a cattle farm with mountains. This one was done in the Craiyon program, which allows you to choose how many images to create. I took ... 08/08/2024