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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)
Today was another enjoyable learning experience in our Tuesday Zoom session led by our guru instructor, Praful Thakkar. For today's assignment, I took my new listing from yesterday and updated the photos using the techniques we learned.What fascinates me about technology is its accessibility; true learning is not hard; it comes from discovering what you can do with it and experiencing those "ah-ha" moments.  That happened today.Remember, everything is easy once you know how to do it.                    Until today, I believed I needed an external source to create a twilight effect, place a bowl of fruit on a round table, or add color through accessories in a vacant property. This kitchen certainly looks more inviting with these changes!                    Above is the front view of this...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How Will Your Home Be Shown? A Friendly Chat Before You ListWhen it comes to getting your home ready for sale, one of the most important, and often overlooked, conversations is how your home will be shown. There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach! The best method depends on what feels right for you and your situation.Some homes are listed with a lockbox, allowing for a simple “Go and Show.” Others may require scheduling through a showing service with a bit of notice, maybe an hour or even a day in advance. You might have some preferences too, like not allowing showings after a specific time or on Sundays, or maybe you want all showings to be by appointment only, involving your listing agent, the buyer’s agent, or even yourself. It’s all about finding what works best for you!Now, ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 During my journey with ActiveRain, I've shared various flowery stories and a few life lessons. As we stroll down memory lane, let’s revisit some of these simple experiences. I’ve included a link to the original post for each story, complete with a brief summary highlighting the key takeaways. Enjoy! **It was a busy Sunday in Baltimore, filled with meetings and property showings. On my way home, I stopped to buy beautiful roses that matched the sunset colors. I parked to enjoy the view as the sky changed. When I got home, I arranged the flowers in a vase, and with Lee beside me, we took a moment to admire their beauty together. Arizona colors and Baltimore skies.**My Lee always brought me flowers. One beautiful bouquet of stunning green roses left me feeling quite envious of their uniqu...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Navigating the real estate market is a roller coaster ride for Realtors®, buyers, and sellers.  A roller coaster ride is a situation or experience characterized by sudden and extreme changes, often involving ups and downs.As Realtors®, our journey is filled with excitement and opportunities. We work with a variety of clients and adapt to the ever-changing market, allowing us to use our skills to meet their needs. This positive environment not only helps us close deals but also allows us to build strong relationships along the way.Buyers feel a thrill and anxiety as they search for their dream homes. One moment, they might find a great listing, only to face fierce competition or rising prices in the next, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.Sellers, are on a ride filled with t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
My journey into real estate has been anything but ordinary. My life experiences have shaped it and influenced by the people and moments that have defined me.When I was eight years old, I experienced the profound loss of my father. As a child, I used to give him his insulin shots. This early experience inspired my dream of becoming a nurse. Throughout my time in nursing, I learned the vital importance of compassion, communication, and treating others with kindness—skills that have proven invaluable in my current career.While working as a nurse, I met the love of my life, and together we created a beautiful family with our daughter. I cherished my time as a stay-at-home mom, enjoying those formative years with my child.An unexpected twist in my journey came when I took a ceramic course. I...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
One of my listings has a unique feature. The previous owners transformed their large dining room by dividing it with a built-in storage cabinet, creating an additional office den. They also raised the floor in that space. This area can serve as a play area for kids or a casual eating space, effectively separating the adults from the children. It's a clever idea, but it may only be suitable if it fits your needs.    This setup also worked for the current owners. We listed the property, took photographs, and put it on the market. During the first showings, buyers were informed about how simple it would be to remove the wall divider, and we also had a contractor's quote for opening up the space.  The home received positive feedback about the location, style, number of bedrooms, kitchen, ba...
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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, ...
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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. ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This Sunday, the second Sunday in March, we will "Spring Forward" at 2 a.m. Make sure to set your clocks ahead one hour.  Remind your Sunday appointments about the time change.Remind your Sunday appointments about the time change. Adjusting all devices is pretty important for tomorrow's 12-noon radio show.  
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Some people make it sound so easy: You can buy a neglected property cheap, fix it up, and sell it for a huge profit. That's what first-time rehabbers think.When flipping a house, it’s important to plan your timeline carefully. Depending on the amount of work needed, renovations can take anywhere from one to six months. Make sure to include time for any necessary building inspections.Hiring a general contractor is smart if you’re not skilled in renovations. Look for qualified tradespeople and check their licenses and references.  Make sure the quotes fit within your budget and timeline.Once the renovations are complete, you can sell your property. A real estate agent can assist you with pricing and marketing the home. There are common mistakes to watch out for during this process. One ma...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It's Just a Phone...Pick It Up Real estate thrives on relationships, so talk with anyone interested in buying or selling. Find a way that is fun for you. You might be in the wrong field if it feels like a chore. An eager agent wanted to boost their income with a tight budget and sought ways to attract more buyers and sellers. Many suggestions came in, most of which needed more funding than was available. It was time to get to work—to pound the pavement.The best starting point is right in your hands: the phone. Open your address book and phone contacts and reach out to everyone you know—friends, family, neighbors, and former colleagues. Embrace the opportunity to have fun with conversations; any chat could lead to a new opportunity. In my early days, I was taught to cold call potential c...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Years ago, before I entered real estate, I dealt with a recurring issue with "Swarmers," or flying ants, which signal possible termite activity. After each swarm, we found countless wings. We hired pest control companies for treatments—drilling around and inside the house, lower level, and garage—but that had to be repeated.Continuing our search, we removed a wood deck covering a concrete porch and opened an exterior wall but found nothing. The breakthrough came when we replaced the windows. We found significant termite damage in the front window; it was so compromised that a pocketknife easily slid into the wood! In Maryland, there are two kinds of houses: those that have been treated for termites and those that will need treatment. Homeowners and agents need to recognize the signs of...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Seeing A Home from Different Angles2322 Sugarcone Rd photos Sometimes, it’s important to have a different perspective. Looking at a house from various angles can reveal distinct features and qualities. For example, viewing a home from the street allows you to appreciate its curb appeal. You can explore the backyard in this image, showcasing the outdoor spaces and fence lines. Looking from above, you can appreciate the property's layout, including the roof structure, the shape of the yard, and how the house sits within its lot.  This view captures the home from the back, which is not usually seen.  Another angle to view a home is with floorplans.   To View Angles of your 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)
Negotiation is like poker, where you try to figure out what others think and how to get what you want. Two ways to do this are bluffing and telling untrue things, but they’re different!Bluffing is like pretending you have a super strong hand in a card game. Imagine saying you’re ready to leave the game if you don’t get what you want, even though you don’t want to go. You act confident and strong to make the other person worry and give in. If you can bluff well, you might get what you want. But be careful! If someone calls your bluff, they might not trust you later.Now, telling untrue things is more serious. This is like lying or making up stuff to trick the other person. If you do this, you’re breaking their trust, hurting your chances of working together again. Once trust is broken, it...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This stunning four-level split home off Stevenson Road inside the beltway, Exit 21, has officially been sold and settled! This beautiful property features 5000 square feet and four levels of luxurious living space, offering four spacious bedrooms and two and a half baths.The elegant living room, highlighted by a charming bay window, provided the perfect backdrop for gatherings with family and friends. The primary bedroom suite was a true retreat, complete with a soothing jetted tub, separate vanities, heated floors, a lavish walk-in shower, and a generously sized closet.  The kitchen, designed for both cooking and entertaining, boasted architectural ceilings, a grand granite island that seats six, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, and ample space for a full-sized dining table ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
2322 Sugarcone Rd 21209This letter captures the love the owners feel as they say goodbye to their home. It highlights the deep connections we have with our living spaces, making it a perfect sentiment for Valentine's Day. ''We still remember the day we first visited 2322 Sugarcone. It was a hidden gem nested in the trees. We took a tour through the home appreciating the spacious entry and large rooms and knew that we could make it our home. It was a labor of love to get the home in the condition it is now. Peeling away the layers of time – removing overgrown trees and taking down outdated wallpaper, enlarged the windows and updates to numerous to list and we finally started to see the home we have grown to love. Each morning the home fills with sunlight as a great way to start the day. ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When you find yourself fortunate to have multiple offers on your home, the decision can feel overwhelming. Focusing solely on the highest price is easy, but several other factors could impact your overall experience and future plans.  You always have a choice and hope you chose the right one.Here are some key points to help you evaluate your offers:Price vs. Terms: While it's tempting to go with the highest offer, take a moment to consider the terms attached to each one. Look at the closing timeline—do you want a quick sale, or are you willing to wait a little longer for a better offer? Sometimes, a slightly lower price could come with a more favorable closing schedule that better suits your needs.Type of Financing: Different financing options can impact a deal's reliability. Offers bac...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Eighteen years ago, Paul and Susan bought this home, filling it with love and memories. They now hope the new owners will create their own joyful moments here and have shared a heartfelt letter.''We built 2007 Thistlewood Road in 2007, so it was easy to remember the year our family moved into our new home.  My husband and I, and our three daughters, ages 5, 5, and 3, dreamed of living in a colonial, in a brand-new beautiful neighborhood, as opposed to a rancher in an older neighborhood.  One of our twins, Lily is wheelchair bound.  Our dreams came true, through the kindness of our builders Beazer Homes.  Beazer was so helpful in accommodating the house’s floor plans to create an elevator shaft with a door that opened into Lily’s bedroom.  On the exciting July day our family moved in, t...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This month's contest, hosted by Debe and Pat, asks us to write about why we love real estate. Anyone who knows anything about me knows the passion and love I've had for the past three and a half decades. I do think most of my posts describe my joy and love for the profession.  I said I would leave when real estate stops being fun. In all these years, I have never thought about leaving. It's fun, and I still love it.  It’s not just about buying and selling houses; it’s about the stories and emotions behind each buyer, seller, and home. Every house has history, and I find it incredible that each can hold many cherished memories.Whenever I walk into a potential new listing, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. I think about the perfect buyer and how they will live and enjoy this ho...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How Many Years Under Your Belt?Buying and selling properties involves a lot more than it might seem at first glance. While the process may appear straightforward, there are numerous factors to consider, including financing, inspections, negotiations, and legal documentation. It can get quite complex! Real estate is more than the three P's It's about providing valuable information and guidance throughout the entire process. But how do we keep ourselves updated and informed?  One of the best ways to stay informed is to learn from others in the industry—brokers, contractors, agents, lenders, attorneys, and mentors. There are also real estate classes, webinars, and a wealth of publications that can help. The more transactions you are involved with, the more you learn.What about buyers and s...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Understanding Radon: Why Testing is for a Healthier HomeWhen it comes to maintaining a safe and healthy home, we monitor smoke detectors and perform regular pest control. But what about radon? This invisible, odorless gas can enter our homes and pose health risks, highlighting the importance of radon testing for every homeowner. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in the soil and rocks. While it exists in the atmosphere in small amounts, it can accumulate in homes, particularly in basements and lower levels.Radon is linked to lung cancer, but the good news is that testing for radon is simple and easy to do.You might be wondering why radon isn’t more widely discussed. After all, everyone knows how to check for carbon monoxide and make s...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Where is your number If I can’t easily find your phone number, neither can anyone else! It’s like hiding or maybe being a secret agent. Buyers and sellers might want to chat, but if they have to embark on a scavenger hunt for your info, they’ll probably text their cat instead!  Where is your numberSince the beginning of ActiveRain, I have interacted with an ActiveRainer daily. There are far too many to count or keep track of, but I’ve contacted members for various reasons. Sometimes, I found their post interesting, had a question, appreciated a comment, or wanted to learn more. Other times, I needed to refer a buyer or seller in their area. And sometimes, I just wanted to chat. I may feel a special connection based on something I experienced or observed that reminded me of that person. ...
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