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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)
 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...
Comments 26
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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...
Comments 15
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Sunday, January 22, I invited a guest Joe Brandli of Pillar To Post.  Joe will give suggestions, discuss, and answer questions about all aspects of the home inspection.Since the inspection process is the most time-consuming activity that a Realtor® deals with, I am pleased to have a professional on the show. There are three ways to listen.One on your radio dial  WCBM 680 AMTwo Internet WCBM.com or the Three Use the app WCBM.Noon SundayIf you would like to ask a question or talk about home inspections, you can call 410-922-6680 or text me410-530-2400What questions would you like answered?Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome  
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Prepare Your Sellers For The Home Inspection Time to talk about home inspections and let the seller know what to expect.With a smile, I say it is simultaneously similar to a root canal and a colonoscopy. Here are a few things to help sellers get ready:First, have the sellers leave the house!Let them know it could be several hours. It could be 1-2 or 5-6 but let them know you will stay in touch. They need to be available by phone, especially if there are any questions. Suggest they have clothes in the washing machine and the dryer, dishes in the dishwasher, and the appliance set to "start."You've now made it easy for the inspector ...who does not have to "figure out" your appliances.Make sure all the windows and doors open and close and are not blocked.Ensure access to the attic, the ele...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
My marketing targets buyer needs. As a listing agent, I have many potential buyers waiting for the right house. So if I find them a home, I can put theirs on the market.  If you are thinking about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 My day was made when I checked my email and found this lovely note from one of my most recent sellers.   ''My experience working with Margaret Rome was amazing.  I’ve moved many times over the years due to work transfers, and know it’s a process of choosing a realtor. Margaret was the first realtor I called.  As soon as she walked into the house, all she saw was the positives and potential.  Her knowledge and passion for real estate and the local market was impressive.  She also understood how difficult it was for me to sell my late brother’s house and was very patient, kind and helpful as I prepared it to go on the market.  She was always available if I had a question and never failed to contact me before a showing and after to share any comments made.  Her various marketing tools gav...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It All Depends on Who You Talk To I've been talking with people about the current real estate market in the past week. Ask the man who just sold his house, and he'll say the market is excellent. Ask the woman whose house has been listed for several months, and she'll tell you the market is terrible. The truth is they're both right. I talked with a man who bought his house two years ago and wants to ask for several hundred thousand more. I thought, "Terrific! He must have made some great improvements. Maybe there's an addition, a new kitchen, or a pool with a hot tub." But he hadn't - all he had done was paint. I had to tell him that the market would not support that price bump these days.But a house priced right with a fair profit for the seller and a good value for the buyer will sell....
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
With interest rates doubling recently from the low threes to seven percent, it has reduced the buying power by 30-40%. That means as the rate, hopefully, drops, buyers can afford more house. They can also refinance if that happens.As John Meussner  in California states: " if rate increases put potential buyers on the sidelines, it would reason that reduced rates would bring buyers back to the market." Don't stop looking! As more homes come on the market, there should be more room to negotiate. Maybe you don't have to go to your maximum loan limit. Perhaps you can get a home more reasonably now. Many buyers have quit looking, and many sellers are in a position where they are ready to sell fast. The good thing is the feeding frenzy has calmed down. The multiple offers have slowed down, an...
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Friggatriskaidekaphobia... What A Great Word! It is Friday the 13th! Do you know anyone who has friggatriskaidekaphobia?  The definition of friggatriskaidekaphobia is a severe fear of Fridays that fall on the thirteenth.Here's an interesting fact:  Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.Some clients have asked not to settle on Friday the 13th, and others will not live on the 13th floor of an elevator building. Some high-rise buildings go from 12 to 14 and skip thirteen. (Do they think the 14th floor is not the 13th?)   We make our luck...good or bad. If you wake up with an "oh no, it's the 13th,'' and it happens to be Friday...you have already set yourself up for a not-so-good day. Just because a listing does not appraise, the air conditioner is not ...
Comments 33
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What do you fear, what are you afraid of, and what keeps you from living a full life?Umar Hameed is going to answer these questions on Sunday.My radio guest is an expert in changing individual behavior. He uses techniques and tools of Applied Neuroscience and NLP to make individuals and organizations more successful. He has been the Keynote Speaker in 16 countries and held a briefing at the white house. He's the author of three books, and his latest title is Unleash Your Crazy Sexy Brain.  Please tune in Sunday, January 8, to listen toUmar Hameed & Margaret Rome  
Comments 20
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
I am grateful for this heartfelt letter from my beautiful buyer.    ''Margaret Rome - A Force of NatureI am a retired professional woman and first-time property buyer who sought Margaret Rome’s help to buy a condominium. Margaret Rome, an amazing, skilled realtor, exceeded all my expectations and helped me find the perfect condominium.Margaret took me in hand; provided ongoing buyer education and reassurance; guided me relative to my purchase; maintained a watchful, close eye on events as they unfolded, and kept her hand on the process from inception to sale completion! Never was such a naïve buyer so lucky to find such a “mama bear” realtor!During the peak of summer vacations Margaret secured a seasoned housing inspector and stayed with me while he performed the inspection and detailed...
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
January 2023 Marketing Challenge!Anna Banana Kruchten, Phoenix Broker, and Aura Alex are co-hosts for this contest and are asking for our most effective marketing tips and practices that have led to success in the real estate business. Being a big believer in marketing, this is fun.  There are many ways to market, brand, and advertise. It is our job to let the folks know we are in real estate! It is not their job to remember!Half the advertising does not work, but do we know which half? There are so many ways of marketing. Check out other marketing Consistency is my marketing secret, including my weekly advertising, blogging, and radio show.  Since I build my listing inventory at the end of the year, I have been having an excellent  December and January. But I need to be careful not to ...
Comments 21
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
One of my clients is moving out of state when her home is sold. She asked how to find a Realtor® to help in her new area. Easy peasy! Just give me the city, state, and zip; with my connections, I can find an experienced agent in every state. This comes from my long-standing participation in ActiveRain. Usually, in one or two phone calls, I can hook you up with a professional, seasoned agent in your desired area.Moving is less stressful when you already have someone working for you in your chosen area. Give me a call so we can find you the best Realtor® for your needs. So the client above asked how to find an agent. Within 24 hours, I had the right person and introduced the two of them. My seller is now looking forward to her search in Virginia and knows she is in good hands. Just anothe...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Help Me Celebrate TEN years on live radio.Sunday, January 1, 2023 ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE    ON AIR PARTYEveryone is invited! 12 noonCall In 410-922-6680 or Listen to  http://www.wcbm.com/  There is also an app called WCBM.   So let's have some fun.  ActiveRain members are invited to listen/call/text if you are up early enough this New Year's Day! (The football games don't start until 1.) What are you doing on New Year's Day? Help me celebrateTEN YEARS  'All About Real Estate ' 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Like averages (which we know are meaningless!), headlines tell only a tiny part of any story. Indeed, getting a reasonable price for your home in a sale is essential, or getting a great deal if you buy. Remember to look at your own housing needs and not listen to others. Most folks don't buy a home to make money; they do it as a place to raise their family, entertain, put down roots, and feel secure. Housing markets go through cycles. The down markets follow up markets which follow down markets.People who have been in the industry long enough recognize they are as natural as the seasons. And the real estate professionals who have built their careers on service and value will find the ups just as exciting as everyone else and the downs not nearly so deep.Thinking of selling a homeCall M...
Comments 24
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It's all about passion. The real estate business is the best profession in the world in any season. People buy and sell all year long.Go ahead, march to your drummer. There is no time clock. You make and set the hours. You are the boss.And this profession is compatible with all personalities. The good, the bad, and the ugly can make a career on their terms. However, our industry continues to experience a revolving door.Is it because agents never find their niche in the business? They are too busy looking for that magic bullet, the newest gadget, the latest program that will bring all the buyers and sellers straight to them.It's not about making your market larger but instead fine-tuning what you are doing that works. Bigger is not necessarily better. Find your passion,  focus on it and ...
Comments 23
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How's the weather? That's a question to ask in Baltimore today. It started at 57 degrees this morning, dropping as I write. At 11 am, it's down to 25 degrees, with rain, snow flurries, and wind blowing at 22 miles an hour. Oh, and the sun just came out.The forecast is for an extreme temperature drop down to single digits. So when you ask about the weather, it depends on what time you inquire and what area. Reminds me of real estate. You can listen to the news, read the headlines, or listen to buyers and sellers. The market is excellent if your house gets lots of showings and sells. You might perceive a lousy market if your house does not. As with the weather, real estate is also subject to change.The weather and real estate are both local.Be careful who you listen to. Questions about bu...
Comments 24
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The above photos show an open floor plan with entertaining areas and storage galore 45 drawers in the gourmet kitchen. Three to four bedrooms with an oversized garage measuring 30' x19' with storage rooms. Gorgeous, relaxing landscaped pond and waterfalls. Huge patio areas with retractable awning. Stone floors, a sexy shower, a heated towel rack, and a  smart Toto.   Porcelain heated bath floors, tankless hot water, pocket doors, clerestory windows, a bedroom with two walk-in closets, and custom storage. Are you looking for private, convenient one-level living?  NO STEPS.Are you looking for luxury in a private home?Are you looking for convenience without condo fees?Are you looking to move in and start living.?Look no more...Click To See Photos3433 Philips Drive may be your home.Call Ma...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When asked the question, "Why hasn't this house sold, it would be easy to say it is overpriced. And most agents would agree. But there are quite a few homes that are unusual, funky a bit quirky, and my answer is THE RIGHT BUYER HAS NOT SEEN THIS HOUSE!  It's time to try new ways to get the property into the vision of those interested. Some unusual homes are bought by folks who were not even looking to move. Kind of like art, you don't NEED it, but when you see the piece you can't live without, you have to own it. So yes, some properties are on the market longer than others. And when asked why the answer may be the right buyer has not seen this home. Thinking about selling your unique homeCall Margaret Rome 
Comments 13
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
New agents inspire me with their enthusiasm. When speaking to newly licensed agents, or those in the first year or two,  there may be only one that sparkles. That's what I am looking for. Not the ones who are complaining that they did not get a new listing from their friend. It's the ones excited to go after a hunch and listen to new ideas of getting a new buyer or seller. You can almost see that fire in their belly. Sharing with other agents makes us better agents. These newer agents see things from a unique point of view, and they ask questions. These questions keep us all sharp.When was the last time you shared with, listened to, mentored, or even spoke with a newer agent?Give it a try. You, too, may be inspired by a newbie.When asked: Is this a good time to get into real estate? My ...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It's the middle of December, and some think REAL ESTATE has shut down.  Buyers are still looking for a home. Sellers are still anxious to sell. Appointments are still being made. Families gathering during the holidays are still thinking about moving. I am still available for those calls. Here is my ad for this week. Does it look like I've slowed down?Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! wrote a post recently that reminded me of the inspection attended by both mothers-in-law of a young married couple. They killed that deal but not before dragging it out and upsetting everyone. The young buyers loved the house but made a mistake bringing along both moms! There was nothing right for those two women. They took the wind out of the sails of the young wanna-be homeowners. They gave knit-picking a whole new meaning. They badgered the inspector to highlight and bold every minor defect. They thought by doing this, and they could negotiate a better price for the home. They came back with a long list of minor repairs and asked for a considerable reduction in its place. The kids wanted the house, the parents destroyed the negotiation, and the seller...
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