I had just graduated from Nursing School and had my dream job working in the Pediatric Clinic at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. It was time for my first car, my graduation gift from my mom. When I went car shopping, I found the perfect vehicle. Sitting on the dealer's lot was a white (less than a year old) convertible Chevelle Malibu with a red leather interior. Yep, I was in love! The price was $2995.00My budget was only $2000, and I decided to try something.   I had a check made out to the dealership for two grand. What did I have to lose? I told the dealer I wanted to take the car to my mechanic, and if it checked out, I wanted to purchase it. Without any discussion, I handed him a check one-third less than the asking sticker price. He reached for the check, saw the amount, and shook h... 09/26/2022

Wonderful Wacky WomenThis group of friends has been meeting monthly for the past 3 or 4 decades. And this week, Vickie hosted a lovely afternoon luncheon at her gorgeous home. Friendship, fun, and food sum up how we celebrated Vickie's birthday. So popular is she that there were not one but two cakes. It was delightful being together with a lovely array of delicious treats catered by Gene and Vickie. Lively conversation, camaraderie,  laughter, watching the birds, the  Clydesdale, and a miniature horse, added to the festivities.   And as we left, there was a party mug for each of us. The words describe us!   07/29/2022

Do you want a first-floor bedroom in Baltimore?The most sought-after feature has been first-floor primary bedrooms for many years. Every other call is for a home that has no steps, is accessible, or is a move-in-ready rancher. Take a look at these five homes. All are very different, but each has at least a bedroom and bath on the main level. All are in move-in condition.  Price ranges from 400k  to 2.9 millionClick on each address below for a description and more photos. 3433 Philips Dr 21208  8200 Stevenson Rd 21208  8205 Tama Ct 21208   10515 Harford Rd 21057  27 E Chatsworth Ave 21136 If you are looking for a first-floor bedroom or an unusual homeCall Margaret Rome   07/11/2022

Opening the dishwasher and finding the plastics wet is a nuisance. Yes, an actual first-world problem. I have checked with various manufacturers, and there is a list of things you can do. Plumbers and appliance repair people suggested it was the "wrong" brand of the dishwasher. They also said it was imperative always to use a specific brand of rinse aid. Some literature advises not to place plastic containers, of any kind, in the dishwasher. Drying is more challenging than cleaning because the surface area traps water, and moisture doesn't evaporate.For many years, I have accepted these wet containers, lids, and plastic utensils. Deal with it, use a towel, and dry them. It only takes a minute or two. That's until NOW! Here is the solution. And a pretty darn simple one! Look at the resul... 06/02/2022

When looking for a house,  they should make sure it is the right one.   Real Estate agents make sure the buyers love the home before writing the offer. Now is not the time for pressure, quick decisions, and possible mistakes. When looking for your home, but only if/when you love it!  03/09/2022

On Sunday, a text after my radio show read:"My home was just listed on Thursday, and my realtor is suggesting we already drop the price. A home just sold in my neighborhood two months ago for $50,000 higher than I listed the house, and I'm wondering in this current market aren't things taking longer than a couple of days to get a contract?"Because an agent represents this person, I suggested they have a conversation with their Realtor­® My thoughts :Since when is three days after listing too long? If priced correctly, why is the agent suggesting a  reduction?Give me a break, three days, and a demand for a price reduction. Are we getting carried away with DOM? Are we looking out for the best interest of our clients? Who benefits from multiple offers. In some areas of our country, I can a... 03/08/2022

Open House 12.4.21Saturday 12-1 pmNew Listing First Open HouseTake a look at this  3000’  all brick rancher, a contemporary gem with one entire floor of gracious living…one level with no steps.Click To See The Slideshow Photos8205 Tama CtStevenson 21208MLS #MDBC2011878Check out this  Stevenson move-in-ready rancher with five bedrooms, two and a half luxury baths, an in-ground fenced pool, and a quiet cul-de-sac location.   The focal point is the beautiful curved stone wood-burning fireplace in the living room. And gleaming wood floors shows the quality of this recent renovation. The 27’ kitchen is a gathering place for living and entertaining.Custom design includes clean lines with lots of granite, ceramic tile,  an abundant amount of custom wood cabinets and is ideal for the gourmet co... 12/03/2021

Most people, when they think of Thanksgiving dinner, think turkey. We even say happy turkey day. But there is more than that giant bird that makes the day. And many things to be thankful for making the entire day a success. Think about the planning, inviting, the cleaning, and getting ready the guest rooms. Think about the shopping, prepping, cooking, setting the table, finding the extra seating, dressing, and greeting each person.It is about the timing and getting the food in front of everyone while still hot and enjoying each other.The tradition is often that each person gets a turn to state what they are thankful for the year. This year our host, at the head of the table, spoke to and about each family member and guest. He spent time telling a story about the person and sharing what ... 11/26/2021

It's Thanksgiving week, and we have much to be thankful.  There are also lots of preparations, travel, football, friends, and family getting together. Everyone is excited to share this thankful holiday. Well, maybe not everyone!There's a lot to do, from shopping, cooking, cleaning, making beds for company,  setting the table, extra chairs, table extensions, decorations, entertaining, serving, and don't forget all the cleaning up. That's a lot of work.Have you and your home always been the gathering place, and if so, for how many years? Do you think it may be time for someone else to take over? Your siblings, your children, nieces, nephews, or friends?When sitting around with family and or company this week, have this conversation. Maybe this is time to right-size,  sell the big house, o... 11/20/2021

When I take on a new listing and know my sellers, I suggest they write a letter to their house. A few take me up on this task.  Here is the letter, written by my friend and owner of 8205 Tama Court 21208, which will be on the market this week. This owner did me proud.    "Dear House:Thank you for all the years of happiness you've facilitated for us, from hosting family & friends in your huge living room/dining room, where everyone always enjoys choosing food laid out on the 17' buffet, to more intimate get-togethers, where everyone gathers in the spacious kitchen.  Your double wall oven & cooktop make it easy to cook for big parties, and your granite countertops & kitchen island always provide plenty of counter space.  The travertine backsplash reminds everyone of Israel.  The cabinets ... 11/17/2021

John Meussner asked the following: 'OUTSIDE OF required continuing education, how often and what type of education or training do you pursue?' And here is my response:I go ahead and sign up for just about every class that looks the least bit interesting. If my schedule permits, I will take the course. ( if it's good, I stay till the end, if not, I leave) I read every interesting RE article I can get my hands on. Always have more CE credits than needed. I call anyone who seems to know more than me and ask questions. Each phone call with professionals is a way of learning and staying up with so many topics. Each RE transaction is like taking another course...always something to learn. I stay in touch with former trainers from Floyd Wickman, Mike and Mary Pallen, and Gary Sisson. I belong ... 10/21/2021

Today I noticed a few leaves that have started to change. Fall is in the air!   My favorite time to sell is right now, autumn/the last quarter of the year. The time to list is when the seller and the house are ready.  And that can be any of our four seasons.   Our market is changing along with the early fall colors.Now's the time to be out there taking advantage of this opportunity.   -Have buyers write up a wish list and find their dream home.-Up your marketing to attract buyers and sellers.-Have interesting topics to talk about on Sunday's live radio show -Use your blog to involve your buyers and sellers.-Stay in front of clients and prospects through blogging, ads, and All About Real Estate.-Keep an eye on expired, FSBO, and withdrawn properties. Harvest that crop of business.-Bring ... 09/23/2021

What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Why are you asking when it is the middle of September? Are you looking forward to the holiday?  Having your own home filled with friends, traditions, and memories?  Think about it. If you found the right home this month, you could have your holiday turkey in your new house.ORAre you one who is dreading the holiday with the cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and the concern of having a group in your home at this time?  Maybe the time is perfect to "rightsize"  from the big house.  If you answered affirmative to either of the above questions, now might be the perfect time to purchase a new residence.  This entry is my 4567th post, and I loved the number.Thinking of buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 09/20/2021

What happens to the house with the loss of a spouse? Here are a few different situations. -An older man lost his wife a few weeks earlier. He would not go back into his property and wanted it on the market now!  He did not feel the house was his home without her. Asking more questions, he told me he was staying in a rental and could not sleep in the house.  We did sell it to a young couple, blissfully in love, and that is what the seller wanted, someone in love to love his place.  Hearing who was buying, he sweetened the deal to afford the house comfortably. - For others, when losing a partner, they don’t want to leave the house. They want to stay in familiar/comfortable surroundings. Some suggest waiting at least a year to make a move. Sometimes the luxury of remaining is not possible.... 09/18/2021

Today we settled on 7 Green Heather Court in Stevenson. We found the very special buyers who were not looking for a home that was cookie-cutter or cloneonial? The more unique the property.., the more exciting.Buyers may not describe the home they are looking for, but they know when they find it. . They are waiting for the right buyer. Sellers often tell me...they knew it was the right place from the beginning...sort of love at first sight.  I love selling these homes with loads of personality. The most interesting people gravitate to these wonderfully special properties.We proved that today at the closing of  7 Green Heather Court 21208.Wishing the new owners lots of happiness in their new home!   If you are thinking of buying or selling an exceptional kind of homeCall Margaret Rome.  08/30/2021

Open House Sunday 2:30-3:30  7940 Stevenson Rd 21208 MDBC20000820 $699,944 5 Bedrooms 3 1/2 Baths    Here is a forever house with a total of nine accessible rooms on the main level. Five bedrooms, a sunroom with four sets of sliding doors to the patio, an office with a separate entrance, a family room, and a large den. Two bedrooms on the upper level with another full bath and abundant storage. Two wood-burning fireplaces plus a pellet stove. The patio is wired and ready for your hot tub.  Garage and studio/office with separate entrance. Updated and upgraded, this Sugar-built Stevenson home sits on a beautifully landscaped and manicured lot.     Click to see more photos.  7940 Stevenson Rd 21208 MDBC20000820 Open House Sunday 2:30-3:30 8.29. 2021 To See This Home Call Margaret Rome   08/28/2021

How do you want your home shown? Just because there is a lockbox on the front door, there should be security measures in place. A lockbox makes it easier for a buyer's agent to see the property almost anytime. And buyer's agents do love this convenience. And many times, this works out okay.  How and when a house is shown should be discussed at the time of the listing. All of the following are true.-The more accessible the house is to show, the easier it is to sell.-Always make your house ready at a moment's notice.-They can't buy it if they can't see it.-An out-of-town buyer has no time to waste. He needs to see a house now.-The showing you miss may be the buyer.  But showings should also be for the seller's convenience; the homeowner still lives in the property. Most properties are not... 08/27/2021

Notice the advertising below shows homes for sale, 'Too Late,' 'Sold,' and new listings. There is also a section for buyers looking for specific properties. The ad shows my tag line, my email, my website, my book, and my weekly radio show. My number is always much more prominent, making my phone ring.  The ad leads readers to the internet, and not everyone uses technology, email, or texting. Yes, another segment of the population reads print ads, especially real estate, and this group follows local advertising.There is more in an ad than just houses. Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome410-530-2400   08/24/2021

Showing instructions on a property should be simple.Below is not an example of easy showing instructions.   The above were the directions in the Multiple Listing System.If you read it a couple of times, you can figure out when to show the listing.A more straightforward way to give the showing time would be  Available daily 12-8 pm.  When selling a home...please make sure your showing instructions are easy to follow and not like the one above.Questions about selling a homeCall Margaret Rome .  08/12/2021

 We found the lucky buyer for8315 Stevenson Road21208 Sold & Settled We found the buyers who love this Stevenson Rancher! The first floor has THREE Bedroom suites, each with a Full Bath and a fourth bedroom or guest room with French doors.The bright white open kitchen has granite counters and an island with storage.   The main bedroom private suite has a barn door to close off the bathroom, plus a walk-in shower, marble flooring, a fireplace, and direct access to the pool!   Easy access in this two-car attached garage..Bright windows are throughout this beautiful home.  A raised area is perfect for a dining room.  The lower level has a large recreation room or 5th bedroom, half bath, and a huge walk-in closet perfect for au pair, guests, teens, or home offices.There is an abundant amoun... 07/15/2021