It was a lovely closing last week, and today, I received the best gift...a testimonial:"We have heard every complaint about real estate agents. When it comes to Margaret Rome, we have none. She made the process of selling our home go smoothly. Margaret is highly practical, making only necessary recommendations. She is savvy. She knows her market and attracts buyers. And she goes for the best price possible, resisting pressure from other agents. She has the sellers' best interest in mind. She is responsive, considerate, and available. Most importantly, she has total integrity. We highly recommend listing your home with Margaret. Claire and Howard Freeland"                              12/07/2022

23 Cobbler CourtAnnen Woods 21208mls MDBC2053612 23 Cobbler Ct in Annen Woods is sold and settled. It never hit the market. The buyer and seller had made contact and tried to make a private sale. Emotions got in the way, and that's when I was contacted to list the home. In the meantime, the buyer had an agent selling her home who called to see if we could make this transaction happen.It turned into a pleasant and smooth transaction.We came to terms, and settlement took place on December 5th. Congratulations to the buyer and seller.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 12/06/2022

For me, blogging is a way to record my real estate happenings. I can share with my clients and my listening audience what is happening. If it is a listing, an open house, a too-late property, or a smooth settlement, I am logging in to share all about real estate.It is also a way to engage others. My buyers, sellers, and radio listeners have access. I have a link in my email address, and I love that the public can follow me. If there is a question on the show, via email, or a phone call...I may turn that question into a blog. And then that blog can become a topic for my radio show: double duty and a great way to stay in touch with clients.So many people have stopped or slowed down their daily or weekly posting using the lack of SEO as their reason. As long as I have comments, calls, emai... 12/05/2022

Would you like to settle by the end of the year?That's right. Today is the 4th of December, and yes, if you had the right property, we could settle by the end of the year. How? Qualified buyer, no financing contingency, yes, an actual cash sale. Will take the property in AS IS in any condition. Areas are 21208, 21209, small, medium, or large. I have a buyer who wants to close on a house before the new year. Do you have a property that might be suitable? Do you have a home to sell and don't want to fix it up? Can you give a clear title in a matter of weeks?Let's make it happen.Thinking of selling your  northwest Baltimore homeCall Margaret Rome 12/04/2022

When getting your house ready to list...here are a few things to consider : -Get a pre-inspection -Replace any defective light bulbs-Have the house professionally cleaned-Have windows and vents cleaned-Open curtains and blinds to allow maximum light- Make sure your front door is inviting-Replace the doormat-Paint or replace the mailbox-Repair and replace anything broken-Keep trash cans emptied-Have a pet plan -Organize and clear counters-Donate unused itemsThere are many more steps, but this is a good start.Questions about selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  - 12/03/2022

 It was back in 2006 when I got bitten by the blogging bug. My background as a nurse and artist did not train me to write a blog or host a radio show. To do both, I found that these three traits are most needed: passion, consistency, and uniqueness. Passion- Anyone who knows me has experienced my passion, whether my nursing, ceramic art, or my 47-year marriage, where we counted every day. I love what I do! Passion drives me.  Consistency-When you love what you do, sustaining a routine, including daily phone calls and comments, is natural. And on that same note showing up and hosting a live weekly radio show.  Uniqueness-Marching to your own drummer and sticking to your convictions. Don't be afraid to try a new concept. Instead of looking for approval, find what works for you. Some call ... 12/02/2022

One Diamond Crest Court Baltimore, County 21209MLS MDBC2024820 A beautiful home in The Gables at Summit Chase.Click To See More Photos  One Diamond Crest Ct is a five-bedroom, two-story home with three finished levels, a two-car garage, and a fabulous screened porch off the gourmet kitchen. This one shows pride of ownership, and...we found the lucky buyers.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome. 12/01/2022

Everyone is under stress right before closing. So many details to take care of in addition to emptying the house and  having it "broom clean."  Take time to compliment the seller for the way they leave the house for the final walk-through. Many sellers vacate their homes and hire a cleaning service for this last phase.   Sellers are exhausted, and a simple thank you or at least acknowledging the effort put forth to get the house in condition to turn it over to the new buyers is the least you can do. If the buyers don't express their gratitude, please agents on both sides should complement the seller. I do feel that the way the house is left shows the character of the seller. Also, the way the buyer receives the home shows their personality.Thinking about selling your home Call Margaret ... 11/30/2022

 A definition of contingency is a  future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. Essentially, a contingency is a condition that must be met before an agreement can move forward. There are many types of contingencies, and here is a list of some:  Financing Appraisal Inspection Home Sale Well/Septic Termite Radon Lead-Based Paint Document Review Finding a home And these contingencies have to be met to complete the transaction.Can you name more RE contingencies? 11/27/2022

Why DO people move? Here's a list of a few reasons that I can think of that make folks want or need to move. How many more can you add to the list? I just used the fourth letter of the alphabet. DesireDiamondsDeathDivorce Diapers and DeliveryDecor changeDebtDefaultDownsizingDisasterDeclining HealthDisabilityDistance Degrees & DiplomasDistricts Declining healthDesire to please anotherDemographics Driving When thinking about buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome. 11/26/2022

This is a busy travel week for so many. If you are leaving your home for more than a day, you might want to ensure safety by  considering the following:-Have someone check on your house daily.-Arrange to have mail and packages taken in.-Place timers on your lighting.-Do not post your travel plans on social media.-Have a professional security system.-Turn your water off. Are you traveling this week? Enjoy and be safe.Happy, Healthy, and Safe Thanksgiving.Thinking about selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  11/21/2022

 Thankful for the Sunday before Thanksgiving.So much to be grateful for, especially in Real Estate. So thankful for buyers and sellers, those who ask me questions, those who have let me talk them out of selling their home, those who have said, "heard you on the radio," or ''my spouse listens every week.''  I'm thankful for all those who call in during the show and those that text me during the show for support or to let me know when I make a mistake. Thankful for those who call in during the week. I'm grateful to those who have bought or sold a home with me. Thankful for how many of you have become friends over the years. Thankful that other listeners are interested and learn from your calls, especially when I have talked about spam calls, mail scams, and emails and how real they sound.... 11/20/2022

Someone asked if I continue to advertise at this time of the year. My answer is affirmative.  Each week I run this type of marketing piece.  It has my listings, recent sales, too-late under contract, and a list of homes I have ready buyers. The consistency of this type of in-your-face marketing keeps my pipeline full all year long.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 11/15/2022

Routine maintenance is critical when living in a home that is six decades old. I had some plumbing work done this week: including some new faucets, and replaced a leaking instant hot dispenser. While my trusted master plumber was here, he was appalled by the location of the water shutoff (hard to get to and corroded) and the fact that it took strength to shut it off.He suggested we replace it in case of a water emergency;  That way, I would have easy access and ease of cutting it off. I, of course, said to do it now, even though it would take several hours because of the location.He finished cutting an access panel, and the new valve was so smooth it could be turned off or on with one little finger. Ah, peace of mind.  Before and After Fast forward just one day, I came home to water in ... 11/13/2022

Here is a way to give information to more people. When asked a question like'Should I pay my mortgage before the closing,' I answer the question and then put it into the blog platform and make it part of my ad by using it with the graphic below. Have a question for me? Ask away. Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 11/08/2022

 5731 Old Court RdBaltimore, Maryland 21244MLS# MDBC2050384Here is a big little house that is ready and waiting for your TLC. Charming  Baltimore County 75-year-old single-family home sitting on a .04 acre lot backing to farmland.  The main level has an eat-in kitchen with gas cooking, a dining room,  a large living room,  and back and side porches. There is a full basement and a wood-burning stove; this home is loaded with charm and waiting for the right buyer. And there is a separate two-car garage. Are you ready to make this big little house beautiful again? Minutes to Northwest Hospital.Click To See More Pictures 11/05/2022

  Turn Your s Back One Hour... It's Day Light Saving Time                                            We all remember the phrase "Spring forward, Fall back," which reminds us how Daylight Saving Time affects all our time-telling devices, including computers, clocks, Smart Phones, microwaves, car clocks, and numerous watches and timepieces we may own. Most of our gadgets update automatically.But...there are still a few devices that need our help manually.   The first Sunday morning in November, at 2 a.m, is when we "fall back." It might be easier to change them before you go to bed Saturday tonight.Please don't forget to set your clocks back one hour and return to Standard Time. Remember to remind your  Sunday morning appointments of the time change.Or do you show up and assume they will ... 11/04/2022

I am thankful for my print advertising and how sellers find me.There is a lot of information loaded in this one advertisement. My current properties are listed; there's a 'Too Late' and a 'Sold,' and there are homes that I need for buyers. There's still room for my radio show, logo, website info, and phone numbers. There is a subtle mention of 'carving' out time, hoping to hint at Halloween and Thanksgiving... using the fall colors for this time of the year. How much can you get into an ad?It's all about advertising and I am thankful.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome 11/02/2022

Look at this almost 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 living room's beautiful curved stone wood-burning fireplace. 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, and an abundant amount of custom wood cabinets, and it is ideal for the gourmet cook. Enjoy easy living with the stainless three-door refrigerat... 10/31/2022

This Autumn is a gorgeous season, with the trees as pretty as ever. Blazes of color are all around, and I want to take photos of them, but I usually notice them more when driving. So I stick to pictures around my house.Eye candy everywhere. So lucky to live in a mid-Atlantic state with all four seasons.    But here is the real reason that Autumn is called FALL. The leaves are falling everywhere. Prettier on the tree than on the porch, but still a season of beauty. I hope you are also enjoying this gorgeous weather.Selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  10/29/2022