Baltimore County, MD Real Estate News

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Who is this radio show for?  It's hard to tell who listens while sitting in the studio alone. It's for the general public's education.  It is for those who are thinking about buying or selling.  It is for those who have had a RE transaction and want to share their experience.It's for my past, present, and future buyers and sellers. It is for Realtors® (new and seasoned), brokers, RE professionals such as inspectors, contractors, title people, and lenders who share and learn from each other. It's for those who love Real Estate. Recently, someone told me her husband listens weekly, and she knows better than to "bother" him between 12 and 1 on Sundays.  The funny thing is, they have absolutely no plans of moving.  And many of my knowledgeable callers are lifelong renters and choose never t...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Here is what happens when there is teamwork and vision.  It starts with the owners of Kar-Ess Properties, Karen and Esther, a cute play on their names.  They saw a home's potential in a wonderful location in great need of TLC. Note: Anyone around me for a while knows that Tender Loving  Care TLC also has a different meaning when describing specific properties.  In addition to passion, vision, talent, hard work, and expertise, there must be " Tons Liquid Cash!" It's not an exaggeration; cost is a huge factor.  What needs to be done to wake up a tired house has many stages. Bathroom before We put in an as-is offer, a 2-week settlement with the right to inspect.  The roof and a dry basement are two biggies anyone buying must evaluate.  A contractor "checked" these two areas and gave us a g...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Have you or are you thinking about buying a home that needs a great deal of work? It sounds pretty simple to buy at a low bargain price and then sell it much higher. When I say low, I mean much lower than those selling in the neighborhood, knowing you can probably resell it for much more, maybe even double what you paid. But be careful!This flipping business is not what you see on TV programs. I promise it is not as easy as it seems.You could lose your shirt by not considering these things.-The amount of work,-The time needed to invest in the project -Demolition and dumpsters- The cost of carrying the money. Maybe you are dealing with hard money, and the rates are exorbitant. Time is not on your side.-How expensive supplies and labor are.-Thinking that the resale is going to be a consid...
Comments 19
By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Sundae's on Sunday at the Arbutus Branch Public LibraryTo celebrate the return of Sunday hours, the Arbutus Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library is hosting Sundaes on Sunday through October. This Sunday, September 17, the Miss Twist truck will be at our Arbutus Branch from 3 to 4 p.m. Anyone who shows a library card receives a one-topping sundae. After the sweet treat, come inside and register to win two tickets to Funny Girl at the Hippodrome Theater or a family four-pack of tickets to the Maryland Science Center. Arbutus, Cockeysville, North Point, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, Pikesville, and Towson branches are open from 1 to 5 p.m. each Sunday through May 19, 2024, for basic services. The Arbutus Branch is located at 855 Sulphur Spring Rd, Arbutus, MD 21227 near the post office.
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
3436 Halcyon RdStevenson 21153What a find!  Colorful and fun 90-year-old farm-style house sitting on 2.6 magnificent Stevenson acres.  Alive with color and charm! It has a front porch and foyer, but friends and family use the rear entry to get the full beauty of the vast private-level lot.  This house exudes old-world charm, simplicity, and warmth.If you ever wanted to live in a Farm-style house with  52 windows, five to six bedrooms, ( two are primary suites ), 3 1/2 baths, four levels, and sitting on magnificent acreage in Stevenson 21153 …then you may have found your home.  It is not for everyone; it's not contemporary, and it's not done in greys and whites, but it's a charming farmhouse property with high ceilings, wood floors, and rooms in a rainbow of colors showing off old charm ...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Finding properties for a buyer when inventory is low to non-existent has been a real challenge. Finding a perfect home-even more of a challenge. I have been working with this buyer for a year or more.  Her desires in a home are specific, and she does not deviate. Her wish list is in Baltimore County, with an easy commute to her studio.  It has to be pristine (if not brand new) and finished to move in immediately.  Public water and gas cooking is a must.Loving the look of the soft greys and whites and lots of light, she wants a bright open floorplan with white cabinets, black hardware, granite or quartz counters, a finished walk-out basement with a separate bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closets, and laundry.  A wide driveway and a garage with easy access are essential, along with high ceili...
Comments 16
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
8319 Stevenson RoadStevenson 21208MLS #   MDBC2077546Rarely available, better than new, is this four-bedroom, three full-bath Stevenson Rancher.  Two-car garage with access from the front, kitchen, and patio.  Wall of sliding glass plus a separate door to the patio and deck.  Check out the gleaming wood floors on the entire first level.  The bright gourmet kitchen looks great against groceries with the white and grey quartz 'waterfall' counters.  Stainless appliances include a deep sink with a curved black faucet and a double-door, double-drawer refrigerator/freezer.  Five burner gas cooking with double oven and microwave.  Convenient laundry on both levels.  Central Air and warm gas heat.  Beautiful open floor plan includes kitchen, dining, and living.  Luxury vinyl plank flooring on t...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Just last week, we had a smooth settlement on my new listing. This seller was responsive, kind, and a pleasure to work with.  He always got exactly what we needed for the closing: his quick responses, follow-up, ordering the condo docs, or doing some minor repairs were done with speed and efficiency. And the above message arrived this week. My Lee always said I worked for thank you notes. And he was always right.Thinking about selling a home,Call Margaret Rome
Comments 12
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291 September 01, 2023 08:07 AM     How do we find the right house in the right location? Please tell me where you want to be and let me draw you a map. A picture is worth a thousand words. Below is a view of the area where we are looking for  Baltimore homes. I have lovely out-of-state buyers relocating a large family and will need three single-family homes. Two would be starter homes, three plus bedrooms, two baths, and children and pet-friendly backyards. The third home could be much larger and more upscale. Four, five, or even more bedrooms with a sizable lot and a pool would be ideal. If you have a home or know of someone who lives in this area, please call me. Instead of listing t...
Comments 8
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Real Estate Licensing in MarylandEffective August 2023, agents will no longer be able to self-declare their continuing education classes.  Licensees who have not completed their CE requirements or are not showing the necessary CE hours in the renewal will no longer be able to self-certify compliance. If your license renewal date is coming up, check your CE status in the license portal and ensure your coursework is properly reported before your expiration date.What took so long?  It makes it easier for everyone.  There is no question whether you are compliant and have taken all your required courses.  There is no need to guess or round up your credits from past classes.  Find out if you have the necessary Continuing Credits and topics by going to the Real Estate Continuing Education  Sta...
Comments 10
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
9960 Shoshone Way Baltimore, Maryland 21133MLS MDBC 2072516The Village of Twelve Trees9960 Shoshone Way isSOLD & SETTLED We found the perfect and very lucky buyer for this home.It is the largest home in Twelve Trees, with four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths in this townhome.  The finished lower level has a guest suite with two rooms, a full bath, and a laundry room.  This would also make good office space, media room, or teenage hang-out. The granite kitchen, with a five-burner gas stove, has a window over the stainless sink, and it opens into the dining area with a ceiling fan and recessed lights.  Both of these rooms have hardwood flooring.  The 19' living room looks even more prominent with one mirrored wall.  The sliding glass doors open to the private deck with a gate, perfect for young ...
Comments 7
By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Assigned Out Of a Commission Here is the possible scenario: A real estate agent has a signed Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement with a buyer. A property is found and placed under contract with this buyer using this agent. The listing agent for this property has indicated via the Multiple List Service that a commission is being offered to buyer's agents, but not to sub-agents. The buyer assigns the contract of sale to another agent. The contract of sale that is typically used in Maryland does not allow for assignments. Since this particular buyer is a wholesaler, the agent, buyer, and the seller agree to remove this clause from the contract. The new buyer, the assignee, does not have an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement with the real estate agent and hence, has no obligation to pay a commis...
Comments 4
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Embracing Life’s Lessons The Rome Way The loss of my father  My daddy was a diabetic, and I gave him insulin shots as a little girl.  He died of a heart attack at forty-nine.  At eight years old, I knew I going to be a nurse!   My father's death made me appreciate each day spent with MY LEE.   We counted every day (16,802) of our marriage. Mother, a widow with two young kids, ran the restaurant business, opening from six in the morning until nine at night.  What a role model!  Mom taught by example, never missing one day in all those years. Maybe there is no coincidence that I've missed one live radio show in ten years.  A Car AccidentA car accident (I was rear-ended) put an end to my custom-designed porcelains. Since I refused back and neck surgery, the doctors told me not to lift anyt...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 When there is a transaction with a ''committee" you better be the chairperson!Your property may be coming on the market, is already listed or you may have an offer. Unsolicited advice starts coming in from others, like children, in-laws, siblings, best friends, neighbors, and even people you hardly know.  These are the people I refer to as "the committee."  Think about how your own family makes significant decisions.Even though the seller has complete title to the property (without legal or financial need) they may feel overwhelmed if not prepared for all the advice.If you are Selling by "committee"...you, the REALTOR®, must be the Chairperson.  Why?  Because everyone has an opinion to share.  Anyone who has ever lived in a house is now the expert.  They want to be helpful with the dec...
Comments 31
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The best things in life seldom happen overnight.  They take time, and patience is learned only by waiting.  This market has not been kind to buyers. We have been looking for the right house for these first-time buyers for the past year.  We texted and emailed each other as we screened the various properties.We could rule out many things from the description, location, price, and researching the house's history.  If one looked promising, I encouraged the buyers to drive by and see if they liked the curb appeal, the area, the traffic, the neighborhood, and the proximity to work and family.  Over this past year, we have ruled out and made many offers, only to be outbid with price or those who could waive both home inspection and appraisal.We got lucky this past week.  A home came on the ma...
Comments 19
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Stone Gate Ct 21208Cobblestone RancherMLS  #MDBC20698043 Bedrooms2 1/2 BathsHOA $220/Mo  This is the home these lucky buyers were waiting for, and they wasted no time. They toured on the same day it hit the market, made a successful bid, and we had a smooth closing this week.Check out this single-family rancher with a finished lower level and a two-car garage.The spacious primary bedroom, with a soaking tub and separate shower, has a door to the private patio. Did you notice the tray ceilings?    The second bedroom/media room with a full bath and an office with built-ins is also on the main level.  The bright eat-in kitchen has white appliances, cabinets, and granite on the counters and island. Another set of sliders from the kitchen leads to the enclosed private patio. A convenient la...
Comments 11
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The Clubhouse 6711 Park Heights Ave Baltimore, Md. 21215 #319 MDBA2094396     Rarely available one-bedroom, one-bath  bright corner condo unit on the third floor of The Clubhouse!  This all-brick condo at 6711 Park Heights Ave has the convenience of a full-service building. This third-floor unit is accessed by an elevator, and you have a doorman to greet you and help with your needs.     The light-filled eat-in kitchen, with a window, has updated appliances. In addition, there is a party room, library area, elegant lobby, and planned social activities. Your assigned parking space, #61, can be seen from your covered private balcony.      All Brick, well-built condo in Upper Park Heights  Baltimore, Maryland The lobby makes you feel welcome. Front desk personnel is available with a smile...
Comments 6
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
If you're thinking about purchasing a property that requires significant work, it might seem like a wise investment to buy it at a lower price and sell it at a higher one later.  However, it's crucial to be cautious when flipping homes. There are many factors to consider, such as the amount of work needed, the time frame, demolition and dumpsters, carrying costs, expensive supplies and labor, and the projected profit margin. Additionally, it would help if you predicted the market conditions when you plan to sell the property. As a contractor, you may have more insight and knowledge regarding the project's time and cost. However, if you're a buyer seeking an affordable house, you must take extra care. Ensure that the floor plan is practical and the major systems, such as the roof, heatin...
Comments 9
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
What Stays & What Goes When real estate contracts are made, it is essential to specify what the buyer wants to stay and what the seller is willing to leave.  It could include window coverings, appliances, built-ins, furniture, pool tables, lawn furniture, pool toys, paints, extra wallpaper, or flooring.  And don't forget the sheds, attics, crawl spaces, and contents.  It could also include personal artwork, furnishings, bed coverings, chandeliers, mirrors, and area carpets.  You don't want to hear the words: But I thought. This why it is essential to do a final walk thru when the house is vacant and before you go to settlement. I've had a transaction where the buyer tried to get the seller to remove some old appliances even though this property was sold AS IS.  The buyer attempted to ho...
Comments 14
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
9960 Shoshone Way 21133MLS MDBC 2072516The Village of Twelve Trees9960 Shoshone Way isTOO LATE We found the perfect and very lucky buyer for this home.It is the largest home in Twelve Trees.  Yep, four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths in this townhome.  The finished lower level has a guest suite with two rooms, a full bath, and a laundry room.  This would also make good office space, media room, or teenage hang-out. The granite kitchen, with a five-burner gas stove, has a window over the stainless sink, and it opens into the dining area with a ceiling fan and recessed lights.  Both of these rooms have hardwood flooring.  The 19' living room looks even more prominent with one mirrored wall.  The sliding glass doors open to the private deck with a gate, perfect for young people or pets.  The back...
Comments 6