Start Thinking About a Garage In Your Baltimore Home and Forget the Scraper

You won't need this ice scraper and snow broom if your Baltimore home has a garage. (Have you guys in sunny California even seen one of these scrapers?)

After last year's record snow, this was a much sought after tool.  

                                       

Early this morning, low temperatures were responsible for icey windshields..not mine because we are fortunate to have a garage. This is the first frost I have noticed this season.
                                                       
One of the best ways to avoid scraping windshields and clearing snow off your auto is to own a home with a garage. Would you like to visit some homes and condos that offer garages?
Here are a few of my listings that have the perfect protection for you and your prized automobile... all with garages. Click on the links to read more and view more photos.

Bixler Church Rd in Westminster, MD 21158 A Bridge to the Garage  


Sleek High Styled 2 Level Penthouse Condo in Henderson's Wharf With Valet Parking!

2301 Velvet Ridge Drive 21117 has a garage and an indoor pool. 





 14 Timber Way Sprawling Rancher with a  Four Car Garage..
                           



The Risteau 2331 Old Court Rd 21208 Underground Parking With Concierge Valet 


  1 Gristmill Ct. #501 Annen Woods Garage and Doorman  

Would you like to own a home  with a garage? This is a really good time to purchase, Start Thinking About a Garage In Your Baltimore Home and Forget the Scraper!

Please contact  me to see any home with a garage or other special feature that you might desire.
410-530-2400
mrome@HomeRome.com

The Muse Medallion goes to Peg Silloway, My Publisher, My Friend!

My friend and publisher, Peg Silloway just won "The Muse Medallion".  You can read more about it on her post It's Happened Again

In Peg's words:"A week ago I sat in the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza and listened as the big names in the group and in media won awards for writing in magazines and columns, for audio, for broadcasting, for photographs and illustrations, and for a variety of books. Then it was the Gift Book category - my category. As the judge's comments were read I held my breath and my husband's hand as she concluded, "The Muse Medallion goes to Peg Silloway!" 
                                           
There is such pride in being recognized by your peers and those you admire. Don't you think her beautiful smile says it all?

I am so proud of Peg's accomplishments, after all... my book was the first published by Silloway Press. 

Check out  this  Interview   by the artist of my book cover.
                                                             

 The Muse Medallion goes to Peg Silloway, my publisher, my friend!

Give Yourself a Gift of Education..Consider Real Estate Consulting!

Consider Real Estate Consulting

There can never be too much education for real estate professionals. That is one of the main reasons to participate on a site like ActiveRain. If you want to see my list of designations, go to the "Alphabet Soup" link below. One of those designations is ACRE® and I am a founding member.

 In tough times, more than ever, real estate professionals need more education, new tools and new revenue streams.   At the same time, consumer awareness and demand for quality choices in real estate services is growing and they want to match that demand with trained professionals who can offer those choices.
The basic ACRE® course can now be taken at no cost. That's right: anyone who would like to learn what consulting is all about can take the ACRE® course and receive access to the members-only Coaching Exchange for one full year, again at no charge. To enroll in the course, just go to ACREcourse.com and click "Enroll Now".

If you want to see my list of designations, go to the "Alphabet Soup" link below. 

What is An ACRE Besides Land? I Am!

Exceptional Service...Without Exception!

Alphabet Soup - Those Letters After My Name...and the Two Letters You Don't See

 This is a great opportunity to learn and, in addition,  earn  a new designation.  By making the basic ACRE® course free, the consulting model can be used by more Real Estate Professionals during these tough times. The result will be more awareness by the consumer and another stream of income for REALTORS.
Go sign up NOW!  ACREcourse.com and click "Enroll Now". Remember the price is right.. FREE!!

A Delightful Evening at the Baltimore Symphony

A Delightful Evening at the Baltimore Symphony

We had a delightful evening at BSO's Myerhoff' Symphony Hall listening to a Chris Botti concert. If you have the chance, treat yourself to this man who plays the smoothest trumpet. Since he on the road for over 300 days and 240 concerts a year, you should have no problem finding one near you.
He has performed with his incredible band along with many other symphonies and at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony.  

This weekend, he shared the stage with Lisa Fischer who has the most amazing voice and Caroline Campbell who has been nicknamed "violinist to the stars."

Chris Botti is not bad to look at...People Magazine voted him one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in 2004.

Here are some photos of the BSO decked out in holiday splendor!

          
Sensuous Curves...On and In a Building

          
            BSO  Lobby in holiday dress.                                        Baltimore's Crab in holiday attire.
               
My favorite seats are right above the stage! 
                                                                                                          Chris Botti live at the BSO
 
Lisa Fischer live at the BSO..amazing voice!                   Chris Botti signing CDs after the concert.

One Bunch of Flowers produced a "Twofer"

It all starts with a big bunch of flowers brought home by TLH! Too many colors, too many different flowers..how to arrange them...hmmm.

Here's the bunch of flowers in the kitchen sink.
                                                     

Took all the various colors and made my first flower arrangement.
                                                                


Then I took all the leftover stuff (it is Thanksgiving weekend)  from the big bunch of flowers and created this arrangement which I liked better. Showed it to TLH and he only wanted to know where all the color went. Yep he liked the first one which is on the table near his TV.
                                             
This one is in my foyer entrance.

Arranging is much  easier with .. these roses and these Roses and these roses and even Green Roses

  
One Bunch of Flowers produced a "Twofer"

Thoughtful and Thankful...

 Anyone who thinks ActiveRain is only about Real Estate and business, think again!

A few weeks ago Lizette shared her Mom's approaching birthday. Pay It Forward - Mom Needs Attention And Advice As She Turns 80

Such and easy thing for us to do. Such a powerful impact on one special lady.

Many of us sent cards to help share in the celebration. This was such a good idea and Lizette took the time to send out thank you notes to everyone who participated.                 
                                           Pay It Forward - Mom Thanks All of You That Sent Her A Card
                                  

Anyone who thinks ActiveRain is only about Real Estate and business, think again! Lizette, thank you for sharing your thoughfulness with us. Mom is very fortunate to have you as her daughter. Happy Thanksgiving Day...enjoy each other.
Margaret

My friend Gail Hit a 100,000 Points!!

Whoever has been following my AR blogs, knows about my good friend, Gail Harris. Our meeting is a story of it's own. Some nine years ago, my husband was going through a major health crisis and was a patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Since he had a standing Poker game, I planned a catered card party Monday night at JHH. He was in his hospital gown with a morphine drip. moaning and  playing poker.  The guys were having a good time, cheering Lee up and getting a bit loud.

A gentleman , quite angry, came over complaining about the noise. You see his wife had also just had surgery and the party was disturbing her rest.

The next morning, I went to that room waving a white cloth begging forgiveness for the disruption. That patient turned out to be Gail and from that day, we became friends and have stayed in touch. As Gail recovered, she thought about real estate and I was there to encourage her to go for her license and of course, suggested ActiveRain.

Gail was getting tired of hearing me talk about ActiveRain and reluctantly agreed to sign up. To say she became addicted to blogging, especially for points, is an understatement.

When she called me one night in tears, I had to calm her down with questions like: are you sick, has the cancer returned, is Richard OK, is it someone in your family?? No!  it was about ActiveRain POINTS!  You gotta be kidding me...oh well just read about it here..I am a Colon Cancer Survivor - and here I am worried about....

                                               

Please go over and congratulate Gail on reaching her 100,000 Point goal!  She has worked so hard for this milestone and her success makes me  proud!  Gail was part of the surprise in Ocean City when Terry Watson   sang Happy Birthday. Gail has been an inspiration and a great supporter of other ActiveRainers.

Here are a few more good reads:

Half Million Points ...a True Group Effort! -

One Phone Call, One Hour Ride From Baltimore and One Delightful Day in Chesapeake Beach

Please go over and congratutlate Gail on reaching her 100,000 Point goal!  She has worked so hard for this milestone and her success makes me  proud!  Gail was part of the surprise in Ocean City when Terry Watson   sang Happy Birthday. Gail has been an inspiration and a great supporter of other ActiveRainers.
                                                 
Gail, Here is a great big cookie to share with your new ActiveRain friends. Happy 100,000 points!!!

Some Settlements are Bittersweet!

Bittersweet involves feelings of happiness and sadness at the same time! When thinking of bittersweet, I only wish it could be related to chocolate!
                                    
I would like to think that each and every one of my transactions is a wonderful experience. Buyers get their beautiful new home. Sellers moving to a better home, a bigger home, a new baby needs their own room, a move for a job promotion, retiring to paradise or moving to be near children. Just like they have planned for many years!

Not every closing we go to is a happy one. Sometimes sellers  come to the table due to  a financial disaster, other times, an illness or loss of a spouse. and other times a loss of a job. Some settlements are bittersweet.

This is the case with a recent short sale. The buyers were getting a terrific home, a price they could afford and  just perfect for their family situation. I wanted to be so happy for them and I was.
But on the other hand the sellers had just lost their home, their dreams, the home that they worked so hard for. Many years of love, sweat and tears went into their special home.

But now we were  sitting at the closing table after many months of trying to sell in a declining market with  numerous medical and personal problems including a family death.

Instead of tears of  joy..there were just tears. It was bittersweet. Yes they were thankful (as thankful as one can be with a short sale) and took time to even write me a wonderful note of appreciation.
Reading one of  Elizabeth Weintraub's blogs, she feels the same way:

"It's the last time I will see some of my sellers because maybe they live out of the area or are moving away. The closings are bittersweet. On the one hand, I'd say my sellers are grateful that I have performed a service for them that not every agent can do. My short sale closings are not like regular real estate closings." I am thankful for my real estate career!

Some settlements are bittersweet!

Recording Studio in Your Baltimore Home...How Cool is That?

How would you like to have a sound proof recording studio in your home?

This Dahan built brick rancher has four bedroom, four full baths and is sitting  on four acres with a stream! It is located in Greenspring Valley in the Valley Heights neighborhood of Owings Mills, MD 21117.   4 Bedrooms-4 Baths-4 Acres!!

This is how the area looked  when in use as a full blown recording studio. Professionally designed and fully sound proof, the control room is isolated from the separate recording studio.


            

               

                                    
In addition to the recording studio, there is a gigantic family room, office and full bath in this lower level. Access from a separate entrance makes this a real convenience. There is also a set of sliding glass doors from the family room area to the patio.


A gracious home for entertaining. You have a formal sunken living room, a first floor family room with wood burning fireplace and sliders to the forty foot covered deck.
A formal dining room off the gourmet eat in kitchen..... window views of the deck and trees.  This kitchen has lots of cabinets, planning desk, pantry, corian counters and sliders to the large deck.

Need space for guests, boomerang kids or in laws? There is a separate wing with bedroom, full bath, full laundry room, separate entrance ...all on the first level. Hardwood floors cover all these areas.
Offered at $599,944, this home is listed way under assessed value!

Custom Brick Rancher.. 11110 Hidden Trail Dr. Valley Heights Baltimore County 21117 4 Bedrooms-4 Baths-4 Acres!!

Recording Studio in Your Baltimore Home...How Cool is That?

Please call for your private tour. 410-530-2400  mrome@HomeRome.com

What is Unique About a HomeRome Listing? There is Always a Special Feature or Two!

Some of my listings are quite unusual and not the typical Clone-onial. 

I like to find the one or two special characteristics  to highlight.

Here are a few of my properties and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

            

Someone might ask Where Did You Get Those Picture Words in Your Blog?

                         



              
                                         

Westminster Contemporary... a former ostrich farm.

Sleek High Styled 2 Level Penthouse Condo ... a state of the art combo waterfall/fireplace

2301 Velvet Ridge Drive 21117 ... an indoor swimming pool

Brick Stevenson Rancher...a Home Office or Guest Suite

Contemporary Rancher With a Four Car Garage ... a spiral staircase
Concierge Service The Risteau 2331 Old Court Rd 21208 ....a private pond with geese.
6211 Park Heights Ave-Al Capone Cooked on this Stove in Baltimore ....Really !!!
Custom Brick Rancher..  4 Bedrooms-4 Baths-4 Acres!! ... a sound proof music studio.


Some of my listings are quite unusual and are not the typical clone-onials? I like to find the one or two special characteristics of the home to highlight. Above are a few HomeRome Listings and features that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Do your listings have special features that you can highlight?
It is not too late to enter my Win a Book Contest..details can be found here!

Moon Over Baltimore

Driving home this(Saturday) evening, could not help but notice the absolute beauty of the moon. The full moon is actually tomorrow November 21st but it looked close enough for me.
                                                                      
Loved the way you could  see the  jet trails.

           

Decided to step outside and see the moon's position from my house. With so many trees around, it is not usually visable. But since we now have some naked trees...this is what I captured.


            

                           

If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it's OK. But you've got to shoot for something. A lot of people don't even shoot.

Staying Up With Laws and Contract Changes in Baltimore

This past week I attended a session at GBBR listening to Carolyn Cook and Celeste Filoia.

Thanks to Kim Jones GBBR's Rookie REALTOR® Society: GRRS for putting the word out so we could all benefit from this very informative meeting. There were no CE credits, just lots of good information and an opportunity to ask questions.

                                                         

Some of the topics discussed were about the new disclosure for TEAMS, Advertising, Real Estate Signage, including directional signs, door knocking, not leaving literature at vacant properties, Tax information on MRIS, Septic systems, ground rents, Mortgage interest deductions, Lead Paint contractors needing to be certified and RESPA. Good discussions and questions continued long after the session ended.

Celeste Filoia from MAR's Legal Department and Carolyn Cook of GBBR highlighted the newly enacted laws and contract changes that are impacting the Real Estate Industry in Maryland. 15 hours of Education every 2 years is a pittance for those interested in being an asset to their clients.

                                 

Celeste Filoia from MAR's Legal Department and GBBR's own Carolyn Cook were  on hand to enlighten us about the changes that will impact the way we do business.

We are quite fortunate to have Carolyn, Filoia and Kim to keep us informed. Every single agent should have been there! The price was right! The information priceless!
Thank you all!

One Phone Call, One Listing, Two Sales and a Whole Bunch of Blogs!

This past summer, a very special couple called from my print advertising   asking to see one of my condos.
                                       
They were just starting to think about "right sizing". I like that term better than down sizing.
We spent a day touring new and resale condominiums, including several HomeRome listings. There was some interest, however their home was not sold. One of the options discussed...
Do I Buy or Sell First ? Reverse Contingency 
                                                                        
We listed their home  Summit Chase Townhouse-30 Stablemere Ct- Baltimore, MD. 21209  and we listed it with a reverse contingency.

Within a short time, they found a condo they loved and wanted to move forward with an offer and made the decision not to make it contingent. They wanted to make some kitchen changes, to the new place, and knew that could take a month or so. They opted for a quick settlement and started the construction.

 So my work was cut out for me. The listing had to be sold!
 Immediately, I removed the HOC (Home of Choice Contingency) from their property listing. Then we had a price adjustment and... I held my first ever..  Wednesday Night Open House.  
  
And it was a success! The house sold that Wednesday night...three sets of buyers stopped by.
With the new sales price the buyer, along with  the buyer's agent knew a good investment deal! A full price offer was received even before the Open House was closed. This open house was at night and in the real wet kind of rain. You may remember the First ActiveRain Open House Update!

Yesterday, we had the closing, a wonderful smooth settlement on 30 Stablemere.
Now I can take a deep breath. Both properties SOLD and the pressure is off the sellers and the pressure is off of me!  This special seller also was responsible for   The Hooker Broom...A New Invention!


One Phone Call, One Listing, Two Sales and a Whole Bunch of Blogs!  Nothing to it!

First Three Winners ..Real Estate the Rome Way...Congratulations!

There is a contest going on and we have the first three winners!
Win a Book or a Chat With Margaret Rome Contest...Every 10th Comment

Encourageing comments on my listings is  a way to get more exposure from agents around the country. The more viewings, the more chance for matching buyers with sellers. I am sending  my book autographed, of course, to the first three winners. There will be more!

Congratulations to Praful, Tammy and Gail! The books are already in  mailers and will be arriving at your home shortly.

Praful Thakkar is my first winner with his  comment on this property:Another Way to Market a Contemporary Home in Westminster, MD 21158    '' This is great, Margaret -Nice pictures for this vacation home, and teaming up with seller to get description is even better.... Margaret - good luck on selling this home quickly.  and then another comment by Praful: Margaret, you have a winner.....on your contemporary vacation home listing in Westminster, MD post, ... this is a great idea - and I am sure the book, Real Estate the Rome Way - a book for professionals who climb above the crowd --- is great - learning from experts is always great.
                     
                                 First 3 Winners
                          

The second winner Tammy Pearce commented a couple of times on Timber Way..The Perfect Name for a Contemporary Rancher With a Four Car Garage in Sagamore Forest 21136

"I may be cheating by stopping by twice but it really is my favorite of your listings.  Love the wood floors, the kitchen and the setting of the home!  Someone should snatch this one up quickly! " Do you think Tammy cheated?

The third winner is my friend, Gail Harris, and I can't find her comment, probably because she emailed me. Gail already owns my book and has a wonderful idea. She is going to gift the winning book  to another ActiveRainer that she admires. Gail, you are so special!

Here is a Book Review  and there is still plenty of time and plenty of chances for  more winners ... and for me to get more exposure on my wonderful properties.
Contest rules can be found  Win a Book

First Three Winners ..Real Estate the Rome Way...Congratulations.
 How many more winners will we have? The person who guesses the exact number of winners will also win a book.