3738 Bixler Church Rd.... Too Late ! Another HomeRome Listing Under Contract!

 

38 Bixler Church Rd.... Too Late !  Another HomeRome Listing Under Contract! 

One of my favorite homes, also called The Chocolate House, has found  new buyers. They love this house and will be taking possession in less than thirty day. I think it was love at first sight. I am thrilled that these buyers found me through the internet and I was available to show the property this past weekend. They have even agreed to love and feed the two kitties.


A Year Round Vacation in Westminster, MD 3738 Bixler Church Rd. 21158
3738 Bixler Church Rd, Westminster, Maryland 21158 Cantilevered Contemporary on 28 Acres





Living Room as seen from above!



























Two Story Slate Fireplace





First Floor Powder Room Granite counter and Glass Bowl Sink













Under the garage and driveway deck...a place for storing your boat or other toys!

One of my favorite homes, also called the Chocolate House, has found  new buyers. They love this house and will be taking possession in less than thirty day. I think it was love at first sight. I am thrilled that these buyers found me through the internet and I was available to show the property this past weekend. They have even agreed to love and feed the two kitties.

 3738 Bixler Church Rd.... Too Late !  Another HomeRome Listing Under Contract!
 3738 Bixler Church Rd, Westminster, Maryland 21158 Cantilevered Contemporary on 28 Acres

Search the MLS just like Realtors®

                Click to search All Active Maryland Listings 
 You can narrow the search down to number of bedrooms, lot size, price range, zip code, etc. Be sure to sign up with your email address to ensure daily email updates of properties. These emails will include photos, address and price of  the listed  homes. This is a free service to make finding your special Baltimore home easier.  I am available to answer any questions or concerns.

She Said I "Will" !!

Search the MLS just like Realtors®

                                              Click to search All Active Maryland Listings 
 You can narrow the search down to number of bedrooms, lot size, price range, zip code, etc. Be sure to sign up with your email address to ensure daily email updates of properties. These emails will include photos, address and price of  the listed  homes. This is a free service to make finding your special Baltimore home easier.  I am available to answer any questions or concerns.

The Power of A Thank You Note!

About ten days ago I wrote a cute post that received a whole lot of comments.  How many is a lot? Over 100!  Noticing that Mary Stewart  made the 100th comment, I dialed her number.

"Congratulations. You just won a copy of  Real Estate the Rome Way ,,, Where should I send it?''  We had a lovely chat and I got to know another AR member a bit better.

Just look at the hand written that arrived in the mail...the real mail that the Letter Carrier brings and puts in a mail box at your house. How novel!

Once again I dial Mary...my turn to say thank you for taking time to write. We had a delightful conversation and I asked and received permission to post  the following.


                               Mary Stewart's handwritten card showing ..the  power of a thank you note!

      

                   Mary Stewart's card with original artwork.
             

When I really  looked at the card, turned it over and saw  " Original Watercolors By Mary Stewart" I was impressed. Here is another ActiveRain artist using her talent with hand written notes.

If you are lucky enough to be represented by Mary, there is a special piece of art done for you by this artist. Mary is relatively new to ActiveRain...only blogging since February. Being creative makes us stand out!  Mary stands out with The Power of a Thank You note!

WARNING! Tornado Warning for Baltimore Area.

WARNING! There is a tornado warning in Maryland including Baltimore  County and Westminster in Carroll County.


The wind's up , the sky is dark with clouds and here is what the TV station looks like. Think I will not be going out this morning! Severe thunderstorm warning, flash flood watch and tornado warnings. Please be aware. Keep an eye on the news. Be Safe.


                                      

                                   

                                



                               

Search the MLS just like Realtors®

                                              Click to search All Active Maryland Listings 
 You can narrow the search down to number of bedrooms, lot size, price range, zip code, etc. Be sure to sign up with your email address to ensure daily email updates of properties. These emails will include photos, address and price of  the listed  homes. This is a free service to make finding your special Baltimore home easier.  I am available to answer any questions or concerns.

You are Invited to an ActiveRain Garden Party Wednesday May 4th to Find Out...What is a Coddie?

You are Invited to an ActiveRain Garden Party Wednesday May 4th to find out..What is a coddie?

                                           Please join us.

Chris Hooks Broker from Salem County, NJ  wrote: "Margaret...dumb question: what is a coddie?" to which I replied : ''Chris, When you come to  my  Garden Party Lunch..   on May 4th, you will find out!''

If you are not from Baltimore, you probably have not heard of them. They are small round cakes that are served with saltines and mustard and are homemade at delis like Steve's. When you come to the Garden Party on May 4th..you will all be able to see and taste this delicacy which is native to Baltimore.  It has been described as a moist combination of cod flakes, mashed potatoes, and onions.... a concentrated comfort food in miniature.

 Along with the coddies, there will be sandwiches and Berger Cookies..another yummy treat native to Baltimore.

                                 



Enjoy the gardens, the pond, the 3.5 acres and the beautiful contemporary home with garage that will hold up to four cars.

The company will be fun as always..here is our last get together when
Good Times and Good Memories Were Made in Baltimore

 This pink dogwood tree will greet you at the top of the driveway..so pretty that I had to take a close up of the blossoms.

               


There are lots of whimsy garden sculptures to enjoy. Think that frog might be  playing our tune?

     


We could call it an open house, we could call it an  ARup  . We could call it a garden party, we could call it a Spring celebration, we could call it "coddies and cookies", we could call it a Broker's open, we could call it a general open house, we could call it a  HomeRome luncheon, we could call it an ActiveRain get-together.

But it really  doesn't matter what we call it..we are getting together in Baltimore  on May 4th and would love to have you join us!     
                                                                 
Since I have the title of the The Open House Master  and everyone knows I don't do the traditional Sunday open house, we give it another name and make it special.
Please join us, there will be sandwiches, coddies and cookies, great company and prizes.
Who can guess how many will show up? 

Where:
14 Timber Way Court
Sagamore Forest II
Reisterstown, MD. 21136
When: Wednesday, May 4th 12 noon til 2:00PM

You are Invited to an ActiveRain Garden Party Wednesday May 4th to find out..What is a coddie?

When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement

There are times When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement.   Print advertising is used to bring buyers and sellers to my Internet sites. 

In this Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome  print media ad below..my email or website is mentioned sixteen different times.

I use it to show off my listings, I use it to find properties for buyers, I use it help a former client find a rental for his daughter, I use it to announce "coming soon" spring listings, I use it to promote my book "Real Estate the Rome Way", I use it to Search all active listings ,  I use it to share when a property goes under contract "TOO LATE",

...and I use it as an invitation for my    Garden Party.. Wednesday May 4th! 

Hope you will join us!

 This is a time ....When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement!

 \               

There are times When An Ad Is More Than An Advertisement!

Searching the MLS is Like Having Your Own Electronic Agent! Try it! It is a Free Service From HomeRome

Searching the MLS is  Like Having Your Own Electronic Agent! Try it! It is a Free Service From HomeRome!

                                             
About a hundred years ago when I was looking for a home, I would call from a sign or ad in the paper to inquire about the price, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms etc.  Instead of answering my question, the "duty" agent would question me. "Where do you live? How much do you want to spend?", What is your phone number?" What is the name of your first born?" ...well maybe not that but I could not just get a question answered! On the rare occassion when I gave up my number, the calls would come in at dinner time trying to sell me something else. It was so frustrating that I resorted to giving a phony name and transposed my phone number. You would not be able to do that with today's technology..well you  could block  your number.    I resented not being able to get simple information and made a vow when I started in real estate to answer any and all  questions.

Yes we are taught to get information from the "leads" so we can stay in touch and follow up. (If you give them an answer, ask a question in return.)

Since I resented not being able to get simple information, I did not want to make others feel that same way. So I decided in the beginning of my career to answer callers  questions.

Callers are frequently surprised when I just answer their immediate question. I give them the price, I give them the location, I give them the schools, I give them the type of heat...I answer their specific concerns. Sometimes I even say you don't have to give me your name or number...feel free to call with your questions or concerns. I have earned more clients over the years with this approach than all the probing questions we have been taught.

To search the MLS , either to buy a home or to keep an eye on your own neighborhood,  I have made it easy to sign up and search the Multiple List System for  All Active Maryland Listings

It is...Like Having Your Own Electronic Agent! You can find all the active listings in Maryland plus the five surrounding states.

Try it! It is a Free Service From HomeRome!

Search the MLS just like Realtors®

                                              Click to search All Active Maryland Listings 
 You can narrow the search down to number of bedrooms, lot size, price range, zip code, etc. Be sure to sign up with your email address to ensure daily email updates of properties. These emails will include photos, address and price of  the listed  homes. This is a free service to make finding your special Baltimore home easier.  I am available to answer any questions or concerns.

If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there!

Russel quotes so much wisdom from his wise old grandmother that if he wrote a book with that title, it would surely be a best seller. You don't have to buy a book, his words are free...just continue to read his wonderful blogs.

If I'm not actually working for a Client doing whatever it is that s/he hired me to do, then I can virtually guarantee you that, in some form or fashion, I'm learning, teaching, writing, or helping others.


Please make your comment on Russel's blog. If you are not a subscriber...you are missing out big time.
Margaret

Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray):

If you don't know where you're going,
any road will take you there!

My wise old grandmother helped me start my first business when I was ten years old, and one of the first things she said to me was, "If you fail to plan, plan to fail."
One of my favorite music personalities, George Harrison of The Beatles, said it a different way on his CD Brainwashed (2002, posthumously): "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."
Such sentiments can apply to both business and personal life. I've always been a workaholic, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes simply because I thoroughly enjoyed what I was doing. Although still a somewhat pejorative term, to me a workaholic is simply someone who is addicted to work, either out of necessity or because of a severe love of what s/he is doing. It often applies to the self-employed, many times out of sheer necessity to make an honest living.
I currently consider myself a controlled workaholic, a term that, to the best of my knowledge, I coined in 1987. A controlled workaholic is a workaholic who has to plan his personal life to keep his business life from overruning it. So in 1987, when I was forced to become 100% self-employed rather than relying at least partially on an employer to pay me a salary, I conscientiously decided to control my workaholism rather than letting it control me. That's when I fell back on what my wise old grandmother had taught me almost a quarter century earlier: Plan.
I have four attirbutes that sometimes create havoc in my life:

1. a love of learning,
2. a love of teaching,
3. a love of writing, and
4. a love of helping others, sometimes even to the extent that I'll do it free or otherwise let it hinder my ability to make a living.

If I'm not actually working for a Client doing whatever it is that s/he hired me to do, then I can virtually guarantee you that, in some form or fashion, I'm learning, teaching, writing, or helping others.
The founders and operators of ActiveRain have realized that their points system can easily create workaholics out of people because competition is the whole basis of capitalism and a free-market enterprise system. It's probably the whole basis of society, civilized or otherwise. And competition can sometimes interfere with other aspects of one's life. That's why ActiveRain limits comment points to 250 per day and blogging entries to a maximum of 2,250 automatic points per week.
ActiveRain and blogging should not be the only arsenal in your marketing attack, but if you subscribe to it, and I do, it should be a persistent and consistent weapon. But that's true of any weapon in your marketing arsenal.
If you haven't started planning yet, well, it's never too late (something else my wise old grandmother told me). In addition to planning what you'd like to accomplish for the rest of 2011, plan what you're going to do each day, each week, and each month to reach those goals, and I'd be willing to bet that you actually do reach them.
Every day that you fail to plan puts you one day closer to your plan to fail, and if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there!

Any road will take me to see
Belinda Spillman and Will Hamm in Denver, Colorado

Twenty most recent posts

1. Unlocking the secrets of your home — ....but there weren't any birds!
2. The Music Chronicles of Russel Ray — Only the lonely.... pretty woman crying... it's over
3. Opinion — 100 things YOU can do to help the world!
4. Opinion — Quit bitching and start contributing!
5. Opinion — It's funny that some people don't want big government until they need big government
6. Pay It Forward — Would you like a glass of Google juice? It's good for you! (part 11)
7. Unlocking the secrets of your home — Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
8. Unlocking the secrets of your home — Complaints are like ActiveRain blogs: They happen!
9. Picture of the Moment by Russel Ray Photos — An unhappy Client means a few hours of happiness at the San Diego Zoo!
10. Unlocking the secrets of your home — Here a crack, there a crack (part 9)
11. The Music Chronicles of Russel Ray — Just a bunch of fluff
12. Flower Fiesta — Flowers for Easter week
13. Pay It Forward — Just a spoonful of sugar helps the Google juice go down....
14. Unlocking the secrets of your home — Here a crack, there a crack (part 8)
15. I've had it!
16. Unlocking the secrets of your home — Here a crack, there a crack (part 7)
17. Nature Handbook — Handle with extreme care
18. Opinion — Why did we change?
19. The Music Chronicles of Russel Ray — Martha, My Dear!
20. Picture of the Moment by Russel Ray Photos — Picture of the Moment - How to sneak up on a sleeping cat

♪♫♫♪♫♫♪

Try Russel Ray Photos
for inexpensive, royalty-free photos.

Member since 2003 of
 The world’s largest and best trade association for home inspectors!

How I Use a Waiting List..Making Room for a Better Listing

How I use a waiting list. After  2 decades in real estate, my business is  99% referral, and  limited to  Fifteen listings.

In a recent post, Lorrie asked  about this.

The waiting list is something that started early on when there were people I really wanted to work with and some I didn't. For the  2nd group, I used to say, "I have a waiting list," figuring they would reply, "Forget it!" and go somewhere else. But I found that some sellers were impressed that I was able to turn down a listing, and often they would actually wait to work with me.

As a Broker and listing agent, I make all my appointments and  contact my sellers. preferring fewer transactions and a higher level of service. I frequently turn down listings making room for better listings.

If the  commission question   arises, I can  promise having the highest commission rate. But since my clients come by referral, they already know how I work.

How  can a new agent  adapt this model and use a waiting list for their situation. My advice is to not rush out to take a listing as soon as someone calls. Take the time to get information in advance. Ask how many agents they are interviewing, and try to be the last they talk to. Even say something like, "I have room for one more listing this week." Even if you don't have many listings, that's a true statement. It also keeps you from looking too eager or too desperate. 

Always be ready to walk away from a listing.

 Sellers have to answer  my two questions with a yes.

• Are you 100% sure you want to sell your home?
• Are you 100% sure you want to use me?

Until they are 100% sure, they are not ready to list. This is.. How I Use a Waiting List

                                      

I have chosen not to do business with people  I don't like or don't respect.  Don't think of it as turning down a listing; think of it as making room for a better listing.

How I Use a Waiting List..Making Room for a Better Listing

Search the MLS just like Realtors®

                                              Click to search All Active Maryland Listings 
 You can narrow the search down to number of bedrooms, lot size, price range, zip code etc. Be sure to sign up with your email address to ensure daily email updates of properties. These emails will include photos, address and price of  the listed  homes. This is a free service to help make finding your special Baltimore home easier.  I am available to answer any questions or concerns. mrome@HomeRome.com  410-530-2400

17 Bellows Ct. 21204 Towson, Maryland Townhouse Condo in Gated Community..

17 Bellows Ct. 21204 Towson, Maryland Townhouse Condo in Gated Community...
Another HomeRome Listing!

17 Bellows Court
Dulaney Valley Gardens
Towson, MD. 21204
3 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
2 Half Baths
$249,944

This interior brick and siding townhome has 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, a finished lower level with new sliding glass door to a very private enlarged concrete patio. This lower level would make a great “man cave” for all your entertaining.

Large master bedroom has new bathroom with glass enclosed tub and shower. The second and third bedrooms share another new bath also with tub and shower.

This home boasts a brand new gourmet kitchen with ceramic floors, white cabinets, granite counters, new stainless steel 'Whirlpool Gold' appliances including a 5 burner gas stove, built in microwave, oversized stainless sink, disposal, dishwasher, and refrigerator.

Enter through the glass storm door into the ceramic foyer which leads into the bright eat in kitchen.

The first floor has gleaming hardwood floors. The bathrooms are all updated with four TOTO toilets.

With new replacement windows, new carpet upstairs and neutral paint, this townhouse condominium is ready to move right in!

This Towson gated community is close enough to walk to Towson Town Center with plenty of restaurants and great shopping.

No need for a vacation when you have tennis courts, swimming pool, tot lot, plenty of open green space and… Dulaney Towers is pet friendly.

The monthly condo fee covers all exterior maintenance, roof, grass cutting so you really can live like you are on vacation.

Assigned parking right in front of your home and plenty of space for extra cars and company.


Gas Hot Water

Walk out from finished lower level to very private patio.

Finished basement

Gas Heat, Gas Cooking

Dining Room Chandelier

brick townhouse condo
17 Bellows Court

plenty of parking

Dulaney Towers

Dulaney Towers Sign

Tot Lot

Bellows Court

New kitchen..granite counters, ceramic floors, new stainless appliances, 5 burner gas stove

mirrored closet doors

All new bathrooms

View From Master Bedroom