Sometimes it Pays to Preview a Property!

Sometimes it Pays to Preview a Property!

A few weeks ago I received a sign call on 6202 Ivymount Rd. Baltimore 21209   but it was too late for these potential buyers..the property had just gone to settlement. We had a lovely conversation and they told me they had an appointment to interview a buyer's agent. I wished them luck and said if  any of my future listings fit their criteria, I would call them or their agent.

A week or so later another call from these same buyers. They did not think the agent they interviewed had a feel for what they wanted. Everyone, including these buyers, knows I am a listing agent. But this couple liked the way I knew the unusual homes and the area they were considering. They asked if I would consider taking them on. They told me they were not in a hurry, wanted a home with a pet friendly space..preferably fenced, and loved being outside. They wanted nature, trees, peace..a retreat with charm. Since it was just for the two of them..they did not need much space. They are from Canada and love the cold and wanted some relaxing space on the outside.

I emailed them my IDX site so they could search the MLS like an agent.  By going to  All Active Maryland Listings  they could look at everything. If and when they found something they liked..just call or email me.  We went to see a couple of homes and I liked how they analyzed each property. I was  pretty sure I would know the house when it became available.

These buyers were out of town when this charming, but tiny, home came on the market. It sounded good but the dimensions seemed way to small..less than 1000 feet.

I knew the agent holding the open house this past Sunday and  stopped by to preview and visit with my friend. I fell in love with the property and think it could work. These buyers will be meeting me at the home upon their return next week.

What makes me think it will work?  It is on almost an acre, lots of nature, lots of trees. Part of the land is fenced and there is plenty of parking. It is in an area they like and it feels like a retreat. It is in immaculate move in condition. It just might be a bit too small. 

Having my camera ready, I sent them some photos of the interior as well as the outside. Here are a few below.

Stay tuned! Next week I will be showing this house!

Sometimes it Pays to Preview a Property!

        


      

   This photo below is the entire first level...living, dining and kitchen area. Is this home going to have enough space?

                                     

 Stay tuned! Next week I will be showing this house!

 Sometimes it Pays to Preview a Property!

A Reason, a Season or a Lifetime...

A Reason, a Season  or a Lifetime!

 

This very special poem  has helped others. The author is anonymous.

  When in a relationship, good, bad, business, long term, short term, etc. and  the relationship comes to an end, the poem below is a good read. Many times I have suggested  these words to someone I care about and have always gotten  a positive response.

Just something to think about.

                                         

                                         

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Author Unknown

  When in a relationship, good, bad, business, long term, short term, etc. and  the relationship comes to an end, the poem above is a good read.

Blogging Might Get You Some Dessert at Donna's in Baltimore's Cross Keys! It Might Also Get a New ActiveRain Member!

Blogging Might Get You Some Dessert at Donna's in Baltimore's Cross Keys! It might also get a new ActiveRain Member!

   
                                               

It was late in afternoon when we finished an appointment in Baltimore's

 Village of Cross Keys.

We stopped to have a late lunch (or really early dinner) at Donna's. It was relatively quiet and our waitress was a delight.  I ordered the roasted vegetable salad and Lee ordered the grilled cheese and tomato bisque. Oh no...again  forgot to photograph our meals. I asked Janine to bring us a plate of food before serving so I could show you guys. She came by with this avocado and crab salad. Does this  look yummy or what?

                                             

Of course, that got the conversation started about blogging and real estate.  Can you guess what Janine does?  Yep she is a real estate agent with Weichert and had not heard of ActiveRain. Just happened to have my iPad so I could show off a bit, got her card and invited her to join. Do you think she will?

Asked permission to take her picture so I could make her famous tonight. She was a good sport posing with TLH.  Janine has a wonderful outgoing personality and is into interior design. We talked about staging and I suggested a couple of domain names. Her enthusiasm was showing and Lee told her about my book "Real Estate the Rome Way".  Just happened to have a copy that I shared with her.

                                             

We thought we were finished and ready to go when Janine said: "Wait, dessert is on me." She proceeded to bring out this luscious piece of coconut strawberry cake. Again I "almost" forgot to take a picture. Can you see where Lee took a bite, just before I said "hold on!"

                                             

 

Blogging Might Get You Some Dessert at Donna's in Baltimore's Cross Keys! It Might Also Get a New ActiveRain Member!

The Best Kind of Pay Check is a Thank You Note!

The Best Kind of Pay Check is a Thank you Note!

Remember that a small gesture goes a long way. How many notes of appreciation have you received lately?  It's easy to take a few minutes to show gratitude for someone who has made your day a bit better?

This is what came in the mail today..a beautiful handwritten note...

"You were so patient with us throughout the entire process. Your constant encouragement and positive outlook really helped us maintain faith that we would eventually find the house that was right for us......You really are our "fairy godmother" and really have made our " fairy tale" come true!...''

                                           

 "You were so patient with us throughout the entire process. Your constant encouragement and positive outlook really helped us maintain faith that we would eventually find the house that was right for us......You really are our "fairy godmother" and really have made our " fairy tale" come true!...''                                                                               

The journey is the reward....                                                                                                                      

 The front of the Thank You card.

 

It was a pleasure working with Wendy and Aaron...such a wonderful couple and now brand new parents. Here are a few other posts about the journey of finding their perfect home.                                                                          

We did a bit of door knocking to find the perfect home.     
We Found the Right House!!
Settlements Are Boring At This Age...
BUYING A FIRST HOME IN MARYLAND...A FAIRY TALE                

The Best Kind of Pay Check is a Thank You note!          

I Created a Millionaire With One Comment!

I Created a Millionaire With One Comment! 

 

One Comment on a "well deserved"  feature creates another millionaire!

No it was not my finest post...not by a long shot but it did get featured  Sunday  morning and even re-blogged.

Most important...Donna made a comment: and at the end said...."... And with this comment, 1M..."

When I called Donna, I left this message:   ''Guess as a big shot millionaire, you no longer answer your own phone!''  Within a short time...a return call from Donna and we had the most delightful conversation.

That one comment was just enough to push this dedicated blogger into the ranks of the 18th ActiveRain Millionaire. That took a lot of patience and Donna even took some time to have a baby..now 9 months old.

And  you think you are too busy to  post!

Donna relates her points to dollars along with Russel Ray's post...how much are ActiveRain points worth? 

Check out her post about the journey and an explanation of her position. Please  congratulate Donna...ActiveRain - 1Million Point Club Milestone

 

                                                    

 My post allowed Donna to become a millionaire and I wanted to catch her points as close to a million as possible...1,000,005 was pretty close for this Sunday morning!

 

 

I Created a Millionaire With One Comment!

                                                                    XXXXXXXXXX

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

Going The Speed Limit Can Be....!

Going The Speed Limit Can Be .....!

                                     

In the mail a few weeks ago we received a Citation Speed Monitoring System Violation.  Why did we  get this Citation?  Our car was photographed by an automatic camera system.  It is NOT a "Traffic Ticket"  It is Not a "Moving Violation" but under Maryland State Law TA 21-809 you are responsible for a violation..similar to a parking ticket.

Included was a photo of our car and license plate plus the date, time and location. Of course there were 4 different payment options...web, phone, mail, or walk-in.

A whopping 39 MPH in a 25 MPH zone resulted in a fine of $40...no points and no increase in insurance rates. I certainly don't remember going at such an excessive speed!

I went back to the scene of the 'crime' to check it out. In order to  go down this bit of a hill and stay at 25 MPH, it was necessary to have my foot on the break pedal the entire way.

It was time for an experiment. Using the cruise control, I set my speed. If the limit was 25 MPH that's what I did, When 30 MPH was posted... again I set the control. Do you know how dangerous annoying this is?

In addition to Lee asking 'why  are you driving this way?', there are honking horns, and cars riding my bumper. I did not speed up to get through a light...uh uh just stayed in the legal limit!

Today I found.. Going The Speed Limit Can Be _____! 

You fill in the blank.

A First Showing... Using My New iPad!

A First Showing...Using My New iPad

Today we had our first showing on this very large and spacious condo located at 4001 Old Court Rd. Pavilion in the Park.

This beautiful condo is larger than most homes with over 2600 square feet. And it is unbelievably bright with huge windows on three sides.

But today was a day of liquid sunshine  even though others would call it a rainy day. The condo was still bright even before the lights were  turned the lights on and the drapes opened..

I heard the buyers OOH-ing and  AHHH-ing over the size of the kitchen, the amount of pantry space, the over sized window and the abundance of cabinets. They kept commenting on the size as they explored this beautiful terrace level condo. A few times, they got "lost". When they thought they had seen everything, they "discovered' another bedroom, a laundry room and a space plumbed for a 1/2 bath that allows even more storage.

When I heard them ask..'what is this room?'....I knew what needed to be done!  Listening to their comments and questions, I took out  my iPad!

At the time, they were in the large master bedroom with a door to the terrace, hers and hers walk-in closets, another closet designed  just for shoes, a mirrored make up area, the lavish master bath with jetted tub and walk in shower. I was able to show the master with a king size bed and plenty of room for a sofa. And they wanted to see more. 

It was easy showing the "before" photos with furniture and I  was able to make the individual photos larger...full screen size.

                             


                     

         

  The buyers were impressed with the property but they were equally impressed with the technology. This is just Another Use of My New iPad.  

Being able to show the  Condo while it was furnished  and then compare it  after the sellers moved out    was very helpful. I even had a photo of the parking space and storage...saving us time by not going to the underground garage.

A First Showing ....Using My New iPad

Razorbacks Hit The Spot After a Busy HomeRome Week

Razorbacks Hit The Spot After a Busy HomeRome Week!

It has been a long and wonderfully busy week. With a showing this morning, a 12:00 walk through, a smooth 2:00 settlement and a near closing that took over four hours of negotiating at the table, I guess you can say this is a long day and the end of another week. The time was now  8:30 PM... time for dinner because there was no lunch. So I invited my sellers to stop and have a bite. I did the inviting...they picked up the check before I had the chance.

This is such a nice way to bring a 'close' to closing. We all enjoy breaking bread with  friends and good conversation.  This is also a perfect time to tie up loose ends, acknowledge appreciation for each other, answer questions and just overall "wrap it up".

We found a place, new to me, in the Dulaney Shopping Center located at 826 Dulaney Valley Rd. • Towson, MD 21204 •  Razorback's Raw Bar and Grill.

Upon entering we found a very lively bar...not exactly what I needed. Our host was perceptive enough to take us immediately to the back into a very comfortable and relatively quiet dining room.

Our service was perfect and our waiter a delight. Oh no!  I forgot to photograph the food and without thinking, about blogging, I ate my luscious Coffey salad...too late. You all know leftovers are not a pretty site.

                       

                       

  

I shared my predicament and asked Joe's permission to take his picture. He agreed but only if I made him look a little goofy. He approved of this one and only shot.

                       

This was my first visit to Razorback's but I can promise it will not be my last! The warm welcome, the service and the delicious food was such  a nice way to bring a 'close' to closing. We all enjoy breaking bread with  friends and good conversation.  This is also a perfect time to tie up loose ends, acknowledge appreciation for each other, answer questions and just overall "wrap it up".

  Razorback's Hit The Spot After a Busy HomeRome Week!

Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, Md.... Great Place For a Party!

Irvine Nature Center Center in Owings Mills, Md.... Great Place For a Party!

Irvine Nature Center  Their mission is to educate and inspire current and future generations to explore, respect and protect nature. When you think nature, good times and a party...think of Irvine Nature Center.

Our mission was to have a wonderful time. Mission accomplished!

Our friends Chuck and Elaine invited us to celebrate  Sara's Bat Mitzvah on May 30th. That's a pretty special day...also our anniversary.

Being with good friends.. making  special memories was  a wonderful way to celebrate tow special occasions and  make memories . Sara was the party girl..but I don't even have a picture of her. Will have to change that soon. In the meantime, please enjoy these photos of this happy family.

   
                                                 

                                 
  Sara loves to play the piano like her Bubby..Why not a special cake!


   
 Everyone is watching the show... starring Sara!
               
     



          

Irvine Nature Center  Their mission is to educate and inspire current and future generations to explore, respect and protect nature.

Our mission was to have a wonderful time. Mission accomplished.

We Moved Out..How Does My Condo Look?

We moved out...how does my condo look? 

 My newest listing   Pavilion in the Park  is on the market and the owners have recently moved. Speaking with the sellers, they wanted to know if the cleaning crew did a good job.

Not to worry, I will stop by and give you a report. Well a few pictures will answer their concerns much better. This is the beautiful spacious luxury condo before the move Pikesville Luxury Condo before the move.

The sellers feel reassured that their lovely home is in good condition.

4001 Old Court Rd. Pavilion in the Park..3 Bedroom Luxury Condo in Pikesville 

4001 Old Court Road

Pikesville, MD 21208

Pavilion in the Park

Below are photos after the move. It is immaculate and ready for new owners. Nice to be able to share these photos with the sellers.

                
Bright white..lots of cabinets!            Storage galore! Three Pantries.
               
 Large Eat In Kitchen                         Over sized window in the breakfast area.


   
Your furniture can define the space in this open bright luxury condominium!


  
 Lighted built in cabinets for all your finest collections.


                                
 Entry Foyer with easy care "wood" floors!
   
      
              

 Gigantic secure terrace for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the change of seasons.

We Moved Out..How Does My Condo Look?

Look at the photos above and you can see how spacious, beautiful and it is  ready for new owners.

See more photos and more description..

4001 Old Court Rd. Pavilion in the Park..3 Bedroom Luxury Condo in Pikesville

Your condo looks great! 

4001 Old Court Rd. Pavilion in the Park..3 Bedroom Luxury Condo in Pikesville

4001 Old Court Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Pavilion in the Park
$359,944

Here is a luxury condo with over 2600 square feet and a terrace over looking wooded views. Such a bright open exciting home with floor to ceiling windows and light streaming in from three sides.

You are minutes from Beltway 695 and the heart of Pikesville with all it shopping and fine restaurants like Linwoods with all its elegance or casual dining at  Suburban House You are minutes from Beltway 695 and the heart of Pikesville with all it shopping and fine restaurants like Linwoods with all its elegance or casual dining at Suburban House.

You reach a point where you just don’t want to mow the lawn, shovel the snow or any of the other chores of maintaining a home. This kind of living can be found at Pavilion in the Park, a private secure, full service building with garage parking.

Busy professionals and empty nesters are looking for a lifestyle that allows luxury and the ease of living. 

 

Who Says Baltimore, Maryland Condos are Only For the Old Folks?

The Pavilion in the Park has wide elegant hallways separate entertaining area for your lavish parties or maybe use it for a family gathering. This beautiful area comes with a grand piano and access to terraces for inside and outside entertaining.

Spectacular views of the wooded hillside and lush landscaping from all 3 bedrooms, living room and dining room.

The spacious terrace level condo has the space of three full bedrooms. The room adjacent to the living room is being used as a family/TV room but with pocket doors can easily be closed to provide a 3rd bedroom with privacy.

Another bedroom is being used as an ‘at home’ office and that third walk in closet is an at home office storage area.

The master suite has a jetted tub, separate walk in shower, dressing room, loads of storage, including two fitted walk in closets.

Foyer entrance sumpious and furnished.

Furnished lobby








The spacious living area, has many bright window views and a custom built in buffet server with lots of room to display your finest collection.





Master Bath is very pretty with jetted tub, separate vanities
Shall shower

Enter into your large foyer with "wood" floors and faux wall paint.













Oh so spacious eat in kitchen with wall ovens, microwave, side by side refrigerator, instant hot and over sized window in the breakfast area to enjoy those outside views. Loads of storage....there are three pantries and many other built in cabinets.

Enjoy the quiet retreat of your gigantic private patio with access to the beautiful wooded views. This is a very easy place to entertain, enjoy your container gardening and entertain in style while enjoying our beautiful changing seasons.