Today...I Am Not Writing a Blog Tonight!

         Today...I Am Not Writing a Blog Tonight!  

                                                                

Not because there is nothing to say! Not because I am lazy!

It is time to put into practice WIN...What's important now!  

Today... I was at the gym early in the morning!

Today... I  met an appraiser!

Today... I negotiated a home inspection!

Today... I made a bunch of appointments!

Today... I showed my  Heritage Crossing Listing at 712 George St. Baltimore, MD 21201 

Today... I wrote an offer!

Today I met with the buyers, got signatures and emailed the offer. Their  home is under contract and they  want to move quickly to accomodate the buyers.

Before you know it...that's a big chunk of today.

             Today... I Am Not Writing a Blog Tonight!

Being Lucky the Rome Way

Being Lucky the Rome Way 

This story reminds me about what it means to be lucky in real estate or in anything you do in life. 

A teacher told his class of pottery students that he would grade half of them on the quantity of pots they produced, and the other half on the quality.

In the "Quantity" group, it didn't matter how good or bad their results, only the total amount of pots they created would count.

For the "Quality" group, all they had to have at the end of the semester was just one perfect pot to get that "A" in the course.

                                          

They started to work. The wheels were spinning and the "Quantity" students turned out pot after pot, improving with each creation.

On the other side of the room the "Quality" students thought and planned, and agonized every nuance of their creation. The strain of trying for perfection paralyzed many of them so that they ended up with nothing but unused lumps of clay.   

What's the moral of this story?

Good work is not perfect work. Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he kept picking up that bat and standing at the plate.

Not everyone you meet will be a client, and you won't sell every house you list. But if you keep meeting people and talking to prospects, you will find clients and even new friends.

                                           

Those of you who know my background can understand why this got to me.

I was that ceramic artist and I made lots and lots of pots, tried new techniques, and learned a lot. Boy, did I learn and develop my talent! Some pots were not so good and some were really, really good. Some I even tossed before they got to the kiln.

But many are in my home, and many more are decorating other homes and being enjoyed by clients who purchased those pots.  

Now I use this same talent in my real estate career.

-The more people I meet, the luckier I get.

-The more risk I take the luckier I get. 

-The harder I work the luckier I get.  

I have been very “lucky” in this wonderful world of real estate!                                                                  

Being Lucky the Rome Way.

                                                                                               ######

                                                                

Custom Rancher in Baltimore County

3703 Laburman Drive
Hernwood Heights
Baltimore County 21133

3 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
$269,944

Hernwood Heights is a beautiful community of custom built homes.

Here is an opportunity to own a large rancher with a garage that will hold three cars and an enclosed breezeway..a great place to entertain or relax with windows on 3 sides.

This home is located on a level landscaped .64 acre and looks and feels like parkland.

Spacious eat in kitchen with gas cooking, dishwasher, wood cabinets, a butterfly sink and plenty of room for the big country kitchen table. Enjoy the views of the patio and lush back yard.

The first level has gleaming hardwood floors in all bedrooms, the dining room and the sunken living room.
Two wood burning fireplaces..one in the living room and one in the lower level recreation room.
Abundant storage... including the basement, 2 storage sheds inside the  garage and a workshop.

Central air conditioning plus gas heat and cooking. Public water but the owners have kept the original well. Just perfect for keeping the landscaping watered.
Please call me to see this Custom Rancher in Baltimore County..Hernwood Heights
3703 Laburman Drive 21133

 Garage with abundant storage...notice the 2 sheds.

Driveway access to front walk.

Oversized garage with sliders to back yard.

Enclosed breezeway is a perfect 3 season room.

Enclosed breezeway

Park-like views from kitchen.

View from kitchen.

Spacious Eat-in Kitchen

Master bath with shower.

Hall Bath

Front foyer entry

 "Butterfly" sink

Eat in Kitchen has  new floor.

Eat in Kitchen has gas cooking.

Sunken living room with wood gleaming wood floors.

Sunken living room with wood burning fireplace.

Custom Rancher in Baltimore County..Hernwood Heights 3703 Laburman Drive 21133

Another Baltimore Condo Under Contract With HomeRome..Bartonwood 2903 Fallstaff Rd 21209..

2903 Fallstaff Rd.
The Bartonwood
Baltimore, MD 21209
1 Bedroom
1 Full Bath

Enjoy this 5th floor bright, spacious one bedroom one bath Bartonwood condo with a separate utility room housing a full size washer and dryer.

Sliding glass doors to 16 foot covered balcony is the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee while looking at tree top views.

Security locked lobby with buzzer/intercom system, inside mail and paper delivery and low condo fees makes this condo living very convenient. 

Assigned parking and a pool is available for a fee. Convenient location close to Greenspring shopping center, houses of worship, senior center and public transportation. Lush landscaping and trees give a country feeling in a Baltimore City location

Bright white eat in kitchen

Bright white eat in kitchen

The Bartonwood Condo

2903 Fallstaff Road 21209

Bright Inviting Lobby

View from covered balcony

Bartonwood Condo in Baltimore

2903  Fallstaff Rd 21209..One Bedroom One Bath!

Another Baltimore Condo Under Contract With HomeRome..Bartonwood 2903 Fallstaff Rd.

More About the Waiting List

                                       More About the Waiting List

There was a featured post by one of my favorite ActiveRain members, Martha Brown...The 'Waiting List'...Is This The Wave of the Future? 

                                              

I remember one of the first times I told a buyer about my waiting list.

Being a listing agent kept me very busy so I explained that I just could not handle another client.

A few days later, he called asking for an appointment to BE interviewed. He wanted me to interview him so he could get on the list.

He said he was willing to wait for me.

I was blown away!... and told him he was at the top of my list and we made plans to find him the perfect home.

He was so sure he wanted to work with me. Turned out to be one of my favorite clients of all time.

Always be ready to walk away from a listing. Do business only with people you  like and respect, even if you are struggling!

 If you don't trust them going in, that's a pretty good indication the listing will cost you more in time, aggravation and money than you will make.

Don't think of it as turning down a listing; think of it as making room for a better client!

                                    More About the Waiting List..

       Speed, a Hair Dryer and a Bag of Rice...Just In Case.

In all the years I've owned a cell phone...this has never happened until...

I dropped my iPhone in the toilet. You never saw a faster move to retrieve it. Took the case off and dried it with a hair dryer. Then I placed it in a sealed Baggie filled with white rice.

                                       

It kept ringing inside the bag of rice. Tired of not being able to answer... so I removed my phone!

It has been a couple of months and the phone has been working fine. So always be quick, use a dryer and keep a zip-lock bag of rice ready...just in case. 

Please Note:

I adore all of the comments but there is not a chance to respond to each one of you special members individually.

Since this is my 100th Featured post...Yep 100 gold stars...please go read this post again..

Please Don't Throw Me Any More Gold Stars

                       Speed, a Hair Dryer and a Bag of Rice...Just In Case.

Another Baltimore County Condo Under Contract With HomeRome

7 Slade
Unit 419
Bedrooms: 2
Full Bath: 2

Here is a two bedroom and two full bath fourth floor condominium in the luxurious Seven Slade Condo also known as Suburban Oaks is now under contract. This spacious unit is conveniently located in the Pikesville area of Baltimore County zip code 21208.

Entrance foyer, with walk in closet, has Parquet floors which run through the condo. These floors are mainly covered with wall to wall carpet.

Master Bedroom (20'x12') has 3 closets including a walk-in and dressing area. The bathroom has a convenient stall shower equipped with grab bars.

The second bedroom (15x11) has a large double closet and floor to ceiling windows...allowing views and brightness.

Dining room area, measuring 13x10, is adjacent to the kitchen with a large bright window overlooking park like grounds.

The second full bath with tub and shower also houses the stackable washer and dryer. How convenient...right in your own condo.

The living room (24'x12) is large enough to have a combination living/dining room and then take the existing dining space for a den or family room right off the kitchen.

Beautiful park like views from over sized windows and your own private balcony, can be enjoyed through the sliding glass doors from the living room. Watch the changing Baltimore seasons from each room.

Your own control of heat and air conditioning ( utilities included in monthly condo fees)~ Swimming pool (water aerobics in the summer) ~4 guest rooms (for your out of town company)~ Library/exercise room (keep your mind and body in shape)~ Party room/social club (with kitchen for entertaining)and a storage locker.

Full service building has 24 hour security, answering service, valet , receptionist, doorman and porters (to help with packages through easy back door access.)

Beautifully designed and maintained lobby (notice the inviting shallow pool with fountain) .

Convenience, privacy and security!

 Baltimore County Condo  -2 Bedroom 2 Bath .. 7 Slade Ave

Another Baltimore County Condo Under Contract With HomeRome

Being a bit 'hard to get' is more intriguing than being available each and every time the phone rings.

My first waiting list had nothing to do with real estate but was my best close ever.

Martha talks about 'waiting' for  invitations to join a group. Are we waiting for something special?

Via Martha Brown Homes & News Around Annapolis (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc):

The 'Waiting List'...Is This The Wave of the Real Estate Future?

The first time I heard of a 'waiting list' in real estate was through Margaret Rome. If you do not know Margaret she is not only an awesome blogger and Ambassador here on Active Rain but an absolutely incredible, kind, loving. helpful individual not to mention a Realtor extraordinare. Anyway back to the Waiting List...

Margaret wrote a blog about her Waiting List and has mentioned it in many of her other blogs as well. Margaret is a solo agent who is creative, authentic and very savvy and she knew early on that there was only so many people she could help at one time and do so effectively so she created a 'waiting list' of clients. These future clients are thrilled to be part of her waiting list and because they are Margaret keeps her pipeline ever flowing with excited new clients for the future.

The next waiting list was actually waiting on an invite. yes I am talking about Pinterest. A few months ago when Pinterest was taking hold I decided to check it out and see what all the interest was. Well...I could not just join, no siree. I had to wait to be invited. Though I was finally invited I have still not joined in. Not sure why other than just another 'social' thingy on an already full plate.Yep, thats it. My plate is full already and so Pinterest has been put on my 'waiting list'. But.... while they sit on my waiting list Pinterest has become the fastest growing social media site on the internet. Wow!!

Today I heard about a new picture platform that is taking the place of Picnik. It is called Ribbet and guess what... I had to send an email to join their 'waiting list'. Hmmmm here we go again.

I feel as if I am waiting for something very special just like I do when I see that first rose open up and share its beauty. So could that be why a waiting list is becoming the wave of the future? 

Hmmmm, I think Margaret was a rose way ahead of her time. 

**************************************************************************************

Annapolis Area Real Estate 

 Make the Move with Martha

Call 410-440-7839 or 800-735-5122

martha@HomesAroundAnnapolis.com
Martha Brown CRS
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Your Certified Residential Specialist for Annapolis Area Home Sales or Purchases

                           

Lets House Hunt 

Visit Annapolis

Join Me on Facebook

Google Martha    

                                           

All Photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All Rights Reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of

Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate.  

Every effort has been made to assure that the information in this blog is as accurate as possible. Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. disclaims any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. This includes but is not limited to any information provided by third parties which is accessed through this blog via a hyperlink.

Kilometers For Kids...Kids Helping Hopkins...2nd Annual Race!

It was a gorgeous day in Baltimore for the K4K race at Oregon Park  within walking distance of  Clipping Tree Lane in Greencroft.   I was proud to be one of the sponsors.

This years attendance was probably double from last year. Hopefully each year  will grow with the support of all the children, parents, friends and volunteers!

                                           
                                           

                                            

                                            

                                            

Kids Helping Hopkins ...Kilometers For Kids Saturday April 21st 

It was a pleasure seeing so many happy faces and especially My Friends Sam and Anita Rozenel 

            Kilometers For Kids...Kids Helping Hopkins...2nd Annual Race!

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do

 This is the best recap of a MeetUp and the meaning of relationships formed on ActiveRain.
From my first  Open House Weekend, Bridget has always been there for support. Never once asking for business but alway earning it with her  knowledge, efficiency, caring and special touch that my clients appreciate. 


                                                 

Via Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee (CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc. 410-960-2061):

Active Rain Meetups-One Of My Favorite Things To Do

If you haven't been to or scheduled to attend an ActiveRain Meetup, WHY NOT?  You don't know what you are missing!   
We are very lucky in Maryland to have some of the most prolific, intelligent, professional, kind, funny, open, honest, beautiful, friendly....well I think you get the idea....ActiveRain members around. 

OK, I know that most of the folks that are ACTIVE ActiveRain members don't come to the party if they don't have something going on, but these people are truly amazing on and off the computer.  I bet if you attended one (or more) of these meetups, you found the same!
I attended my first ActiveRain event a few years ago, when Margaret Rome held a very special Open House.  I have attended every one in the area since.  Many of these folks have become business associates, all of them have become mentors, and most of them have truly become friends.  Each meetup is different, but there is always a common thread...sharing, friendship, positivity, laughs, and lots of pictures!
 

 These are not folks that are complaining about not being busy enough and don't have anything better to do.  These are folks that have been and are very successful (SUPER BUSY) in real estate and in life.  They come from different companies, but they don't try to recruit each other or poo poo the others business model.  They celebrate each others successes, refer business, ask and answer questions....They care about each other, having gotten to know them first by reading their posts here on ActiveRain.  They are authentic.  What you see is really what you get.

Margaret Rome said "It's not about the company, it's about the person.  We don't care where they hang their license, but how they treat their clients and our referrals."  

 
I am a loan officer.  I don't attend meetups to solicit business, although over time many of these folks have referred clients to me, and I have referred business to them.  I don't go with a rate sheet or reasons why they should use me.  Every lender touts "great rates and great service", my goal is to meet folks and get to know  them in person, share a laugh (many laughs, really), good food and great conversation.  If there is a good fit, the business will come.  When it does, I am grateful and do everything in my power to ensure that the referrals are well taken care of.  When it doesn't that's OK too.
 
I made the mistake of telling Margaret that I didn't get a chance to post this yesterday because I didn't "have time".  As soon as it came out of my mouth I realized what a silly thing that was to say (especially to Margaret who somehow finds time to call members, mentor, post daily, AND sell a ton of Real Estate.  No one has any more or less time than I do.  We all have business, family, life... but everyone who is ACTIVE realizes the importance of this forum, of the connections.  
 
I have fallen down a bit on my blogging of late.  The meetup was a great way to reconnect.  The online Boot Camp will help too.
Take the time to get out from behind the computer monitor and connect, truly connect.  Blogging is a form of social media.  I think sometimes we're so caught up in the media, we forget the social. If there wasn't a meetup scheduled in your area, pick up the phone and invite someone (or a few someone's) for lunch or for coffee, or for a cocktail or a walk.  We are blessed to have folks (Margaret Rome and Martha Brown so far) who have been willing to take the lead in our area and the group is growing.  


I am proud to say that several folks I personally invited joined in the fun:

• Andrea Bedard (Fabulous and caring Montgomery and Anne Arundel County Realtor...specializes in military buyers and sellers-a lifestyle she is intimately familiar with) 
• Diane Phillips (a sweet, hard-working Carroll County and PA Realtor-, both wonderful people and bloggers whom I would highly recommend you follow if you are not already. 
• Denise Litzau of Property Title & Escrow (She was kind enough to take the group pictures, unfortuately I missed capturing her)-I have worked with these folks for years and re-connected recently....I sent Denise an AR invite, I will let you know when she starts blogging. She was impressed with this group!  They are offering $295 plus title insurance on purchases over $300K.  They also offer free tax assessment appeals.  Try them, you won't be disappointed. 

Margaret's client Lucy Clark was there too.  She is not only the previous owner of the Chocolate House...
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2124363/this-is-a-reblog-by-c-tann-starr-you-missed-the-bixler-church-open-house
she has started a business that includes custom floor plans and custom maps for Real Estate.  Lucy has a ton of ideas and will Floor You (and your clients).  This is pretty cool stuff that would fit really well with the Single Property Websites I offer to my realtor partners to add to their marketing of their listings.

All in all, there were 15 of us...we had a few more who RSVP'd, but were unable to attend.  Ellie McIntire (and a few others) managed to scoot before the group picture, but I got to catch her with Diane and her newly signed copy of "Sell Your Home the Right Rome Way." 


I bet the next Maryland meetup will be even bigger.  Martha Brown is already planning one in Annapolis for May when Jeff Dowler is in town.  You know I will be there, won't you join us?
In the meantime...anybody want to have lunch?
ActiveRain Meetups-One of my favorite things to do!

Warm Regards,
Bridget McGee  Maryland Mortgage Mama  NMLS# 196068  CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc.   410-960-2061 EHO
If you are considering purchasing a home in Maryland and want to be sure you are mortgage ready, my brother Tony and I will be happy to help! We help to make the mortgage process a pleasure!
If you already own your home, we are happy to provide a no-cost mortgage review to help you to determine if refinancing may be in your best interest.  Please contact me at 410-960-2061.