A Family is Ready to Buy in Finksburg, Maryland! Are You Thinking of Selling?

A Family is Ready to Buy in Finksburg, Maryland!

Are You Thinking of Selling?

 

Are you thinking of selling your  home in   Carroll County Maryland ?

                                           

If you are thinking of selling, I have the buyer!

I am working with a family who would like for their children to grow up in Carroll County. They are looking for a single family home with four bedrooms in the Finksburg area of Carroll County.

                                            

They would like at least a quarter acre lot, a walk out lower level, a 2 car garage and they prefer natural gas.

Minimum 4 bedrooms and 2 baths... a must.

An immediate settlement is possible.

If you have this home please email  mrome@HomeRome.com

or  call me right away at 410-530-2400

All calls are confidential.

If you are thinking of selling, I have the buyer!

A Family is Ready to Buy in Finksburg, Maryland!

Are You Thinking of Selling?

   

Baltimore ACC Craft Show Baltimore Convention Center

Baltimore ACC Craft Show

Baltimore Convention Center

Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 22-24, 2013

One of my favorite things is the ACC Craft show right here in Baltimore.

I don't think I have ever missed one of these shows and today was no exception. My friend, Anne Hruby, and I walked for almost four hours and still did not see the entire show. It was a wonderful day and there is still time for you to visit Saturday and Sunday.

Below are some of my previous visits to this fine craft show.  Hope you can take a few hours to enjoy this beautiful selection made by talented artists. The items can be found in many forms including jewelry, metal, wood, fabric, weaving, glass, ceramic, wearable art, furniture and leather.

Baltimore ACC Craft Show 2013

Baltimore Convention Center

Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 22-24, 2013

Below are some of my previous visits to this fine craft show.

The Best Craft Show Right Here in Baltimore...American Craft Council's ACC 

If It Rolls Like a Duck...ACC in Baltimore

Eye Candy for Artists – Baltimore ACC Craft Show

Such Beauty..... Winter Craft Show in Baltimore

Baltimore Annual Craft Show – Ice Can't Stop Art

One Person's Stuff...Another Person's Art ..Baltimore ACC Show 

And a few more....

Serengeti at the Baltimore ACC Show This Weekend

Black, White, Yellow, Red and One for Peg! ACC Baltimore Craft Show!

American Craft Council Show Will Be in Baltimore This Weekend! February 24-27th - Baltimore ACC Craft Show 2013 Baltimore Convention Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday February 22-24, 2013

Today We Said a Final Farewell to a Friend

Today We Said a Final Farewell to a Friend.

1921-2013

A few months before Irene went to New York, we spent a lovely afternoon together. We had lunch and visited the weekly Farmer's market. You can see by the photos the fun we were having with artistic gourds and broccoli bouquets.

 

 I wrote about  Irene's New York Adventure and her move from Baltimore.  We knew each other as friends and as fellow artists. Years ago I helped sell her contemporary ranch home and found the perfect condo.  Both  homes  showed the beauty that this artist brought to everything she touched.  

 We met through our artwork - we once did a show together.

On the coffee table are two of Irene's sculptures and my porcelain bowl. 

 

 

Today We Said a Final Farewell to a Friend.
 

 

Itsy and Slim Jim Are Looking for a Baltimore Home

Itsy and Slim Jim Are Looking for a Baltimore Home

 

Would you consider adopting Itsy and Slim Jim?

As a Realtor® and Broker in Baltimore, I am used to Finding Homes For Baltimore Buyers. Now I am looking for another kind of home.

Do you have room for either one?

Please help the Baltimore Humane Society find them homes.

 Itsy and Slim Jim Are Looking for a Baltimore Home

Hunting Ridge In Baltimore is a Historic District

701 Hunting Place

21229

It was built in 1924, has four large bedrooms, has high ceilings, central air, warm gas heat, beautiful wood floors, a delightful Sun Room, slate roof, a modern kitchen with stone counters, loads of cabinet storage and gas cooking.

There is a balcony off the master bedroom and a curved deck perfect for outside enjoyment. A basement has walk out access and is ready to finish and has loads of space.

A single garage has a lift that now fits two cars.

Charming is the way I describe my new listing and it is loaded with character!

Baltimore City Ordinance 03-1186 11/03/03

The Hunting Ridge Historic District is centered around Winans Way. The District is bounded on the north by Briarclift Road, which intersects Winans Way and bounded on the south by Edmondson Avenue. The western boundary is Hunting Place/Winans Way and the eastern boundary is Glen Allen Drive. Though primarily a residential area, the Edmondson Village Shopping Center was a major point in residential life. Businesses in the area included Anderson Foreign and Sports Cars dealership. Residential architecture in the district includes the Tudor, French Eclectic, Spanish Mission Revival, Colonial Revival and Cape Cod Colonial styles.

 

The Hunting Ridge Historic District originally encompassed what is now Edmondson Heights, Rognel Heights, Ten Hills, Uplands and perhaps as far west as Rolling Road. The land for the District was originally owned by John Scutt in 1695. Scutt would eventually lose his land, having pieces bought up by such notable persons like John Bailey, Daniel Dulany, Benjamin Tasker, John Swan, Bernard Baker and John Cook. Once marked by large mansions and open expanses of land, the District today is a blend of several different styles of architecture. Not only does each home have its own unique style, many homes are themselves blends of different styles. The architectural styles add to the overall aesthetic and historical value of the District.

 Hunting Ridge In Baltimore is a Historic District

Live Radio With Margaret Rome Sundays at Noon!

All About Real Estate 

 WCBM 680 AM

or Listen to

www.WCBM.com

So This is Live Radio With Margaret Rome

 So This is Live Radio With Margaret Rome  

I am proud to be the  host of All About Real Estate at 12 noon on Sunday.

Today's show was all planned. I was meeting my guest at the station but when he was 10 minutes late, I called and got this response. " Oh today is not going to work for me...let's do it another time."

So This is Live Radio With Margaret Rome!!!

No problem we will go to plan B.

According to my friend Carra Riley  you have to have a Plan A before you can have a Plan B .

I took a new listing yesterday and my seller called in to discuss her home at 701 Hunting Place in the Hunting Ridge  neighborhood of Baltimore City.

We had a lovely conversation and were able to tell the listening audience about this very special home.

It was built in 1924, has four large bedrooms, has high ceilings, central air, warm gas heat, beautiful wood floors, a delightful Sun Room, slate roof and a modern kitchen with stone counters, loads of cabinet storage and gas cooking.

There is a balcony off the master bedroom and a curved deck perfect for outside enjoyment. A basement has walk out access and is ready to finish and has loads of space.

A single garage has a lift that now fits two cars.

Charming is the way I describe my new listing and it is loaded with character!

701 Hunting Place in the Hunting Ridge neighborhood of Baltimore City.

MLS # BA 8012452

$259,944

When would you like to tour this charming home loaded with character?

 So This is Live Radio With Margaret Rome 

Real Estate Success is Like Ice Skating

 Real Estate Success is Like Ice Skating

Lenn's post about getting into real estate,   should be mandatory reading for anyone thinking  about becoming an agent.  Dozens of people have gotten their license after purchasing their own home.

It really did not look that difficult and they saw the big commission at final settlement.

Of all those people who went on and got their real estate license, only one or two have survived the first year. It was not the easy money they thought it would be. It is like ice skating..the smoothness  on the ice reflects the level of skill.

My background as a former Registered Nurse helps me and my clients deal with the stress of selling a home.

There are many challenges taking a listing,  marketing, showing the property, negotiating the offer, going through the inspections, appraisal, financing contingencie, title, walk through and final closing.

 

It is like the post explaining the real estate mystery by Jason Crouch. 

It is a bit like ice skating. The better the skater the easier it looks! Those that do not glide with ease make it look like a difficult task!

There have been numerous people who have gotten into real estate because it looked so easy...very few of them stayed.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 If you are serious about getting into real estate, do yourself a favor, go interview other agents, research what is involved and make sure you have the finances to carry you through for the first year.

Real Estate Success is Like Ice Skating

 

 

Live Radio With Margaret Rome Sundays at Noon!

All About Real Estate 

 WCBM 680 AM

or Listen to

www.WCBM.com

It's OK to Let Them Buy Lunch!

Recently read a blog suggesting we not let our clients buy us lunch. Sorry I don't remember the writer. Let me know so I can give him/her credit.

I was invited to lunch by a client/friend who insisted it was going to be his treat. I graciously accepted but this was before I read that warning.

Today was the day of my being treated to a gourmet lunch. And it was elegant, delicious and most enjoyable. Good conversation and giving freely of my advice.  However I was a bit worried if this was going to be the ''payoff'' the " thank you for all you have done but we don't need your services anymore" but that was not the case. The friendship is intact and another listing is forthcoming. So glad I didn't heed the advice..."Don't Let Them Buy You Lunch!"

It's OK to Let Them Buy Lunch!

 Pikesville Home With First Floor Master Bedroom in Long Meadow Estates

3521Autumn Drive

Long Meadow Estates

Pikesville 21208

When would you like to tour this "forever" home?

 

 

Living Room and Dining Room area is very spacious, open and bright.  Look at the gleaming hardwood floors, skylight and beautiful buffet with lots of storage. The drawers are lined with pacific cloth for your finest tableware. Adjacent to the dining area is a large sunroom  that brings the outdoors in and is the perfect place for entertaining and relaxing.

When would you like to tour this "forever" home?

MLS # BC 8010937

3521 Autumn Drive

Long Meadow Estates

Pikesville 21208

Pikesville Home With First Floor Master Bedroom in Long Meadow Estates

 

We Decided Not to Wait For Valentine's Day in Baltimore

We Decided Not to Wait For Valentine's Day in Baltimore

Today is Valentine's Eve and we decided to celebrate a day early. Our plans were to have lunch tomorrow at our favorite  Restaurant Tio Pepe  in Baltimore, Maryland  

But today I had a brilliant idea. Why wait? It is going to be crowded and loud and everyone will be rushed. So we decided it is Valentine's Eve and we called for reservations. 

What a delight! They even had beautiful Valentine flowers.

The owner, Emilino Sanz and our very favorite maitre d', Paco,  greeted us with warm handshakes, hugs and a kiss. Well why not? We have been going to Tio Pepe since it opened in 1969, the year after we were married.  Our lunch was fantastic and we even shared a glass of sangria which we call Spanish Coca Cola.

We both had the seafood salad platter...consisting of a lobster half... topped with lump crab meat, potato salad, topped with shrimp, sliced eggs, lettuce, tomato, pimento and a smooth creamy dressing served on the side. We were treated to a plate of puffed potato fries.

And February 14th is  pretty special. We got engaged on Valentine's Day and have been married for 16,330 Days. You do remember  My Best Close Ever and Forever 

We Decided Not to Wait For Valentine's Day in Baltimore

Eleven Slade Co-op in Baltimore County

11 Slade Ave Unit 707

$89,944

 Unit 707 is an elegant seventh floor  Co-op that has two bedrooms and two baths and a clever design  with  movable wall panels.     

The Best Paycheck Is A Letter of Appreciation

The Best Paycheck Is A Letter of Appreciation.

 .

This Letter of Appreciaton  arrived today:          

''Dear Margaret,

I feel bad that I haven’t contacted you since the closing of my house a couple of weeks ago. Having read some of your blogs, at least I feel typical – in that, as you stated, there’s a period of mourning with the sale of a longtime family home.  I suppose I haven’t totally moved on, as I am still getting adjusted to the new normal.

One thing that hasn’t changed (nor do I expect it ever will) is my feeling for the way you handled the process with me. You were/are… wonderful! There were so many things I appreciated, but I will attest to anyone in your field of Real Estate – or any other industry, for that matter – that you are the example that others should follow. I could rattle off the little things (initiating and returning phone calls, e-mails, texts; meetings as required; being intensely involved when necessary; backing off a little (like at the beginning – when I needed to sort some things out); immediately having most of the answers to my questions; finding out the answers when you didn’t have them; making all the closing arrangements without any hitches (at least none visible to me).

 It’s somewhat impressive that you embrace new technologies – iphone/ipad blogging and texting, for example. What’s really impressive, though, is that you seamlessly use these technologies for the benefit of your clients, peers, or network associates – which ultimately benefits all! 

I think the thing I’m most impressed with, though, is your integrity, and work ethic. I know you’ve come to learn that, since I’m divorced, the two most important people in my life are my mom and daughter. Unfortunately, my mom is slipping away… I wanted my daughter with me when we met, and at as many meetings as possible, to give her a taste of how the realty process works. I’m glad I got you, and I’m glad my daughter got a chance to see you in action.   

Thanks for everything, Margaret.

Your favorite seller,

Bill

 

 

 Below are a few more of the best paychecks.

Today I Got My Paycheck!

Thank You Notes Are Not Just For Clients!

Paying It Forward...a Really Good Day! - A Thank You Note Is My Kind Of Pay Check!

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

 The Best Paycheck Is A Letter of Appreciation.

 

Now You See It... Now You Don't

Now You See It... Now You Don't

My new listing at 11 Slade Co-op has a wonderful and interesting  floor plan. The wall panels between the living room and the den allow for a great deal of  flexibility.

When open, it expands the entertaining area.  Closed, it creates a private bedroom, den, office or guest room. 

11 Slade Ave # 707

Please call for details.

410.530.2400

Now You See It...Now You Don't

Live Radio With Margaret Rome Sunday at Noon!

Live Radio With Margaret Rome Sunday at Noon!

Tatiana Will Be My Guest.

 

Tune to radio

 WCBM 680 AM

or Listen to

www.WCBM.com 

What Question Would You Ask a Recent Seller?

Call in Number is 410-922-6680

All About Real Estate

Live Radio With Margaret Rome Sunday at Noon!  

Check out Tatiana below.

Connected through a Stoneware Network

What is Tatiana Up To Now? -

14290 Triadelphia Rd. Glenelg, Md. 21737 -

Everyman Theatre in Baltimore

Everyman Theatre in Baltimore.

The show must go on but not tonight!

         

This was our first visit in Baltimore's new Everyman Theatre. The play was August: Osage County and our tickets were  for 7:30 tonight.

This is a three act play with two intermissions...but not this evening. We had not gotten through the first act, when the show was halted, a call for medical personnel and then the announcement that the show would not resume this evening. One of the actors was taken to the hospital.

Hoping the actor is doing well and best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

 

The show must go on but not tonight!

Everyman Theatre in Baltimore.

Traffic Calming Island in Pikesville

The neighborhood of Long Meadow in Pikesville will see construction beginning in the next week. No longer will Autumn Drive be used as a short cut to avoid the traffic signal at Old Court Road and Park Heights Avenue.

 These barriers will be installed to prevent left turns on Autumn Drive from Stevenson Road and Park Heights Avenue.

Reducing traffic through Long Meadow will, hopefully, insure the safety of walkers and children in this Baltimore County neighborhood.

Motorists in Pikesville accustomed to relying on Autumn Drive as a shortcut to circumvent the four-way stoplight at Park Heights Avenue and Old Court Road will soon have to find a new route. The Baltimore County Department of Public Works confirmed it will install “traffic calming islands” on Autumn Drive that will prohibit left turns onto the street from Park Heights Avenue and Stevenson Road. By David Snyder Staff Reporter Baltimore Jewish Times                                         

 

Reducing traffic through Long Meadow will, hopefully, insure the safety of walkers and children in this Baltimore County neighborhood. 

 Traffic Calming Island in Pikesville

You can't Make Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Poop chicken While lending my ear to a very hurt and unhappy agent about a situation regarding a "toxic" colleague, I was reminded of a time when I was wrongly accused. That was an awful feeling and before I learned I Don't Do Upset! My integrity was challenged and I was in tears. A fellow agent figured something major happened with my family. When I explained the incident, he knew the reputation of this "Kindness Impaired" person. His comment.... ''You Can't Make Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Poop." I knew exactly what he meant and began smiling. My mood was immediately lifted. I made a vow that no one would ever make me feel that way again. To this day when I see or hear about that person, it brings a grin because I only remember the 'chicken salad' line and that happened more than twenty years ago. Can you relate to this situation? You can't Make Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Poop 410-530-2400

You can't Make Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Poop

While lending my ear to a very hurt and unhappy agent about a situation regarding a "toxic" colleague, I was reminded of a time when I was wrongly accused. That was an awful feeling and before I learned I Don't Do Upset! 

 My integrity was challenged and I was in tears. A fellow agent figured something major happened with my family. When I explained the incident, he knew the reputation of this

"Kindness Impaired" person.

 

 His comment....

''You Can't Make Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Poop."

I knew exactly what he meant and began smiling. My mood was immediately lifted.

 I made a vow that no one would ever make me feel that way again.  

To this day when I see or hear about that person, it  brings a grin because I  only remember the 'chicken salad' line and that happened  more than twenty years ago.

Can you relate to this situation?

 You can't Make Chicken Salad Out of Chicken Poop

Another Baltimore Condo Under Contract

Another Baltimore Condo Under Contract at

7 Slade Condo Suburban Oaks

Pikesville, MD 21208 

It is too late for this lovely fifth floor 2 bedroom, 2 Bath condo at

7 Slade Condo Suburban Oaks Pikesville, MD 21208

It is too late for this lovely fifth floor 2 bedroom, 2 Bath condo at

7 Slade Condo Suburban Oaks Pikesville, MD 21208

We have found the lucky buyer!

If you want SOLD on your home...call Margaret Rome

Another Baltimore Condo Under Contract at 7 Slade Ave

So I Decided Not to Write a Blog Tonight

So I Decided Not to Write a Blog Tonight

The day started with a phone call letting me know an offer was coming in. Not a bad way to start a Sunday morning.

At noon I hosted my weekly radio show    ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE!    Considering it was Super Bowl Sunday and the Baltimore Ravens were playing, I was not sure anyone would be listening much less calling in. Had a nice variety of callers including one of my favorite sellers now living in Oregon. We talked about how we sold two homes within a couple of weeks by doing a very special kind of open house. These radio shows can be heard via pod cast at wwwlWCBM.com .

After the show, I went to my Open House where Ray Lewis lived 

12325 Falls Road 21030

Again the thought was that  very few visitors would show up before the Super Bowl.

What a delightful surprise...there were over 2 dozen  people who toured the house and enjoyed   Burger Cookies  a special Raven's Cake and some award winning chili made by June Piper-Brandon. 

The creator of the special Raven's Anthem   LOUD, PROUD and PURPLE took time out of his busy day to stop by and say hello and I was able to play the song on my iPad.

         Zippy, Margaret, June, Margie, Kim, Bridget, Joi, her son, Suni, Sheri, Bob and Sydney

Erica surprised us with a Raven's cupcake cake. Notice one is missing.

My one hour open house was really more like two hours and it was time to pick up Lee and go to our friend's home to watch the actual Super Bowl.  It was a wonderfully busy day and the RAVENS WON 34-31

So I Decided Not to Write a Blog Tonight

Hopkins' Kids Cheer on the Ravens for Superbowl XLVII

Hopkins' Kids Cheer on the Ravens for Superbowl XLVII

Please watch the video showing the spirit of these children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgMXB8jxnNc

This email and video was sent to me this morning by my friend  

Anita Rozenel-The Music Lady  .

''   During Super Bowl week, John Hopkins Children's Center Child Life Closed Circuit TV filmed patients, families and staff celebrating and cheering on the Ravens as we prepare for Super Bowl XLVII.

ESPN had requested a montage of this from Hopkins Childrens and also from San Francisco's children hospital. 
    ESPN  will feature very limited clips of this footage during their NFL Countdown show at 10 AM on Sunday.  The network will feature 2 or 3 clips as the "open" for the show, for a feature showing how Baltimore is preparing for the Big Game.  As you will see, there is a LOT of footage packed into a few minutes, from which  to choose 2 or 3 clips.....more of the footage may be used at some point during of the 10AM-1PM NFL Countdown.    
Anita was invited to take part in the filming at Hopkins and "opens" the video with the first verse of one of the Ravens songs written by Sam and Anita for the  first Ravens Rally at JCC pre-school two weeks ago. 

This is the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgMXB8jxnNc



 

Look For the Purple Balloons

 

 

Ray Lewis Lived in This House at 12325 Falls Road

You Are Invited to a

Pre Game Open House Sunday 3-4 Before The Super Bowl

   

Hopkins Kids Cheer on the Ravens for Superbowl XLVII

Best Laid Plans ......

Best Laid Plans ......

Today was all planned or so I thought. I was summoned to an all day jury service and we had theater tickets for tonight.

 My number for jury duty was too high so I was excused. Good news since I have a cold and a croupy cough..a nice day to take it easy. I exchanged tonight's tickets for next week.

Just put on some sweats and was going to take it easy for the most part. A few items on my to do list included taking some  documents downtown and a quick drive through at  the bank.

The bank teller could not use my driver's license because it was expired!

It was a good thing TLH was driving me around for these errands.  Checking my iPad, I found the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration was located at 5425 Reisterstown Road and quite nearby.

 Here is the info on their site....

"Please note that the MVA's busiest days are ..... the first days of the month. Therefore, MVA strongly recommends that you plan your visit during the middle of the month. Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays are high volume days at the MVA. Plan your visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to minimize your time with us."

It is February 1st and a Friday afternoon.

  We drove to the MVA at 4:20. It closes at 4:30. How lucky I made it in time. The place was full but they have to service everyone inside before closing. The wait, I was told, was at least an hour. I sent Lee home, got in line, got my ticket number and waited to hear my winning digit.

 Being the Friday before Super Bowl, there was lots of Raven's spirit and lots of purple. This is the attire of one of the employees.

   

 I wrote most of  tonight's blog on my iPad but I left my camera in Lee's car. Darn no photos to keep me busy. Yes I also have the  iPhone but don't like using either one  for pictures. I did take the one above of one of the workers way in the back. Not such a good zoom.

I even told a few people about

Ray Lewis who Lived in This House- and invited  them to my Open House Sunday 3-4

You realize that the renewal could have easily been taken care of online but I needed my driver's license now!

Best Laid Plans.....