Highly likely to recommend

Some time ago, I wrote  Don't Forget to Ask for a Review...You Deserve It! One of my favorite sellers and now friend posted a very kind review of me on Zillow. It started off with...''Highly likely to recommend.''

This is the home located in Westminster Where You Can Live Like You are on Vacation All Year Round!  It is one of my favorite all time listings...a cantilevered contemporary on 28 acres.

     

                       

And here is Lucy's summary of our relationship during the selling process.

'Highly likely to recommend

Summary:

Margaret is a hands down the best agent I've ever worked with in selling or buying a home. She not only listens, is patient and professional, but she thinks outside the box and is superiorly creative in her approach. We listed a pretty challenging home located on a large amount of land. We were concerned about the sale in this market, which as you know, isn't what it use to be. With her talents, perseverance and large amount of contacts, we were able to sell our custom home. We were NOT merely placed on the MLS listings, had a sign installed and left to wait for a buyer to come along, which I have experienced with other realtors in the past. Margaret Rome is a genuine top notch agent who truly cares about your needs, and offers so much more than I can even mention here. She arranged for custom floor plans to be included in the full color multipage brochure, a fabulous professional photographer and wide spread internet exposure. Without her stelar negotiations, impeccable timing and ambitious nature, I'm convinced we'd never have sold our home. One conversation with Margaret and you'll see. In my opinion of all the Realtors I've ever worked with and interviewed (bought and sold 3 homes) she has a unique offering that would be difficult to match.

Posted by Lucy Clark on 11/28/2011 '

                                                         

Highly likely to recommend

These Agents Got It!!

These Agents Got It!

                                                      

  Recently wrote a post about a friend who is thinking of retiring to Florida but has no clue how or where or with whom to start. So I wrote this post..Attention Florida Brokers and Real Estate Agents...Who is Going to Help Me Find a Florida Home? 

These agents  got "IT"

Look at these two comments:

The first is  from 'The Other Margaret in Maryland" one of my favorite members...Margaret Woda. 

"Margaret, I understand where these folks are in their search.  It has to start somewhere and, like many people, they really don't know where that should be.  When you're contemplating retirement, you really do have the whole country to choose from... narrowing it down to Florida is a good start.  A Florida agent who loves their area will reach out and share it with others, and their enthusiasm will be contagious." Margaret Woda got it! She understands that people retiring are not sure where they want to settle down.

The second one... Connie Harvey also got it!

''The truth is, unless you've spent a lot of time in Florida, you couldn't possibly know for sure where you'd want to go. If I were an agent in FL and had property that met what they've asked for, I'd be selling my community to them!!!''

Agents can start a line of referrals with other agents. Think of  ALL the  Realtors®  in  All the States....not just Maryland or Tennessee, who have clients in this situation. This is such an opportunity to show off our properties. Tell people why they should consider our area.

Since I found out that Yahoo named Baltimore as one of the Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights...(Miracle on 34th Street )

I  need to write another post..."Why move to Maryland?"

Thanks Margaret Woda and Connie Harvey

These Agents Got It!

THE VALUE OF A GOOD REFERRAL NETWORK - EXPAND YOUR PRESENCE BY KNOWING YOUR MARKET.

I have written about the power of thank you notes  and testimonials. It doesn't get much better than having the top female ActiveRain Blogger, Lenn Harley, write a post saying...

''So, I called Margaret Rome.   Margaret answered her phone as she almost always does and the rest is history.  If I know one thing about Margaret, I know that IF MARGARET ROME TAKES A LISTING, it will probably soon be sold.  Margaret is a smart real estate broker.  Just as Lenn does not agree to work with every home buyer calling, Margaret wants to see feasibility when she takes a listing. .."

Thank you Lenn for another listing that just went under contract!

Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):

THE VALUE OF A GOOD REFERRAL NETWORK - EXPAND YOUR PRESENCE BY KNOWING YOUR MARKET and SERVICES.

REFERRALS are an important income producing resource in the business plan of many real estate agents and brokers.  Outgoing referrals have been a focus of my real estate business since about 1995 when I established a presence on the Internet.  With many years in the real estate business as an agent and broker, I developed the ability to understand the many market segments in my area.  Living in a variety of towns and communities in Maryland, Northern Virginia and D.C. and knowing the many communities helps.  The Internet gave me the ability to advertise real estate services throughout a selected market area.

YOU CAN ONLY BE IN ONE PLACE AT A TIME.   The ability to develop business throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia is one thing.  However, to deliver services to consumers responding to your advertising relies on a network of experienced real estate agents and brokers.  Since 1996, I have made several thousand buyer and seller referrals to agents and brokers throughout my market area.  The buyer and seller contacts come to me by telephone or e-mail.  Knowledge of the area and services needed is critical.  I've spent many thousands of hours, hundreds of thousands of miles and many $$Dollars of my advertising budget understanding the market forces that determine various real estate markets. 

Maryland, Virginia and D.C. are not just one market.  We are many real estate markets.  Therefore, it was important for me to develop a network of experienced local agents and brokers as referral resources for consumer contacts.  When a consumer contacts me about selling a property in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, I immediately think of Margaret Rome. 

EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE FOLKS CAN WALK AND CHEW GUM AT THE SAME TIME.  About 3 years ago, Margaret contacted me Auabout her move to a new real estate brokerage.  One of the services offered by that broker was REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS.  This specialty was not new to me since in past years as a listing agent, several of my seller clients and builders I represented had used the real estate auction to sell their home or move new home inventory.  With this background and experience, I decided to include real estate auctions as a selling alternative on selected web sites.  With good SEO, Google searches for real estate auctions in various locations in my market area produced contacts from consumers seeking to auction their home for sale as an alternative or in addition to the traditional MLS listing.

"I'd like to talk about auctioning a property for sale in Baltimore."   That was the introduction a lovely owner who was in the process of divesting a number of properties in Baltimore.
AUCTION ISN'T FOR EVERYONE.  After speaking with the gentleman for quite a while and explaining to him the various types of auctions, it became clear that, although an auction would be possible for him, the expense involved in auctioning a property in which they had significant equity just wasn't justified.  He simply needed to list his home for sale with an experienced and knowledgeable broker who would get it sold.  He agreed that he just wanted to dispose of the property and the auction process wasn't necessarily the best option.  My experience with auction buyers is that they quite often unrealistic and offer far below market value.  If he offered the property with a reserve, the bids were unlikely to materialize.  If he offered the property as an absolute auction, he stood to lose a significant amount of money when compared to what he could sell the property for in a traditional real estate listing and sale.

Since opening her own brokerage, Margaret is no longer with the broker offering auction services so I have developed another auction resource.  However, knowing the expectations of most buyers seeking to BUY A HOME AT AUCTION, this owner/seller was likely to have a far better net proceeds for the sale of his property through a traditional real estate listing and sale.
So, I called Margaret Rome.   Margaret answered her phone as she almost always does and the rest is history.  If I know one thing about Margaret, I know that IF MARGARET ROME TAKES A LISTING, it will probably soon be sold.  Margaret is a smart real estate broker.  Just as Lenn does not agree to work with every home buyer calling, Margaret wants to see feasibility when she takes a listing.  Realtors spend a lot of time and resources when first engaged by a buyer or seller.  For sellers, we want to know that the property is priced right for the market and that the seller is cooperative and realistic about price, access, etc.  For buyers, we want to know that the buyer is in the right price range for their ability to buy and that they will be available to view properties identified as good prospects based on the buyers goals and qualifications.
SOUNDS SO SIMPLE DOESN'T IT?? 
HA!
Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________


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'You Sold a Home For Us About 19 Years Ago...'

Received this email from a former client:

''You sold a home for us about 19 years ago in Randallstown.  I just became a
Realtor® in W.V. and I have a client ..in the Navy... looking to rent ....she will be working at John Hopkins for the next 2 years. Could I refer her to you?''

I picked up the phone and called. In no time we were caught up. I was pretty new back then but I remembered Angie and I remembered the house.                                                                                           

                                              

I remember the homes sold for her brother in law, her mother in law and a few other referrals.

What I also remember...Angie was an immaculate house keeper. Her home was a pleasure to show. Always perfect! Of course with small children, I gave her as much notice a possible. 

I also remember the day her home sold.

It was Angie's  moving day when a buyer called wanting to see the house. Her response... "Oh No...the place is a wreck." My comment back then. "They may not buy it if it is a mess...they definitely will not buy it if they can't see it."

I went over to show it..stuff all over the place and....you guessed it...the right buyer! The house was SOLD that day!

This is Angie's next email:

"Hi Margaret,

If you could help... this gal find a rental, I would be so appreciative.  I don't have my Maryland license...just got WV 3 months ago.  You were the one who got me interested in real estate 19 years ago.  You suggested I read a book that was written, by a gal named Danielle.  She had like 5 children and still had a successful family life and work life.  We ended up with 5 children also and I put real estate on the back burner until now.  I really wanted to do it before I got too old..LOL!  My oldest is 22 and youngest is 7.  This is a friend of a client that I got her house listed as a rental and in a few years she will sell and hopefully I will get the listing.  This gal ...is in the Navy and will be interning  at Johns Hopkins for 2 years....has 2 mild mannered dogs.....  I really appreciate your help if you could find her something.  She is not having any luck with a reliable Realtor® in Baltimore......  Thanks Bunches,  Would love to talk to you about Real Estate and I see you wrote a book..would love to read it.  Take care,  Angie "

After all this time, Angie googled me and asked for my help. I was thrilled..even though I don't do rentals...I can certainly help point them in the right direction. After speaking with her client's friend, I gave  some suggestions and was going to do a post tonight on what she needed. It was going to be tittled something like... ''Find A Home For These 2 Dogs'' I was just waiting for the photos of her pups.

But, and as of today, this young intern  has rented a home for two years. ''YEAH'' is what her email said and a sweet thanks for helping.

I will be wishing Angie lots of success in Real Estate, sending  Real Estate the Rome Way  and inviting her to ActiveRain.

Do you think she will join? Do you think I can get a young agent of 3 months to start blogging?

Would you remember a home sold 19 years ago?

Margaret Rome
Author of Real Estate the Rome Way
www.HomeRome.com
410-530-2400

Are They 100% Sure They Want to List With Margaret Rome?

 I am waiting to see if they are 100% Sure they want to list with me.

Knowing the two questions that must receive positive answers..I am waiting for a phone call later today.

Yes, I went on listing appointment yesterday. These sellers were referred to me by two people..one a best friend and one a former client (her sister). When I asked if they were 100% sure about selling..there was not much hesitation...just qualified by ..'if we get the right price.'  The second question:  Are you 100% sure you want to use me? A bit more hesitation. You see,  I am the first Broker and they may want to talk to others...no problem.

They are going to call with their answer. In the meantime, I am going to tease you with a few photos that are just perfect for this holiday weekend. Take a look and let me know what you think.

This 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath colonial has a heated in ground pool and a hot tub that can be used separate from the pool.
                                                        

                                                        


Such an inviting backyard oasis, there is no need to plan a vacation this summer. Save gas and spend your travel time at home.

Are They 100% Sure They Want to List With Me? We will wait and see.

Update...

A New HomeRome Listing Will Be Available in the Next Couple of Weeks!

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

A Referral Through a Book Review..How is That Possible?

A Referral Through a Book Review..How is That Possible?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a listing broker in Baltimore and that my business comes from referrals. This is the first direct referral from a book review.

This is not the first time I have talked about  Elizabeth Weintraub.


                                                 
Just recently it was about asking for a review.

At a closing this week with the buyer, sellers, the title attorney all sitting at the table... the question came up...How did you find Margaret Rome?

The sellers, not from Maryland, had a relative's property to sell in Baltimore and were searching the internet. They found a book review in the New York Times. It was a review of my book Real Estate the Rome Way and it was written by  Elizabeth Weintraub. From that review, they decided to contact me. The rest of that successful transaction is history.


                                                  


It was ActiveRain that gave me the courage to write. When I first started blogging, one of my thoughts...put together a dozen of these blogs (chapters) and you will have that book. Over the years I have been quite fortunate how the AR community has embraced me and my book. So many wonderful members own the book and have generously written about how it touched them. I have donated books and given them as prizes for various contests. Win a Book or a Chat With Margaret Rome Contest.  It has been a wonderful way to Pay It Forward.

A Referral Through a Book Review..How is That Possible?

I have the internet, ActiveRain, Elizabeth and my book to thank for this referral.
PS: The buyer also found me on the internet!

Don't Forget to Ask for a Review...You Deserve It!

Don't forget to ask your past clients for a review.

                                              

A couple of weeks ago Brad Andersohn held a seminar with Elizabeth Weintraub  . I decided to give it a try. I called six of my previous clients and asked if they would write a review. Surprising they were all delighted to  do this for me.... each one of them wrote a  a very nice review....pretty close to perfect scores...I might add.

This is not something I would have done on my own...but Elizabeth made this suggestion;

''Encourage agents to ask their clients to submit reviews for them. Why not? If you worked hard for your clients, you deserve it.''     By the way, Elizabeth has 20 reviews on her site!

Here was the most recent review from my former client who I saw this week in the gym.

'In 2007, I wanted to sell my home and buy something larger. Recommended by a friend, Margaret Rome quickly became an indispensable partner. To the home I was selling, she recommended only improvements that would increase the value. The house was sold at the listed price of $199k in less than a month. 

Now I needed a place to live. First, Margaret exhaustively interviewed my family and I on our needs (must have, like to have, etc.). Then she went to work finding outstanding properties that met our wishes. As we viewed these homes, Margaret was processing our reactions and quietly readjusting to show us what we really wanted; not what we said we wanted. As you might have guessed, the house that we loved and eventually bought was not at all what we had described in initial interviews. 

Thanks to Margaret's insights, patience and skillful negotiations, we ended up in a stately 1920's home in an old neighborhood of giant oaks and fantastic neighbors. I can honestly say that Margaret is one of the most knowledgeable, hardworking, and gifted professionals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I recommend her highly to anyone wishing to buy or sell a home.'

Don't forget to ask your clients for a review. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Thinking of Selling Your Home...Call Margaret Rome 410-530-2400

Bob Asked Us To Write About Our Referrals.

Bob asked us to write about our ActiveRain Referrals and there have been quite a few over the years. One of my favorites is this home built in the early 1900's and still occupied by the woman who was born in the house 85 years ago. You can read more about the history of this  Cheswolde Home.

It is not so unusual to get or make an AR referral but this was actually a neighbor of mine.  This property was only a few blocks from my house but the referral came from an agent in South Carolina. She did not know me and I did not know her but she was friends with this woman's daughter in SC.

So how do I come into play?

This agent follows ActiveRain, even though not a member and chooses not to participate. When she googled the zip code and the neighborhood, my name was always there because of my localism posts.

                                                          

When she first told me about the seller, I knew it would not happen overnight. How do you start a move after 85 years in the same house and with a husband who was not well?  But the move was necessary...the home was too big and the owner needed to be close to family. It was a year from the time we met until we listed the property.

During that time, I used to take morning walks, stop and place the newspaper on their porch.  This kept them from having to come down the steps  and into the yard.

After a few phone chats, they became comfortable with me and pretty soon I was able to put them in contact with others who could help with packing and evaluating what to take and what to sell and what to dispose.

       

And what happened over this year long process...good friendships were formed. The house was sold with ease and at full price. I was able to meet the out of town family and felt their appreciation.

All because of posting on ActiveRain... a referral practically in my own backyard...a neighbor.  It took an agent in South Carolina to make the connection!  That is the power of ActiveRain.

Thanks Bob for the reminding me with your challenge.

Here is another referral that came from an agent blogging about a lender and how I used this lender based on this informationMargaret Rome Plus Mortgage Mama = ActiveRain Success

A Gas Station + A Good Impression = A Listing

A couple of weeks ago I received this email (used with permission):

Dear Mrs. Rome,

I don't know if you remember me. My name is Kaliq Simms, and about six months ago, we happened to be getting gas at the same station on Reisterstown Rd. I recognized your name on your license plate. You had been the seller's realtor for a house we contemplated buying about six years ago when we were shopping for our current home.

I was so impressed with your professionalism and great personality. We ended up buying another home (no fault of yours, of course), but I continued to visit your website periodically over the years, as I knew we would eventually want to sell our current starter home. Long story short, you gave me your number at the gas station that day and told me to call you when we decided to sell. Well, we've decided :)!

I hope we can work together. We need a speedy and smooth sale because we have found the house we want to buy. We are already pre-qualified and have a realtor for the buy-side of this transaction. Please call us as soon as possible. Thank you!

That Saturday I went on a listing appointment, and though they said they absolutely wanted to use me, they also said they wanted their attorney to look over the listing agreement. I told them, "Absolutely, and here is what he'll say: he'll tell you the commission is too high and the term is too long, and that you shouldn't sign it."

While they were waiting to hear from the attorney, as a surprise for this delightful young family I put their home on my website with no address, no price, and a "Coming Soon!" heading. Later that week they reported that the lawyer said exactly what I predicted, but after thinking it over some more…they listed their home with me. Up went the listing on MLS, up went the listing on Active Rain, and we've had three showings already, one with good interest.

I've always insisted on showing my own properties whenever possible. Six years ago, a showing that did not lead to a sale created an impression. And today I have a listing for 7529 Rockridge Road, Pikesville, MD because of it.