Tick...Tock...Tick...Tock...

How did the time go by so fast? But here we are, just a few hours away from the contest deadline.

That’s right, your chance to grab for your very own 15 minutes of fame ends at midnight, tomorrow, May 31. So act now, before the “Think outside the box…umm…church” contest ends.

Describe in 100 words or less your most creative idea for the use of an historic church building. Tell me what you would do and why it's such a great idea. You can read more about the property on my web site – click here to see more photos, or go to the original blog entry for more details on the building.

The most creative idea will be featured – along with your name and photo, if you like – in my blog and in one of my newspaper ads in early June. Plus, I'll announce the winner on the radio and let you know when to listen for that, too.

No more procrastinating. Add a comment to this blog, or send me an email. Now!

Patience Pays

If you listen to real estate "experts" or read the newspapers, you might believe that the real estate market is in bad shape. A few months ago, sellers had buyers bidding against each other to buy a home at more than list price. Now, sellers are hearing it's a different world, prices are falling, and that maybe this is not the best time to put a house on the market.

First the headlines frightened buyers and now they are scaring sellers. And neither is true - it's still a good time to buy or sell! For example, let me tell you about my week.

I had a home listed that was on the market since mid-March. After two months, the sellers decided that the market is so bad that they would take if off. So we stopped all the advertising...and in that same week, the RIGHT BUYER came to us. The home was perfect for their needs, and it sold for full price with excellent terms.

Then on another of my properties - that had been listed by another company for seven months - in this same week we received three contracts! The buyers recognized that this was the right combination of price and location, and stepped up with competitive offers.

And after nine months on the market, another of my listings found its match. This out of town buyer "got lost" going to the mall on Memorial Day weekend, and "found" the perfect home!

So if you're thinking of selling your home, don't be put off by the gloom and doom you read. Remember, newspapers and online sites need to have headlines. The only thing that really matters is finding the right buyer for your home. And that is always possible with a little patience and a professional on your side.

Contest Update – Still Time to Enter!

Your 15 minutes of fame is still within reach. But act soon – our “Think outside the box…umm…church” contest ends in just two weeks.

Here’s what you do: Describe in 100 words or less your most creative - and legal - idea for the use of this historic church building. Tell me what you would do and why it's such a great idea. You can read more about the property on my web site – click here to see more photos, or go to the original blog entry for more details on this amazing building.

Here’s what I’ll do: The most creative idea will be featured – along with your name and photo, if you like - in my blog and also in one of my newspaper ads in early June. Plus, I'll announce the winner on the radio and let you know when to listen for that, too.

So far we have some great ideas including:

• Children’s museum
• Church
• Family reunion site
• Bed & Breakfast
• Conference center
• Restaurant
• Art gallery
• Professional offices
• Greenhouse
• Retail shop

What can you think of? Let me know by commenting on this blog (click on “Comments” below) or send me an email at mrome@homerome.com by May 31. In a couple of weeks, you could be famous!

Buyers Galore from Baltimore

It all came together yesterday for a successful LiveBaltimore trolley tour. We had perfect weather for the more than 85 people who visited us on this one day at Woodcrest Avenue, and the owner was happy to see the publicity and traffic generated by this innovative program. People came by car and by bus – the signs and balloons provided by LiveBaltimore helped them find us easily. Folks signed in and had their tickets stamped so they will be eligible for that $3,000 grant from Baltimore City.

The house had a great audience, and we all felt it was time well spent. Did the house sell? We don’t know yet. The exposure was great, and since the property is across from Pimlico Race Course, the signage will be wonderful for the Preakness next Saturday. Thousands come every year for the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown - and this jewel of a house has a front row seat.

Buy Into Baltimore - Get $3,000 from Baltimore City

Next Saturday, May 13, a few select homes in Baltimore City’s western region will play host to hundreds of qualified buyers. Four different free, guided tours will showcase homes for sale, including one of my client’s at 5604 Woodcrest Avenue. In addition to the bus or self-guided tours there are educational sessions on buying and financing a home purchase at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute High School.

This is a great opportunity for people to find a home with the special bonus of a $3,000 grant from the City of Baltimore for down payment and closing costs. There’s still time to sign up for the fair – and yes, you do have to participate to be eligible for the $3,000 grant. All the details are on the LiveBaltimore Buying into Baltimore site – click here to read all about it.

There’s never been a better time to Buy Into Baltimore!

Cyber Professionals Land in Annapolis

About 30 high-energy, high-tech, high-achieving real estate agents gathered today in Annapolis, MD for the annual meeting of Cyber Professionals. They shared their best practices and cool ideas for using technology to help their clients...the air was electric with creativity.

Brett Ellis led the group through the intricacies of blogging with the passion and speed of a super-blogger. Check out Brett's blog - it's a great example of using today's technology to reach out to clients. About one-third of the group have a blog of their own, but by the end of the sessions, my bet is that just about everyone of these pros will have a blog.