Margaret Rome's Blog

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the color brown. Maybe that's why chocolate is such a favorite of mine! I once owned a brown Porsche 944 that showed up in a blog about what's in a number. I never thought I could feel the same way about another car. I drove that gem for 10 years until I totaled it. I loved that car.

Saturday after my morning workout, I got a call from TLH Lee that he had a problem with his car, had taken it to the dealer, and needed me to pick him up. Now everyone knows that Lexus always has a loaner car for customers. His said, no, there was no loaner because of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

So I drove to the dealer, pulled into the lot, and called Lee on his cell phone. "I am waiting for you outside." He said to come inside, and I said, "Nope, I will wait for you here." And I went back to making appointments.

Next thing there was a tap on my car window and it was Stan, the salesman. He asked, "Will you come in for a minute?" I told him, "Not today Stan, I am busy making appointments, plus I am in workout clothes!" 

Then he said, "Dennis (the manager) really needs to talk with you." OK, so I went to Dennis' office, but he wasn't there. I went out on the showroom floor…and there it sat!!

A brown SC 430 with the top down, wrapped with a huge red bow, and a certificate with my name!

I exclaimed, "You painted a car for me, I love it!" But no, not a paint job… it was a NEW CHOCOLATE BROWN car with a honey tan interior!

My daughter Erica was there to share the surprise, snapping photos with Lee's cell phone camera. I still don't know how Lee and Erica kept this from me. Dennis had the car ordered two whole months ago, and Lee knew about it two weeks ago.

My wonderful husband wrapped this fantastic surprise around two very important and happy dates – his birthday on May 29, and our anniversary on May 30. We've been married for 14,244 days – yes, we always know how long in days, because each one is special.  How long is that?  You can find the answer here.

Lee, Erica, Dennis, and Stan were truly able to surprise me, and that's not easy. I should have suspected something, though. Lee has been asking me what car I want next, and my lease is not up for another 4 or 5 months.

I really did like the car I was driving - it's a two-door coupe and exactly right for me. I've had the identical Lexus SC430 – in black – two cars in a row. I was happy with the car, I just wanted it in brown. Several times Dennis told me the car was simply not available in brown. I would even have painted it, but was told I couldn't do that either, that painting would destroy the value…yada, yada.

After the big surprise, Dennis came over to me and apologized. He said our relationship has always been built on trust, and he had to fib about this. Not to worry, Dennis. Just about a week ago we were in the showroom with our friends Corie and Vic, who love cars, and they pulled out this perfect brown color swatch. Dennis didn't miss a beat and said, "Not available." If I had even gone to the web site I would have seen that they now make it in brown…but I was too busy and believed that gentle lie.

Special treatment really is what I got. Stan was on vacation this week, but he came in just for me and even dressed in BROWN. In the picture of Stan and Lee checking out the trunk, you'll see they are both in shades of brown, too!

So what does all this have to do with real estate? If we can find out what the customer wants and needs, there is NO selling involved. These guys listened, they took it upon themselves to order the car with no commitment. These guys got TLH involved to help with the excitement. They knew their customer and they went way above to give personal service.

Do you think that I am not aware of all they did, coming in on their day off, having all the paper work ready? They arranged to take my Treo and program it for the Bluetooth in the car so I was ready to go. Stan even programmed the GPS with my home address, and changed the presets on my radio to match my previous stations. THAT is extraordinary service.

How do you make your clients feel special?

www.HomeRome.com

At 8:00 a.m. I'm walking. And, being a Type E, I can't do just one thing at a time, so I've been thinking about how to combine the walking with something I love to do – talking to other real estate professionals, especially mentoring new agents. Then I thought, is there any way I could combine the walking and talking with some giving back to the Active Rain community?

The Lovely Wife made a good point about comments and reciprocity.  When we look to AR for support and comments on our posts, we should be looking at ourselves to see if we're giving that support that we want from the community. What if I talk with Rainers while I'm walking? I might be able to share some good information with new agents, and then they would have a ready made topic for their own blog.  

One thing, though, is there are not too many people you can call at 8:00 in the morning without worrying about waking them up. It was bad enough that I called Laurie Manny a few months ago and woke her early on a Sunday morning. I don't want to do that to others.

On my walks I've called a few folks who I knew were up because they had already commented or posted on AR when I checked, but maybe there's a better way.

   Send me an email if you want to talk at 8:00 a.m. (eastern) on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning, and I'll call you.  

With 17 years of experience in this business, I have lots of information and tips I love to share. And you'll help me keep walking. Now I just have to figure out if I'm talking the walk, or walking the talk?

Zebulon Pike went to a lot of places in his life of soldiering and exploration around the start of the 19^th century.  Pikesville was not one of them, but that didn't stop the folks in Maryland from naming their town after him. And even after decades in the Baltimore area, I can't tell you why they did.  But I can tell you about the things old Zebulon never saw in this suburban area that is defined by ZIP code 21208.

Pikesville sits northwest of Baltimore City, and just about all of it is in Baltimore County.  Like many old areas, though, the city/county dividing line was drawn after the area grew up and so the line runs right through some properties.  Not long ago I sold a house on Seven Mile Lane that was Pikesville but also Baltimore City.

What's even more interesting is that some houses in this area are actually in both the city and county. When one of those comes on the market it has a unique selling advantage: the homeowners can have the benefits of both.  For instance, many city employees and officials are required to live within Baltimore City.  But they might want to send their children to county schools – Pikesville High School was rated in the top 300 in the nation by Newsweek magazine for 2005, 2006, and 2007 – and that city/county house would make it possible.

Even though Pikesville is close to the city line, it has many country-like features.  The private Woodholme Country Club sprawls through rolling parts of 21208, but there are old homes adjacent.  One property I sold on Nelson Road was so close that it came with a mild hazard – golf balls have broken a garage window more than once! And then there was the time some bison broke free from a neighboring farm and roamed through Pikesville. They were finally corralled by police on a tennis court…but that's another story.

Pikesville has a center that combines the charm of the old with conveniences of the new. Some properties like Irving Place are zoned both residential and commercial, making it a versatile possibility for buyers.

Versatility was also an issue for the folks when I originally found them this classic stone rancher on Stevenson Road. They needed a home that combined comfortable family living, in a specific school area, with accessibility for their physically challenged children. It is now on the market again because they have moved to a new neighborhood.

Stone ranchers come in all sizes in 21208, from the large Stevenson Road property to the more modest two- to three-bedroom house on Greenwood Road. I call this one a condo on private land with no fees!  Built on a slab, it is a cozy home that was originally a two-bedroom with family room.  In this area, people won't look at a two-bedroom house, so the owners built a closet in the family room, repainted, and we had a third bedroom. The house sold as soon as it hit the market.

As with many older areas, Pikesville has neighborhoods that have become attractive for buyers. One of those is Sudbrook Park which is right in the heart of Pikesville. This home on Milford Mill Road, with its two-story addition that includes a master suite, has the added advantage of being in easy walking distance to the Light Rail, and so to downtown Baltimore.

For those who want the pleasures of living in Pikesville without the property maintenance, there are plenty of options here, too. On Raisin Tree Circle you can have the convenience of a townhouse with garage, but none of the work. This unit backs to the woods, and the swimming pool and tennis courts will give the owners plenty of ways to get exercise without mowing lawns and shoveling snow. 

Now that the Baby Boomer generation is seeking more comfort and convenience, condos like Raisin Tree Circle and Stonehenge Circle are becoming more popular. Stonehenge Circle has the added advantages of completely step-free access, and being one of only six units in a building. Adjacent to elegant individual homes but still in the heart of Pikesville, this is a great location for an older couple who want to stay in the area but need more convenience.  Just the other day, in fact, I showed the property to a man of 90 with his 84 year old wife!

That's something you see in Pikesville – people stay in the area.  They move from house to house, but not away.  A while back I sold what I call a "forever house" in 21208.  This beautiful contemporary on Long Meadow Road has the master bedroom and bath plus two other bedrooms and a bath on the first floor.  The second floor has two more large bedrooms and a bath. No matter their age and flexibility, the owners can stay in this home forever with comfort and safety, and still have plenty of room for visiting children and grandchildren.

All those people have to eat, of course, and Pikesville is rich in restaurants. Our favorite – and we are there at least once a week – is the Suburban House.  Think neighborhood deli with fantastic food served by our favorite waitress. Mitzu can wait on an entire section loaded with families and still make everyone feel special. She remembers all the tiny personal details, and is a pleasure to watch. At Suburban House, they make the world's largest omelets and serve my favorite chopped salad – Oriental Chicken. Don't forget the Matzo Ball soup – the matzo ball is so big you get a second bowl because it does not all fit in one!

ZIP Code 21208 is city and country and modest houses and extravagant homes.  It's a small town in a big city, with good food and convenient transportation. It's a couple of hundred years old and looking forward to the future. Families at every stage of life live here, and that enriches the whole community.

To keep it simple, here are the 21208 listings I've talked about:

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/52881/82-3-Stevenson-Rd

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/104403/26-Raisin-Tree-Circle

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/103523/Stonehenge-Circle-2A-Unit

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/95916/7-4-Greenwood-Road 

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/72136/413-Milford-Mill-Rd

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/109085/7927-Long-Meadow-Rd

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/109045/115-Nelson-Road-Pikesville

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/109037/34-5-Seven-Mile 

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/109030/5-Irving-Place-Pikesville

And that's not all...here are more examples of 21208's appeal - 

http://activerain.com/blogsview/175652/7529-Rockridge-Road-Pikesville

http://activerain.com/blogsview/167843/8923-Griffin-Way-Pikesville

http://activerain.com/blogsview/159618/3137-Old-Post-Drive

http://activerain.com/blogsview/117458/11-Slade-Avenue-Baltimore

http://activerain.com/blogsview/116606/321-Sudbrook-Rd-Baltimore

26 Raisin Tree Circle Pikesville,Md 21208 3-4 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 1 Powder Room How about an immaculate garage Townhouse in the gated community of Greene Tree! Enter into the two story foyer with wood floors. The gourmet bright white kitchen boasts subzero refrigerator, double ovens, custom pull out pantry and cutting boards. There is a pass through to the formal dining room where you can be a part of entertaining while still managing the food preparation. Two French doors, in the Handsome living room with fireplace and more custom built ins. These doors lead to the very private deck with magnificent open wooded views! First floor family room off the foyer is a delightful place to relax or entertain. Look at the custom wall unit designed for this space. Upstairs there are three bedrooms all with cathedral ceilings. The skylight at the top of the stairs illuminate this two story foyer. Enjoy the luxury Master bath with whirlpool and separate shower and good closet space! There is even a heated towel bar to pamper yourself. Enjoy the convenience of the laundry on this upper level. Need space for company or a home office, exercise room or.... whatever your hobby? The lower level is fully finished with the third full bathroom. There are three closets plus an additional room/walk in closet. Custom designer carpeting, recessed lighting, and wall coverings complete this very special home.  No need to worry about the weather, pull right in to your own private garage. There is parking for 3 additional cars in the drive way plus another assigned parking space. No need to join a club this summer... Enjoy tennis and swimming included in your condo fees. Please call or email for your private showing. 410-530-2400 mrome@homerome.com 410.530.2400 cell phone 410.667.5214 voice mail email: mrome@homerome.com

www.HomeRome.com

Baltimore,Md

2A Stonehenge Circle Pikesville,Md. 21208           2 Bedrooms + solarium 2 Bathrooms Retire in luxury without giving up the convenience and space of  your private home. One of a kind Stevenson Village Condo! This is the newest building in the development and it is special. Only 6 units and this is the only one of its size with LEVEL access ..No steps. Spacious luxury 2 bedroom 2 bathroom plus a solarium / family room.  One full floor ..of gracious living! Enjoy having your own private home but without the lawn care. This one-of-a-kind corner unit is surrounded with lush greenery and landscaping. Two entrances onto the covered patio area. Open the sliding glass doors to another covered porch area , again with views of the grounds and extensive landscaping plantings. How about a relaxing breakfast on your private patio overlooking beautiful yard and gardens. Check the size of the living room/dining area 24' x 21' and there is an adjoining solarium that is 16' x 10' Storage? There are 2 walk in closets? This condo feels more like a small home! Convenient to beltway but far enough away to enjoy the quiet. Eat in kitchen with 2 pantries plus a closet, has the convenience of your own full sized washer and dryer.  Enter the kitchen from both the foyer and also the dining room area. Appliances include dishwasher, stove, washer, dryer, disposal, instant hot and a new side by side refrigerator with water filter and auto icemaker........Condo fees include gas, water, pool membership and all lawn maintenance, of course! Sorry no pets.       410.530.2400 cell phone 410.667.5214 voice mail email: mrome@homerome.com

www.HomeRome.com

How about email? Or leave comments on blogs? Yup, my hand is up, too. We all do it, but sometimes the message isn't what we intend. Anyone could be listening or reading and be forming an opinion about us by how we communicate. Could be the media, could be your seller, or could be a future client. It's never too late for a refresher on Communication 101.

Rants. Sometimes you just have to let off steam, but if you're ever tempted to do it in a voice mail,  think "Alec Baldwin." Verbal or written, words live on no matter how much we want to take them back. Rant to your friend or spouse, even write a blistering letter to someone, but don't send it for at least 24 hours. Then wait another 24. Then tear it up and move on. This is especially true about blog comments. It's very easy to get wound up about a topic and forget that you are speaking to the world. Before you hit "Submit," read your comment aloud and picture it as the lead story in your home town newspaper.

Think it through. Make sure you cover the essentials. Just yesterday, I had a very long phone message with only a first name. I am sure the person thought she left me a number, because the message ended with, "Please call me a soon a possible." I have no clue who that was, and no way to respond. If you get in the habit of saying your name and phone number at the beginning and end of the message, you're less likely to forget these essentials.

Bits and pieces - almost as frustrating as the lack of a phone number is an incomplete one. By now we all know that cell phones can hit dead spots. If you suspect that your message didn't get through, call back and repeat your name and number. Yes, you're in a hurry, but how will it save time if the person can't call you back?

Just the facts, ma'am. When you leave a phone message, keep it clear and simple. Your name, phone number, email if necessary, who you are, and what you want, especially if it's to see a specific property. Believe it or not, many of us have more than one property listed. One of the most frustrating messages to receive is "Call me, I want to show your house." What am I supposed to do with that?? The cell phone number is blocked so I can't call back, and have no idea which property we're talking about. If this person had said which house and when they wanted to show it, then said their phone number, I could have confirmed it with a return call. As it was…no sale for either of us.

Ramblin'. Get to the point! If I have three phone messages and one of them doesn't have a specific question or reason for the call, which do you think I will return last? 

No response required. Some calls don't require a response such as transaction updates. "This is Margaret Rome and I will see you at 3:00 pm at Greenwood for the home inspection." A few seconds and the message is transmitted with complete information.

Who's this? Have you ever had a message on your voice mail where it's clear they didn't listen to your message first? "This is the frame shop and your order is ready for pickup." Except I don't have an order at the frame shop, they didn't leave a number so I can call and tell them their call didn't reach its destination. Before you leave a message, be sure you've got the right number. If you're not sure, dial again and listen.

Say "Thank you." Just like your Mother taught you, say thank you and compliment people who take the time to leave good, complete messages. Express your appreciation for well thought out blog comments and emails. Who doesn't like to hear appreciation?

The time saved by these very simple but common sense rules would give us more time for the real estate business and enjoying life.

www.HomeRome.com

Baltimore,Md.