Margaret Rome's Blog

Life has a way of doing that...changing plans at the last minute. Unfortunately, Fran Thorsen won't be able to join us on Monday, May 18 for our Social Media Divas Share Their Secrets event. But - we are delighted that nationally syndicated columnist, author, trainer, and speaker, Bernice Ross, will be filling in to make the day even better.

Bernice couples her expertise as a Master Certified Coach with 30 years of real estate sales experience. For our event, Bernice will present "How to Build a Successful Online and Social Media Presence for under $2.00 per Day." Is there anyone who wouldn't want to know how to do that??

If you haven't already signed up for this free event, DO IT NOW! Here's what you need to know:

Location: Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS
1306 Bellona Avenue, Lutherville, MD 21093

Date: Monday, May 18, 2009

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
followed by Dutch-treat dinner at local restaurant

Sponsored by: Margaret Rome

Presenters: Joeann Fossland, Bernice Ross, Margaret Rome

Cost:  FREE!

Reserve: at  Eventbrite
or on Facebook
or email Margaret at MRome@HomeRome.com

It's going to be one of those "you've got to be there" events - so please join us!  We will be continueing the fun with dinner afterwards.  Hope you can join us!!

www.HomeRome.com 

410-530-2400

Monday is when it happens - the dynamic Joeann Fossland, the extraordinary Frances Flynn Thorsen, and the...well...me - we all get together for our fun and informative session, "Social Media Divas Share Their Secrets."

It's happening from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, and when we're done with the learning and networking, we'll head to a nearby restaurant for dinner, make that steamed crabs and more fun.

Let's make this a Baltimore area Active Rain Gathering!  Here's everything you need to know:

Hope to see you on Monday -

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Active Rain members are invited to join Joanne Fossland, Frances Flynn Thorsen and Margaret Rome on Monday May 18th  1:00 - 4:00 p.m and continuing with dinner. Let's make it an Active Rain Gathering! 

We need to find this couple the perfect home! You'll recall that I asked them to make a "We won the lottery!" list of everything they could ever want in a home.

And then they were to get real and make a "wish list" of the things that were most important. With that list - and knowing what homes appealed to them before - I would be ready to line up homes for them to see... when they come to Baltimore in early June. Since they are coming from France, and only for a short visit, I need to not waste their time.

They did the exercise and emailed me today!

Now I have their wish list, and there is nothing on it that is unrealistic or unlikely. Whether we can find a home that has all these things is a good question, but I believe we can come close.

 This couple recognizes that finding everything on their list in one place and at the right price isn't likely, but we have a good idea of what to aim for.

What are they looking for? The types of things many people desire: three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, an updated kitchen with stainless appliances and granite or Corian counters, nice wood cabinets, a master bedroom suite with walk-in closets, a Jacuzzi soaking tub, a good-sized patio and deck, a fireplace, central air conditioning, and a few other details. They have selected about a half dozen neighborhoods. 

We have until early June to find several homes that might fit their needs in Baltimore. Can we do it? Stay tuned....

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Some years ago, I listed a home that had a piano no one wanted. I offered to help the sellers get rid of, not realizing what a big job that would be. I advertised it, made phone calls, and finally found someone who wanted the piano for a child. It was almost as much work as selling the house!

It happened again when I was disbanding my ceramic studio. The same challenge was there – all the equipment remained in my home way way too long... before  a charity contacted me. They had a really wonderful use of the potter's wheel, the kiln, and all the other equipment I had collected over the many years of being an artist. It was going to used by children and that made me feel very proud.  

 The best part, they came that same day with a truck, loaded everything and took it away. No time to change my mind. It was the right decision. 

Today I would have a much better way of finding a new home for these items that are still of use but would be costly to have removed. Whether it's furniture, appliances, exercise equipment,  a piano or huge ceramic kiln, I would list it on TRAC under the "Take It Away" heading. And then someone else would come Take It Away. 

It's a great way to recycle still-useful items – a green solution for sure.

We can all sing along with George Strait on this one! What items can you think of that would go on a Take It Away list?

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

We've talked about this before, but I recently got a strong reminder of why it is an important discussion. Yes I do answer my phone; I answer if I don't recognize the number, and I answer "blocked calls." If it turns out to be a telemarketer I can always add the number as a " spam" call  and hit the "Ignore" button next time (a huge timesaver.) But it is worth it to catch interested clients, as happened this week.

I had an email this week from my IDX site asking questions about an active listing. I responded with the answers to the specific questions and suggested we talk, either they could call me or let me know their phone number and a good time.

Later, while in the car, I got a "blocked number" call. Answering as always with "Good afternoon, this is Margaret," I recognized the name the caller gave me, the same as the email inquiry. Why didn't she give me her phone number on her email? The call was coming from FRANCE!

We had a wonderful conversation, and I found out that she is looking for a second home here in the Baltimore area. I suggested she and her husband make wish lists. one as though they actually hit the lottery.... as if money was no object.... then another as a reality list. This helps them decide what is most important, and what they can and can't compromise on.

She emailed me later saying that, "… my husband and I did the exercise you suggested about making a dream list if we won the lottery. It was a great success, and I was so surprised and pleased that he was excited about doing it and participated fully. Now, we are working on the 'reality' list. I also consulted your website again regarding 'buyers for your home.' It's an impressive idea."

She went on to say that she had been emailing another agent and had expressed interest in two different houses, both of which had been on the market for a long time. In both cases she got no answers, and later found out- on her own - that both had sold!

This couple will be coming to the Baltimore area in early June ready to buy a home. They have asked me to reprsent them exclusivly.

 My goal is to have properties pre-selected that meet their criteria so I don't waste their precious time. By looking at what she liked before, and combining that with their wish lists, I'll be ready. In the meantime, I'll post their wish list on the Buyers4YourHome page of my website.

Wish I May, Wish I Might.. I Have The Buyer!

So…I'd say that answering that blocked ID phone call was the right choice, wouldn't you?

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400