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Roy Kelley
Office: 301-258-7757
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Real Estate Broker/Owner
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome, Broker/Owner HomeRome Realty. Radio Host ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE. Sundays 12 noon. Author: Real Estate The Rome Way. 410-530-2400
Cell: (410) 530-2400
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All About Maryland Real Estate

Be COVID-Prepared for the Holiday Season The third holiday season with COVID-19 is underway, and everyone agrees that COVID fatigue exists. A few simple steps of caution can make being with family and friends enjoyable while reducing the risk of illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu.Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services offers the following things to keep in mind when planning for family gatherings: Make plans with the highest-risk person in the family and friends group in mind. Talk to family members ahead of time to figure out the plan. Encourage everyone to take additional precautions if a high-risk family member is attending. This means being up to date on all vaccinations and could include limiting the number of people inv...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
For me, blogging is a way to record my real estate happenings. I can share with my clients and my listening audience what is happening. If it is a listing, an open house, a too-late property, or a smooth settlement, I am logging in to share all about real estate.It is also a way to engage others. My buyers, sellers, and radio listeners have access. I have a link in my email address, and I love that the public can follow me. If there is a question on the show, via email, or a phone call...I may turn that question into a blog. And then that blog can become a topic for my radio show: double duty and a great way to stay in touch with clients.So many people have stopped or slowed down their daily or weekly posting using the lack of SEO as their reason. As long as I have comments, calls, emai...
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Free Financial Coaching: Debt ManagementNeed help managing your debt? Do you want help building or restoring your credit? Need a plan to help you save for a house? The Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) can help!The FEC provides free one-on-one financial coaching to help you move toward greater financial stability. A Financial Counselor will work with you to understand your financial situation and develop an action plan to achieve your goals.Get started here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announement. Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 6921Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Gaithersburg Achieves 100 Score on Municipal Equality Index The City earned a score of 100 points in the 11th annual Municipal Equality Index, an initiative of the Human Rights Campaign that examines the inclusivity of laws, policies and services with respect to the LGBTQ+ community. The City’s score in 2021 was also 100. The Index used 49 different criteria to rate 506 cities across the country. Gaithersburg achieved additional points in 2022 for having all-gender single occupancy facilities and having a youth bullying prevention policy for City services. Read the City’s scorecard here and the full report here. This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Chrysanthemum, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 6917Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyR...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
This Sunday, I will have a virtual stager named Kathy Streib on my ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE  weekly Sunday radio program.  What will we talk about? We will talk about decorating your home during the holidays. There is controversy on this subject. Some will tell you not to put any holiday decor up because it will detract from the house. However, buyers are more tolerant at this time of year.   I have sellers knowing this will be their last Christmas in the house, and they want it to be memorable. It is a personal decision. And some buyers love seeing a home decked out for the holidays giving them an idea of how they will decorate when they own the home. Stay tuned for more conversation.What questions do you have for this virtual stager?You, too, are welcome to call in or text. I'm looking f...
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Lisa Henderson Elected Gaithersburg Council Vice President Congratulations to Lisa Henderson, who was elected by her colleagues to serve as Vice President of the Gaithersburg City Council for a one-year term. The Vice President acts as President of the Council in the absence of the Mayor. Lisa was elected to the City Council in 2021 and serves as Council liaison to the Senior Advisory Committee. She is a Program Director with Montgomery County Government. This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Council Vice President Lisa HendersonLisa.Henderson@gaithersburgmd.gov Education: John’s Hopkins University – M.S., Technology Management Occupation: Program Director – Montgomery County Govt. Family: 6 Siblings, 9 Nieces and Nephews Gaithersburg Committee Liaison: Senior Advisory ...
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Grant Programs Launched to Assist with Transportation Needs Two grant programs designed to increase transportation services for disabled, senior and limited income residents were launched this week by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). Approximately $800,000 in operating and capital budget funds will be available to eligible nonprofits to create assistance programs or enhance existing ones.Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich proposed $1 million to establish a capital and operating grants process using funds from the Transportation Services Improvement Fund in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The County Council approved $800,000 for a joint capital and operating grant program, with $640,000 for capital projects and $160,000 for operating expenses.Eligible nonprof...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
It was a lovely closing last week, and today, I received the best gift...a testimonial:"We have heard every complaint about real estate agents. When it comes to Margaret Rome, we have none. She made the process of selling our home go smoothly. Margaret is highly practical, making only necessary recommendations. She is savvy. She knows her market and attracts buyers. And she goes for the best price possible, resisting pressure from other agents. She has the sellers' best interest in mind. She is responsive, considerate, and available. Most importantly, she has total integrity. We highly recommend listing your home with Margaret. Claire and Howard Freeland"                             
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By Barbara Michaluk, Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR
(Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office)
Make Sure the Price is Right When Selling in Leisure World If you’ve ever watched “The Price is Right,” you know that the only way to win is to be the one to correctly guess the price of the item you want without going over! That means your guess must be just slightly under the retail price. In today’s shifting real estate market, where  home values are projected to appreciate at lower rates, homeowners will not be able to price their homes as aggressively as they were able to just last year. They will have to employ the same strategy: be the closest without going over! Pricing your home at or slightly below market value actually increases the number of buyers who will see your home in their search! Over the last six months, the months’ supply of inventory available has taken longer to ...
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Book Recommendation: No Plan B  by Lee Child and Andrew ChildBook Recommendation: No Plan B  (2022) by The New York Times Bestselling Authors Lee Child and Andrew Child. Click on the links to learn more about the authors and this novel. This is book number 27 of the series featuring Jack Reacher. Dolores and I have real all of them. In Gerrardsville, Colorado, two witnesses to the same tragedy give two different accounts. One guy sees a woman throw herself in front of a bus in what authorities will call a suicide. The other witness is Jack Reacher. And he sees what actually happened: A man in a gray hoodie and jeans, moving like a shadow, pushed the victim to her death—before swiftly grabbing the dead woman’s purse and strolling away.Reacher follows the killer on foot, not knowing that ...
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Recreation Center Membership Passes Will Be Free in 2023 Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.The free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit Aquatic Passes - Department of Recreation - Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take adv...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
23 Cobbler CourtAnnen Woods 21208mls MDBC2053612 23 Cobbler Ct in Annen Woods is sold and settled. It never hit the market. The buyer and seller had made contact and tried to make a private sale. Emotions got in the way, and that's when I was contacted to list the home. In the meantime, the buyer had an agent selling her home who called to see if we could make this transaction happen.It turned into a pleasant and smooth transaction.We came to terms, and settlement took place on December 5th. Congratulations to the buyer and seller.Thinking of selling your homeCall Margaret Rome
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Book Recommendation: Racing the Light by Robert CraisI enjoyed reading Racing the Light (2022) by The New York Times Bestselling American author Robert Crais and recommend it for your reading list. This is a Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel. Click on the links to learn more about the author and this novel. Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner Joe Pike are back on the case in this brilliant new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais.Adele Schumacher isn't a typical worried mom. When she hires Elvis to find her missing son, a controversial podcaster named Josh Shoe, she brings a bag filled with cash, bizarre tales of government conspiracies, and a squad of professional bodyguards. Finding Josh should be simple, but Elvis quickly learns he isn't a...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Piecing Dreams One Home at a Time
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
First-Time Homebuyers Incentive ProgramThe First-Time Homebuyers Incentive Program was formerly called the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Homeownership Assistance Program and provides $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers buying a home in Baltimore City.  First-time homebuyers buying in City designated "impact investment areas" can receive an additional $10,000, for a total of $20,000 in assistance.  This is a list of things you need to know about this program: You must earn a homeownership counseling certificate from a HUD approved provider before making an offer on your home. You have to live in this home as your primary residence You must contribute at least $1000 of your own money to your home purchase - this can include the ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
When I woke up this Monday morning, the first message I saw was that of another 5 star review on Google. Besides ratifying a contract, or having a settlement to attend, this is my favorite way to start the week! I am so appreciative when my clients take the time to pen a few words and make it publicly known how pleased they were. It is always wonderful to read what exactly stood out to them. I tell all my clients from the get-go that they can never ask too many questions, and if they need to ask a question twice, to not hesitate! It is very important to me that they all go into this process as comfortable as possible, with a clear understanding of what to expect and how we'll proceed. Step by step. We review the offer docs well before we write the first one and discuss different strateg...
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Free Flu Vaccination Clinic for Children Montgomery County will hold a free flu vaccination clinic for children from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, located at 2000 Dennis Ave. in Silver Spring. Children ages six months to 18 are eligible to receive vaccinations at the clinic.Getting an annual flu shot has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.Flu vaccinations are also available through private health providers and at retail locations throughout the community.Although the vaccination clinic is free, appointments are required.The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. In addition, good health habits can often help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. Good health habits ...
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Montgomery County Executive & Council Inaugural Ceremony  On December 5, 2022 You're cordially invited to the Inaugural Ceremony for the Montgomery County Executive and 20th County Council.   Learn more about the event by visiting the inauguration website: http://ow.ly/qgt450LIJhB This a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Orchids, IMG 1309Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Would you like to settle by the end of the year?That's right. Today is the 4th of December, and yes, if you had the right property, we could settle by the end of the year. How? Qualified buyer, no financing contingency, yes, an actual cash sale. Will take the property in AS IS in any condition. Areas are 21208, 21209, small, medium, or large. I have a buyer who wants to close on a house before the new year. Do you have a property that might be suitable? Do you have a home to sell and don't want to fix it up? Can you give a clear title in a matter of weeks?Let's make it happen.Thinking of selling your  northwest Baltimore homeCall Margaret Rome
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Gaithersburg Stormwater Management Survey The City’s Stormwater Management Program is conducting a survey to learn about community perceptions of stormwater management in Gaithersburg and how best to engage and inform residents about stormwater topics. How would you like stormwater management information shared with you? What do you think of the City’s program? Your input will guide communication and engagement methods on future projects and updates. Learn more about our Stormwater Management Program here. Take the survey in English here and in Spanish hereThis is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 6920Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
When getting your house ready to list...here are a few things to consider : -Get a pre-inspection -Replace any defective light bulbs-Have the house professionally cleaned-Have windows and vents cleaned-Open curtains and blinds to allow maximum light- Make sure your front door is inviting-Replace the doormat-Paint or replace the mailbox-Repair and replace anything broken-Keep trash cans emptied-Have a pet plan -Organize and clear counters-Donate unused itemsThere are many more steps, but this is a good start.Questions about selling your homeCall Margaret Rome  -
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Volunteer Opportunities: Multicultural Affairs CommitteeThe Multicultural Affairs Committee enriches our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg. Help make a difference in our community by volunteering to serve. Learn more here. This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. The City of Gaithersburg’s Multicultural Affairs Committee was formed in 1989 to keep the Mayor and City Council informed of the needs and concerns of the diverse communities within the City. The Committee’s mission is “to continue to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg.” While cultural and ethnic diversity affects people in many aspects of their lives, the Co...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Conforming Loan Limits to IncreaseThe Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will increase conforming loan limits, effective January 1, 2023, by about 12.2%The FHFA determines the amount of the increases once it has received the third quarter housing sales numbers.For most counties in the country, the limit will increase from $647,200 to $726,200.The highest conforming loan limit, which will be available in 99 counties in the country, will be $1,089,300.Note, these limits are based on home prices and not on interest rates, affordability, wages, inflation and so on.In Maryland, the high limit of $1,089,300 applies to five counties: Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George's.Check with your lender to determine the limits for the area where you are looking to purchase.If y...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 It was back in 2006 when I got bitten by the blogging bug. My background as a nurse and artist did not train me to write a blog or host a radio show. To do both, I found that these three traits are most needed: passion, consistency, and uniqueness. Passion- Anyone who knows me has experienced my passion, whether my nursing, ceramic art, or my 47-year marriage, where we counted every day. I love what I do! Passion drives me.  Consistency-When you love what you do, sustaining a routine, including daily phone calls and comments, is natural. And on that same note showing up and hosting a live weekly radio show.  Uniqueness-Marching to your own drummer and sticking to your convictions. Don't be afraid to try a new concept. Instead of looking for approval, find what works for you. Some call ...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
1809 Chelsea Road, Baltimore, MD 21216Huge Price Reduction$40,000 Price Reduction4 Bedrooms and 2 Full BathroomsBeautifully Renovated HomeHome has already been inspected.  Electric, Plumbing, and HVAC are in top condition.Backs to parkland.This one is a winner.$290,000.Call Ron today to make an appointment to see it.The Hotline: 410-935-5844 
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