Texted, Called, Emailed; No ReplyIf I were talking about a lame lead from weeping willow, then this would be no surprise to any agents in the business; however, when I am talking about another agent, then this is a sign of an agent who should not be in the business.I made an appointment to see a house.  When I got to the house, I found that the lock box code would not open the box.I call the agent and I get no answer, but I leave a message.  His recorded message was something along the lines of: "I am too busy to answer my phone, try texting me.".I text the agent, I email the agent, and I respond to the automated request for feedback all along with my voice phone message.24 hours have passed and I have yet to receive a reply from the agent.In the meantime, I ask my client if they want t... 09/14/2023

Squatters in Baltimore CityI have a client in Baltimore City who wants to put 4 investment properties on the market.  They need to be renovated.The problem is that squatters have moved into 3 of the 4 properties.Squatters do not pay rent, do not pay utility bills, do not pay property taxes, do not pay insurance, or basically they do not pay a thing.If you turn off the electric, they will bypass the meter.If you turn off the water, they will turn it back on, even at the meter.It can take as long as 6 months to get them evicted  from the property, even though they do not have a lease or any legal claim to the property.This is actually a frequent occurrence in Baltimore City.  Just as Baltimore City has finally begun to address the problem of the annoying squeegee kids, they need to seriou... 09/12/2023

Just Sold - 1229 W Cross St, Baltimore, MD 21230I have one ecstatic buyer.  This is one of those transactions for the record.  My buyer has been under contract since August 2022. This property was a FSBO and it was tenant occupied.  The seller wanted to sell, the buyer wanted to buy - those were the two most important factors in this sale.  The buyer was self-employed and used a special Bank Statement Loan to purchase the home.  The terms of the contract stated that the property needed to convey vacant which was the challenge.  In Baltimore City, if the property is not listed with an agent the seller must give the tenant 60 days within which to decide if they want to buy it or not.  The tenant did not and could not, then the tenant got hurt at work and the seller and buyer decided to al... 08/22/2023

2708 Hamilton Ave.Baltimore, Md 21214MD BA2082404This Hamilton home is for sale and ready for a new buyer with the vision to bring back the old-world charm.It was built in 1909 and, at one time, was three residences.  Now back to a single-family home and ready for some TLC from one lucky buyer.  Perfect size and room for sharing with others.Photos above from top left to right:   -Front foyer center hall entry -Bright living room with five windows -Banquet-sized dining room with bay window -Kitchen with gas cooking -Side view with large porch -Side view with large porch and red slate roof -Front of 2708 Hamilton Ave -Multiple balconies/decks  - Bedroom on the third floor -Mudroom between kitchen and deck -Three-car garage and parking pad -Third-floor kitchenette with door to balcony -One... 06/29/2023

Just Sold - 22 W Hill St, Baltimore, MD 21230My buyers were the lucky purchasers this lovely 2-bedroom condo in Baltimore's Otterbein neighborhood.  This was a multiple offer situation, and my buyers were able to compete with other purchasers to win the opportunity. Otterbein is located in south Baltimore very close to the city's urban core.  It is located close to the Inner Harbor, Raven's Stadium and Camden Yard and the MARC train to Washington DC and the Light Rail.  Otterbein is very walkable and within walking distance of all Federal Hill has to offer.  This condo came with parking too.Are you thinking about purchasing a home in Baltimore? I have sold hundreds of homes in all shapes, forms and sizes in Baltimore, will you be my next new homeowner? Call me today!  06/07/2023

Just Sold - 16 S Kresson St, Baltimore, MD 21224The second time's the charm!! 16 S. Kresson St, Baltimore, MD 21224 just sold today.  The seller overcame selling a tenant-occupied property that became vacant and finally sold in a neighborhood where there were very few comparable properties.  This 2-bedroom home is located close to Hopkins Bayview, I95, I895 and within easy reach of downtown Baltimore and close to Canton for shopping and entertainment.  It was renovated in 2014 and featured original yellow pine hardwood floors, one and-one-half bathrooms, stainless appliances, and a 2 car parking pad.  It was located in an area of Baltimore where there were some downpayment assistance programs to help first-time home buyers purchase a home for as little as $1000 of their own money.Are yo... 05/31/2023

Central Baltimore Homebuying Incentive ProgramThe Central Baltimore Homebuying Incentive Program is intended to attract potential homebuyers to seven Central Baltimore neighborhoods by providing downpayment assistance to moderate to low-income buyers.  These neighborhoods include Abell, Barclay, Charles North, Charles Village, Greenmount West, Harwood, East Baltimore Midway, Old Goucher, Oakenshawe, Remington, and Wyman Park.This incentive is not a grant, it is a $10,000 down payment and closing cost assistance, a 0% deferred loan.Eligibility and Limitations You must complete a homeownership counseling certification before closing on your home You must live in this home as your primary residence You must apply and be approved prior to closing on your home Household income cannot exceed ... 05/26/2023

Baltimore City Buy Back The Block Downpayment Assistance ProgramThe Buy Back the Block program provides grants to Baltimore City residents who buy homes in the areas where they are currently renting a home.  These grants do not have to be repaid. The $10,000 home purchase grant reduces the amount of money the home buyer will need upfront to buy a home.  The $20,000 home purchase and renovation grant reduces the amount of money the home buyer will need upfront to buy and renovate a home.In order to determine if you qualify for this grant, you need to first complete the eligibility quiz, have your eligibility quiz verified, and receive an approved grant application.  The funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.Eligibility and Limitations You cannot curren... 05/26/2023

Buying into Baltimore Trolley Tour - 5/13/2023Baltimore is one of the last vestiges of affordable housing in Central Maryland and Baltimore City has many opportunities for new home buyers to purchase their first home.  The more people who move back into the city the broader the tax base becomes, the more stabilized the economy and the infrastructure will also become more stabilized.On May 13, 2023, Live Baltimore is hosting another Trolley Tour and opportunities for participants to become more familiar with how great Baltimore is and all the great amenities it has to offer.  In conjunction with the Trolley Tour participants can qualify for one of 20 $5,000 grants to be used towards purchasing a home.  This grant can be used in conjunction with other grants for even more help to buy your... 05/06/2023

 2708 Hamilton Ave.Baltimore, Md 21214MD BA2082404   Do you love Victorian homes? Do you love wrap-around porches? Do you love a large home on a corner lot?  Do you love a three-car mechanics garage? Do you love a project?This Hamilton home is ready for a new buyer with the vision to bring back the old-world charm.Built-in 1909 and, at one time, as three residences.  Now back to a single-family home and ready for some TLC from one lucky buyer.  Perfect size and room for sharing with others. Are you looking for a large home with the possibility of a blended/extended family? Are you looking for a good buy?Check out 2708 Hamilton Ave 21214Sold AS-IS.  Seller to make no repairs.For more information on this homeCall Margaret Rome 04/22/2023

Selling Baltimore CityIn my 25 years in the real estate business, I have helped numerous people to buy or sell their homes in Baltimore City. ​The City has a wide variety of homes and neighborhoods such that almost everyone's needs and desires in a home can be realized.   ​Baltimore has more park land than most cities allowing its citizens the ability to walk, hike, jog, bike, golf, play ball, or even fly a kite.   ​It is home to several major universities such as Loyola University of Maryland, Morgan State University, Johns Hopkins University, and several more.   ​Major league sports is always a treat with either the Baltimore Orioles or the Baltimore Ravens.   ​One can enjoy art at The Baltimore Museum of Art or at the Walters Art Gallery.   ​Perhaps you would like to listen to the wo... 03/21/2023

Baltimore Investment PropertyLocated at 3516 Old York Road, Baltimore City, MD 21218.All brick row house with covered front porch, parking pad, and attached garage.Property has been used as a 2-unit property, but it is not zoned as a multi-family.Non-rent paying squatters come with the propertyProperty is structurally sound and in generally good condition, but does need some work.Home has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths and 2 kitchens.Located within one half mile to one and a half miles of Loyola University of Maryland, Notre Dame University of Maryland, Morgan State University, and Johns Hopkins University.Located within 1 to 2 miles of Druid Hill Park, Herring Run Park, Mount Vernon, the Arts District, and on and on.Hop on your bike and explore the town.ARV for a rental is around $1,800 t... 03/16/2023

Baltimore City Investment PropertyAll brick end-of group row house with covered front porchLocated at 5500 Ready Avenue, Baltimore City, Maryland 212122 to 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathsHas been used as a 2 unit, but is not zoned as a multi-unitNeeds work, but appears to be structurally soundLocated within 1 to 2 miles of 4 major universities: Loyola University of Maryland, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Morgan State University, and Johns Hopkins UniversityPriced at $180,000, but owner will consider offersARV for similar homes within a half mile of the property is around $200,000 to $225,000Contact Ron Trzcinski of Sachs Realty at 410-935-5844 for more details    03/15/2023

Investment Property in Baltimore CityBrick front row house with covered front porch and 2nd story bump out.Spacious home has 1,560 square feet of above grade finished living area.3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths.Back yard has a privacy fence, but could be converted to a parking pad.The property has been used for both residential and business purposes.  It is zoned residential.It has been used as a 2-unit and as a single family residence.  It is not zoned as a multi-unit.The property needs work, but the structure is sound.Home is located just about a half mile from Johns Hopkins University and Maryland Institute College of Art.Close to 1-83 and Penn Station.Price is $200,000, but owner will consider offers.Located at 312 E 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.Renovated homes of a similar sty... 03/14/2023

Pigtown Fixer Upper WantedI have an investor client that is seeking vacant and abandoned properties and houses in need of repair in Pigtown or as it is now known, Washington Village.  Do you own a property in need of repair? Did you inherit a property from a family member that you want to sell?  I have clients looking for properties like that not just in Pigtown but elsewhere too. Let's talk about those properties you no longer want to pay taxes and water and sewer charges on.   02/07/2023

Price Improvement - 16 S Kresson St, Baltimore, MD 21224This previously renovated home in Greektown was just rented to a tenant with a voucher for $1336 per month.  The tenant has decided to move so you can move right in after closing.The home is located within Baltimore City and qualified buyers may be able to purchase this home for as little as $1000 of their own money.   To see if you qualify for grants to help with your purchase, The home features exposed brick on the main and upper floors, hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, bathrooms, 2 spacious bedrooms, and a 2-car parking pad in the rear of the home.   The home is conveniently located to Hopkins Bayview Hospital, I895, and I95 as well as Target and Harris Teeter, BJ's Wholesale Club and other shopping, restaurants, and other l... 01/31/2023

Buying Into Baltimore - Trolley Tour - 01/28/2023The Buying into Baltimore downpayment and closing cost incentive of $5,000 is awarded by lottery 10 days after the Trolley Tour event to 20 homebuyers chosen from a pool of qualified buyers.  This event is being held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 8 am to 1 pm and is being held at the Henderson Hopkins School located at 2100 Ashland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205.After the Trolley Tour qualified home buyers have 10 days to submit their applications complete with an accepted offer.  The acceptance date has to be after the Trolley Tour event.  To register for the upcoming event go to the Live Baltimore event page. There are some limitations and eligibility requirements that need to be met in order to qualify.  you must earn a homeownership c... 01/23/2023

Sugar MamasThere's a little takeout place not far from my house called Sugar Mamas.  Now with a name like that, you have to know there are sweets and butter involved and you wouldn't be wrong.  A few years ago I did a stint driving for Doordash and on weekends I often picked up from Sugar Mama's but I had never eaten there.  It looked really good and it smelled divine. So, this morning we ordered breakfast from there.  If you order on the Doordash app and it's your first time ordering from Sugar Mamas you can get 30% off if you pick it up.  We ordered on the app and my son, Liam, went to pick it up.We both ordered the Belgian Waffle Platter and for $13.75 it was more than I could eat. It came with 4 small waffles, sausage (or bacon), grits (or hashbrowns - I had cheese grits and Liam ha... 01/15/2023

Greater Mondawmin and Rosemont IncentiveThe Greater Mondawmin and Coppin Heights Incentive offered by Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore is a $10,000 deferred loan to attract potential homebuyers to purchase homes in the Mondawmin, Coppin Heights, and Rosemont areas of Baltimore City.  This program reduces the amount of money a home buyer will need up-front to buy their home.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 Household income cannot exceed 100% of AMI Geographic restrictions apply.  You must purchase a home in the Greater Mondawmin, Coppin Heights, and Rosemont areas You must use ... 01/11/2023

Buying a Home in Baltimore City?Are you thinking about buying a home in Baltimore City?  There are a few things you should be prepared for when buying a home in Baltimore City.In speaking with my title person today I was informed that the department that produces the Lien Sheets that are needed for the title company and the mortgage company to ensure that the title to the home you are purchasing has no outstanding liens is now only processing applications from November 23, 2022.  This means that your Realtor needs to allow for at least 45 days for your contract to close.  There are over 225 distinct neighborhoods in Baltimore City, each with its own personality, and own kind of architecture too.  There are some amazing communities that have lots to offer including parks, shopping, trail... 01/05/2023