A Love Letter to 3500 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21215             Goodbye, 3500 Fallstaff Road, our beautiful, comfortable, wonderful home of so many years. Adios, addio, adieu. Miriam and I still love you, but it’s time to go, as we’re off to our new apartment in a senior living facility.             We’ve loved living within your walls these many years: fifty for Miriam and thirty-two for me. She and her former husband, Martin Alan Fine, bought you and moved here in March, 1973. After Marty's untimely death in 1987 at age 54, Miriam took care of you alone until I came along and joined her in 1991. We finally married in 2017, under a trellis in your leafy backyard.              In 1992, we enclosed your porch and turned it into a much-used music room.   Then in 1999, we remodeled a... 11/15/2023

Why Do So Many Investors Ask The Same Stupid Question?"How low of a price will the owner take?"Many of them ask this question before they even look at the property.They ask the question before they ask anything about the property.They will ask the question even when they do not know where the property is located.They will ask the question before they have done any research on prices in the particular area.In other words, they start to negotiate from a standpoint of complete ignorance.Let's see, the property is priced at $200,000.  The owner will consider an offer of $250,000.Huh? But the asking price is only $200,000.Right!  I can be just as stupid as you.Many sellers are willing to negotiate on price, but answering a ridiculous question like this at this early point in the process woul... 11/03/2023

They Want Unlimited Access To The PropertyI have a house listed.  The house is vacant   The house needs considerable work and will probably be purchased by an investor.An offer is emailed to me.As part of their offer, they have a clause that states that the seller will provide unlimited access to the property, via a seller provided lock box.This is so that their inspectors, contractors, and vendors can see the property.  I do not know what they mean by vendors.Their offer is for 70% of the listed price.They are from out of state and have not seen the property and nobody has seen it on their behalf. If you actually intend to purchase the property, then look at it first, or have someone look at it on your behalf.  That is how the process works.  Do not tie up a listing while you clown aro... 11/01/2023

Wholesaler, Real Estate Agent, Owner . . . What Does it Matter?When I have a listing, I will place it on the Multiple List Service for the area, which, due to internet data exchange agreements, allows it to shows up on about 5 million websites.If a buyer finds a house that is listed this way, they can usually assume, although not always, that it is listed by a real estate agent.However, there are some listings, usually the ones that need extensive work, which I will advertise on alternate sites such as facebook marketplace or craigslist.Even though, when I advertise on these alternate sites, I clearly state that I am an agent, with all required disclosures, including my brokerage affiliation, invariably someone will ask: are you the owner, a wholesaler, an agent, or whatever.Why do you ... 10/28/2023

Why Did They Leave Their Belongings? The people living in the house were squatters.  They did not own the house.  They did not have a lease.Presumably, they did not have money available to purchase a home nor to lease a home.When they finally left the house, they left their belongings.Beds, furniture, clothing, linens, towels were all left behind.  They even left clothes in the dryer.Since, again, they presumably did not have money, why would they leave things behind that had value?Were they abducted by aliens?  Did they win the lottery and strike it rich?  Were they shot and remain in the morgue as unidentified victims?  Given the condition of the house, which was filled with more cobwebs then the creepiest of haunted houses, it appears that they have been gone for awhile, so I doubt t... 10/28/2023

Affordable Home in the Heart of Baltimore City312 E 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218Located right in the heart of Baltimore City --- Walk, bike, bus, or drive to Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Institute College of the Arts (MICA), Morgan State University, or Loyola University --- Short distance to Druid Hill Park or Herring Run Park and Lake Montebello --- 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath on the upper level --- 1 bedroom and 1 full bath on the main level --- House needs work, but it is livable --- Home has been inspected to Baltimore City rental requirements --- Covered front porch and foyer --- Privacy fenced back yard and level entrance to rear of house --- Front entrance to basement --- Renovated Value $325,000+ --- Property owner pays a tax surcharge of 12.5 cents per $100 of assessed... 10/28/2023

Baltimore City Investment Property  1572 Carswell Street, Baltimore, MD 21218$100,000 Negotiable --- Ground Rent: $90 / Year --- Detached single family home in a Townhome style --- Covered Front Porch --- 2nd level Bay Window --- 4 Bedrooms and 4 Full Bathrooms --- 2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms on the 2nd level and 2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms on the 1st level --- Efficient Baseboard Hot Water Heat --- Reinforced Hurricane Resistant (Possibly) Side Walls --- Fenced Rear Yard --- Just 1.25 miles to Johns Hopkins University and Morgan State University ---  Close to  Lake Montebello, Herring Run Park, and Clifton Park --- ARV $250,000 ---- Sold As Is --- No Assignable Contracts --- Will not pass FHA or VA Loan requirements Contact Ron Trzcinski of Sachs Realty at 410-935-5844 10/23/2023

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

6317 Park Heights AveThe Elmont # 212MLSMDBA2084208One BedroomOne BathSold & Settled We found buyers who want to live in this secure Baltimore Condominium with no exterior maintenance, snow, grass to cut, and no worry when they are away for a weekend or weeks.Having someone available to take in packages and help with your groceries is convenient. They liked that the condo had plenty of free parking.The Elmont is a large luxury condominium in Baltimore's Upper Park Heights area. This full-service brick building has a staffed 24-hour reception desk, handicapped accessibility, plus a lobby with private sitting areas.The building is set back off of Park Heights Avenue with the quiet feeling of a park.  The Elmont is located in the eruv with lots of lush landscaping. For more information on ... 08/17/2023

2708 Hamilton Ave.Baltimore, Md 21214MD BA2082404This Hamilton home is Too Late!   We found the 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 this 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 ... 07/28/2023

Buy Back the Block - Downpayment Assistance ProgramDo you currently rent an apartment or home in Belair-Edison, Berea, Four by Four, Edmondson Village, Allendale, Edgewood, Middle Branch, Cherry Hill, Lakeland, Mondawmin, Panway/Braddish Avenue, Parkway, Kenilworth Park, Richnor Springs, Winston-Govans or Woodbourne-McCabe areas of Baltimore and you don't currently own a home anywhere else? You could qualify for a grant of up to $20,000 towards the purchase and renovate a home in the same area where you currently live.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 100% of the A... 07/10/2023

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