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Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty Baltimore, Md.

Active Rain Gathering ... Join The Top Three for FREE !!

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:

Divas flyer

Hope to see you on Monday -

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410-530-2400

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

jacuzzi tubWe 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!

kitchenNow 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.Fireplace 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....

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www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Can't Even...Give It Away! .....Well Now You can!

Kiln

Child playing piano

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.

StairmastrToday 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.

Truck 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?

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www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Getting High......Not Just Lunch!

Driving downtown to the Baltimore Inner Harbor, I realized that I never tire of the views of the buildings, the water, the wide streets and all the people. I was heading for 100 East Pratt Street for a NAWBOsponsored Facebook seminar. I was early because I wanted to be able to get parked and set up with my computer. This was a "Lunch and Learn," and what a good idea. It saves time, gets you fed, and you get some learning at the same time.

Content McLaughlinLeah MessinaWe met at the office of law firm Tydings & Rosenberg, hosted by Content McLaughlin, the NAWBO chapter president. Our presenter was Leah Messina of Sinuate Media, and we had 19 people around a wonderful large conference table, each having brought a laptop so we could follow along with Leah.

This session generated a lot of interest and filled quickly –There are so many wanting to understand Facebook and how it can be used for business.

Leah covered a lot in just an hour and a half. At one point she took a picture of the room with her camera phone, sent it from her phone directly to Facebook, and within seconds there we were on her page. ( I would show you that photo but it is to small for this post.)

How neat to be able to do that?! Leah will be back for two more lunching and learning sessions, one on Twitter and one on blogging. This series was a first for NAWBO, and a great idea.

And now, for my all "spare time," I have a gazillion new Facebook connections to eventually answer or friend or whatever you do with them!

Baltimore HarborBaltimore Stadiums

The one problem I had during the session.... getting distracted. The conference room had glass walls, and just beyond were the wide windows of the 26th floor and Baltimore's harbor below. Plus, I had my new camera, a Panasonic Lumix with a 28mm wide angle plus a 10x optical zoom. How could I not try it out?

Look at the two boats on the shimmering water to the right of our National Aquarium with its triangular roof line. Beneath that roof is a rain forest!

And can you see the smoke stack in the distance? Over there are Ravens Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

And look at the mirrored building with roof top reflections; I do think it might be the Sheraton. From another window I could see the skyline with its interesting shapes.

Then I had to see that steeple up close...yep, the zoom works.

ReflectionsBaltimore SkylineZoom


When the session was over it was off to another busy day – a listing appointment and another chance to use my new camera. And then back to Active Rain to share my day.

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www.HomeRome.com
410-530-2400

Where Life Goes Better With Art and Auction...Join us May 7th

GalleryArt Resource LogoUsually when I say "auction," I'm talking about the accelerated marketing that's been so successful for TRAC Auctions. But this time is a little different. There's still a building involved (though it is not for sale). This time it is the paintings and sculpture and gorgeous ceramic art for sale. And just to keep it interesting …the #1 bar in America, recently chosen by "Esquire" magazine.

Marti paintingIt began a few months ago when my friend and amazing artist, Tatiana, introduced me to Laura Siner and Leia McKenna who own and run The Art Resource, Inc. The Art Resource represents hundreds of artists including painters, printmakers, sculptors, weavers, mixed media, several lines of limited edition prints and reproductions…and Tatiana and her wonderful ceramic creations.

Their clients include architects, developers, interior designers, corporations, and private collectors. And people like me, who have art in need of a frame – like this painting by that talented Art of Marketing You master, Marti Garaughty

TatianaWhen I visited the gallery and met Laura and Leia, we talked about Tatiana and how successful the auction of her historic church/home had been. That led to the idea of another auction, this time of Tatiana's ceramics and works of other artists at the Art Resource gallery. One thing led to another, as it often does, and the art auction became a gallery reception and book signing celebration.

When talk turned to refreshments, we went from wine and cheese in the gallery to The Brewer's Art and their great microbrewery and pub on the first floor.Brewer's Art

Baltimore's Mount Vernon cultural district is home to world famous institutions like the Walters Art Museum and the Peabody Institute plus galleries and restaurants galore. First Thursdays (the first Thursday in the month) bring people to the area in the early evening hours for special events, leisurely strolls, and pub-crawling.

Please join us!

Thursday May 7,2009 4:00 to 8:00 Pm

The Art Resource

1106 N.Charles St. Ste.303

Baltimore,Md 21201

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www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400