When working with buyers and sellers, everyone seems to have a strong preference for their source of home heating. Some choices are oil, gas, radiant, electric, propane, geothermal, and wood stoves. There is a love/hate relationship between the different heating systems. Always find out if there is a strong preference for or against a specific heat source. Go ahead and ask"What type of heat do you prefer?" Oil heat is a solid option with both benefits and drawbacks.    Effective Heating: Oil furnaces can consistently warm your home, especially in cold weather. Make sure you have the right size furnace—too small won't heat well, and too large can hike up fuel costs.  - Fuel Efficiency: There are ways to improve fuel efficiency, like retrofitting your system or replacing an old furnace, ... 01/11/2025

Having a six-car garage is a huge advantage during a snowstorm! It keeps your vehicles safe from the harsh weather and gives you peace of mind, knowing they are protected. Plus, there’s room for guest parking, perfect for friends and family visiting in winter.Welcome to your dream home in Greenspring Valley! This beautiful contemporary house is filled with natural light thanks to its large windows and high 17-foot ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features stylish cabinetry and granite countertops and flows into a cozy den with a fireplace—great for family gatherings. Every room on the first floor opens to a spacious deck, perfect for enjoying sunny days and starry nights. The primary suite is a true retreat, with an octagonal bedroom, a family room area, a fireplace, and a workout space. T... 01/07/2025

As a listing agent, I always make my appointments for property showings, and I believe this approach is key. When I mention this to other real estate agents, their reactions are often the same surprise. They usually ask if I’m wasting time by doing it myself. But honestly, showing the wrong house to the wrong buyer wastes time. Taking charge of my appointments can clear up confusion and make everything go smoother for both my sellers and me.Here’s why making my appointments works so well:Avoiding Mismatches:Pet Restrictions: I let buyers know about pet rules before they even think about seeing a property, saving everyone a hassle.Accessibility Issues: If someone needs specific access, I make sure they aren’t looking at a top-floor place that’s not accessible—this is essential. Personal ... 12/10/2024

Contemporary Retreat in Greenspring Valley 1805 By Woods Lane Stevenson Md 21153This beautiful contemporary home is truly exceptional. It is situated on over two wooded acres in the gated Greenspring Valley community. The lush surroundings and a serene stream in the back create a private oasis of tranquility and peace. For buyers looking for a unique living experience, this property stands out from typical cookie-cutter designs.One of the standout features of this home is the expansive decks accessible from every room on the main level, including the luxurious primary suite. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee outside or hosting friends for an evening under the stars, all while surrounded by nature. This design seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living, perfect for those who love ... 11/26/2024

This contemporary home has it all! Bright and airy, this residence has abundant windows, six garage spaces, and 17-foot ceilings. Every room on the first floor provides access to a spacious deck, enhancing your indoor-outdoor living experience. The contemporary design highlights the home’s brightness with its open high ceilings and unique angles.The multi-room primary suite includes an octagonal-shaped bedroom with tray ceilings, French doors leading to an expansive deck with wooded views, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace.  A second spacious room can serve as another bedroom, a media room, or a quiet retreat for relaxation.Additionally, the suite features separate dressing rooms with granite vanity sinks, a workout room, a luxurious jacuzzi, a walk-in shower, and a door with access to ... 11/24/2024

 Gourmet Kitchen Plus Sunroom  The gourmet kitchen, with wood floors, showcases designer wood cabinets and a mix of light and dark granite countertops.  An expansive island with seating complements the open den, with a fireplace and sliding doors leading to the deck.  A sunroom with a pass-thru from the kitchen makes a bright space to entertain for that Sunday brunch. For more information on this Coming Soon homeCall Margaret Rome 11/23/2024

My Journey In Fifty-Three Words Nurse, Ceramic artist, and Realtor®. I was married to the love of my life for 47 years and am proud of my beautiful daughter. As the broker-owner of HomeRome Realty, I continue my journey by hosting a weekly live radio show. My ultimate goal is to match special people with unique homes.My journey in 300 wordsAs I look back on my journey, I am proud of the goals I have achieved and the dreams I have fulfilled. As a head nurse, I have pursued my passion and found fulfillment in my career. I have also been fortunate to marry the love of my life and have had the opportunity to travel. Our daughter is amazing. She is kind, thoughtful, and a good friend, not to mention her exceptional talent as a performing pianist. She makes her mom proud. In addition to my wo... 09/06/2024

When you can't find that perfect home! Build it! 6 Saddlebrook Lane Lot# 10 is available!   "Build Your Dream Home in the Luxurious Bridle Ridge Community How long have you been looking for your dream home? Why not consider building it instead? You can do that in the luxurious Bridle Ridge community in Stevenson, Maryland.6  Saddlebrook Lane lot 10 is available!  This gated community offers privacy, security, and a perfect blank slate to bring your dream home to life.Pass the horses and entrance of The Odyessy School to view custom-built homes that exude luxury and prestige. You'll have great neighbors who share your enthusiasm for maintaining their properties. The Bridle Ridge Community offers plenty of room to construct your personalized home that perfectly matches your style and pref... 03/02/2024

 As many know, I host a radio program called "All About Real Estate." It's been a fun weekly show for the past ten years! The best part is that if you're an ActiveRainer, you can join the fun by calling in. Let's share how AR has brought us together to learn, share, and improve real estate for the general public.  The show airs every Sunday from 12 noon to 1 pm on radio channel 680am. Tune in and join the conversation. Many outstanding members have listened, called in, or been one of my guests.Share your thoughts and ideas. We hope to 'see' you this Sunday, 2.18.24Call in 410-922-6680Listen live WCBM.comapp WCBM     02/17/2024

Less than two weeks ago, I wrote "A New Home for the New Year". Since then, I have received feedback from my listeners and colleagues that suggests that nothing happens at the end of the year in the real estate market. However, I'm glad we didn't listen to that advice because we received a contract on the last day of November, and it was ratified the next day, December 1st. The settlement date has been scheduled for December 20th, meaning this wonderful and grateful family will be spending their holidays in their new home in less than three weeks. I like taking listings at the end of the year, as people need to relocate during this time. I am grateful for the dedicated professionals who continue to work with buyers and sellers. One of the most beautiful aspects of this profession is tha... 12/02/2023

My favorite Baltimore broker, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Home Rome Realty, has a fabulous listing in Stevenson, MD. Yesterday I stopped by her Open House and enjoyed exploring this very special home. Getting a personal tour from Margaret is always a treat. She specializes in extraordinary properties in Baltimore (County) that are anything but cookie-cutter, and this one right off Stevenson Road certainly tugged on my vintage-loving heartstrings. What's so special about this house, you ask? It was built in 1930 and sits on beautiful 2.6 acres, it has gorgeous windows that let in all the sunshine, it has built-ins and nooks, vintage doors and high ceilings, 5/6 bedrooms, and a fourth-floor loft (with a full bath), hardwood floors and radiators, and a unique floorplan...  and it... 11/06/2023

Are you looking for a charming and unique farmhouse-style property in Stevenson 21153? Look no further!  This 90-year-old beauty sits on 2.6 magnificent acres.  Need the space? This has five to six bedrooms,  and check out the two primary suites. High ceilings, wood floors, and rooms in a rainbow of colors show off the old charm personality. With a front porch, foyer, rear entry, and a huge covered patio, this house exudes old-world charm, simplicity, and warmth. Bright country kitchen with high ceilings and five windows. It's a colorful and fun property that will capture your heart. And don't forget about the location!  Just blocks from Stevenson Village Shopping and 1 mile north of Beltway exit 21, this sought-after location is convenient, charming, and picturesque.If you have dreamed... 11/04/2023

                     "Charming 90-Year-Old Farmhouse on 2.6 Acres in Stevenson: Your Dream Home Awaits!" 3436 Halcyon Rd 21153  Look at this property on the site of my friend and colleague  Andrea Bedard. "This Old Haus."     This is a charmer, a 90-year-old farm-style house, a hidden gem sitting on 2.6 acres of magnificent Stevenson land, and it's looking for its new owner.   Whether you enter through the front porch door and foyer or the covered back porch, you'll immediately feel the warmth and coziness of this fantastic property.  The farmhouse exudes old-world charm, simplicity, and warmth, making it a perfect fit for anyone who loves classic and timeless designs. This property boasts over 50 windows and five to six bedrooms (including two primary suites); one of these suites fills... 10/22/2023

3436 Halcyon RdStevenson 21153What a find!  Colorful and fun 90-year-old farm-style house sitting on 2.6 magnificent Stevenson acres.  Alive with color and charm! It has a front porch and foyer, but friends and family use the rear entry to get the full beauty of the vast private-level lot.  This house exudes old-world charm, simplicity, and warmth.If you ever wanted to live in a Farm-style house with  52 windows, five to six bedrooms, ( two are primary suites ), 3 1/2 baths, four levels, and sitting on magnificent acreage in Stevenson 21153 …then you may have found your home.  It is not for everyone; it's not contemporary, and it's not done in greys and whites, but it's a charming farmhouse property with high ceilings, wood floors, and rooms in a rainbow of colors showing off old charm ... 09/18/2023

Seek, and you will findWe have been searching for a Stevenson Rancher needing more than TLC for almost a year. After researching and being patient, we found the perfect property on March 31st and had a smooth settlement on April 19th. That's twenty days from the contract to closing. Fast and smooth is an excellent way to sell Baltimore homes. The buyer and the agent need to be available to see properties at a moment's notice. When the potential right property hits the market or comes back on the market, there is no time to waste.When you have a buyer who has specific needs, keep looking. If you continue to seek, eventually, you will find!Buying or selling a homeCall Margaret Rome 04/23/2023

Have you ever had a con man as a buyer?Years ago, I had a buyer who asked to see a wonderful vacant exciting home close to our Baltimore Harbor. He was so smooth, he was so confident, and he was a charmer. He tried to assure me there would be a quick settlement; I was waiting for his proof of funds before submitting his full-price cash offer.  Did I mention he was smooth?In the meantime, this charmer contacted the listing agent and convinced her he had an excellent investment to make her money. He got really 'friendly' with that listing agent by assuring her he could get her a deal with a sure investment. He had her convinced that he would buy her listing. She was somehow smitten and gave him the keys to this property even before there were signatures, which never happened.He and a few ... 03/30/2023

I had just graduated from Nursing School and had my dream job working in the Pediatric Clinic at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. It was time for my first car, my graduation gift from my mom. When I went car shopping, I found the perfect vehicle. Sitting on the dealer's lot was a white (less than a year old) convertible Chevelle Malibu with a red leather interior. Yep, I was in love! The price was $2995.00My budget was only $2000, and I decided to try something.   I had a check made out to the dealership for two grand. What did I have to lose? I told the dealer I wanted to take the car to my mechanic, and if it checked out, I wanted to purchase it. Without any discussion, I handed him a check one-third less than the asking sticker price. He reached for the check, saw the amount, and shook h... 09/26/2022

Wonderful Wacky WomenThis group of friends has been meeting monthly for the past 3 or 4 decades. And this week, Vickie hosted a lovely afternoon luncheon at her gorgeous home. Friendship, fun, and food sum up how we celebrated Vickie's birthday. So popular is she that there were not one but two cakes. It was delightful being together with a lovely array of delicious treats catered by Gene and Vickie. Lively conversation, camaraderie,  laughter, watching the birds, the  Clydesdale, and a miniature horse, added to the festivities.   And as we left, there was a party mug for each of us. The words describe us!   07/29/2022

Do you want a first-floor bedroom in Baltimore?The most sought-after feature has been first-floor primary bedrooms for many years. Every other call is for a home that has no steps, is accessible, or is a move-in-ready rancher. Take a look at these five homes. All are very different, but each has at least a bedroom and bath on the main level. All are in move-in condition.  Price ranges from 400k  to 2.9 millionClick on each address below for a description and more photos. 3433 Philips Dr 21208  8200 Stevenson Rd 21208  8205 Tama Ct 21208   10515 Harford Rd 21057  27 E Chatsworth Ave 21136 If you are looking for a first-floor bedroom or an unusual homeCall Margaret Rome   07/11/2022

Opening the dishwasher and finding the plastics wet is a nuisance. Yes, an actual first-world problem. I have checked with various manufacturers, and there is a list of things you can do. Plumbers and appliance repair people suggested it was the "wrong" brand of the dishwasher. They also said it was imperative always to use a specific brand of rinse aid. Some literature advises not to place plastic containers, of any kind, in the dishwasher. Drying is more challenging than cleaning because the surface area traps water, and moisture doesn't evaporate.For many years, I have accepted these wet containers, lids, and plastic utensils. Deal with it, use a towel, and dry them. It only takes a minute or two. That's until NOW! Here is the solution. And a pretty darn simple one! Look at the resul... 06/02/2022