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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

By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Today was another enjoyable learning experience in our Tuesday Zoom session led by our guru instructor, Praful Thakkar. For today's assignment, I took my new listing from yesterday and updated the photos using the techniques we learned.What fascinates me about technology is its accessibility; true learning is not hard; it comes from discovering what you can do with it and experiencing those "ah-ha" moments.  That happened today.Remember, everything is easy once you know how to do it.                    Until today, I believed I needed an external source to create a twilight effect, place a bowl of fruit on a round table, or add color through accessories in a vacant property. This kitchen certainly looks more inviting with these changes!                    Above is the front view of this...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
How Will Your Home Be Shown? A Friendly Chat Before You ListWhen it comes to getting your home ready for sale, one of the most important, and often overlooked, conversations is how your home will be shown. There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach! The best method depends on what feels right for you and your situation.Some homes are listed with a lockbox, allowing for a simple “Go and Show.” Others may require scheduling through a showing service with a bit of notice, maybe an hour or even a day in advance. You might have some preferences too, like not allowing showings after a specific time or on Sundays, or maybe you want all showings to be by appointment only, involving your listing agent, the buyer’s agent, or even yourself. It’s all about finding what works best for you!Now, ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Quite a few years ago, I had a client sitting at the settlement table, thrilled to be buying her dream house. Throughout the entire process, I handled every detail behind the scenes, shielding her from the complexities of real estate transactions. To her, it seemed like I had found her a home and collected at closing, without any of the daily efforts involved.  As she reviewed the settlement sheet and signed the multitude of documents, there was no thank you; instead, she confidently proclaimed, “This business is easy! I’m going to get my real estate license!” I offered to mentor her through the process, but she flatly rejected my offer. Fast forward to the following year...her dream house was on the market. Seems like it wasn’t quite as simple as it appeared! While checking inventory, ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
The New Holiday Image for Roy KelleyCreated by ChatGPTMy instructions to ChatGPT: Add a santa claus beard and costume to my photograph. Have some fun with your own photograph.
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
  Beyond The Price People often assume that every seller wants the same thing: the highest possible price. But after decades of meeting homeowners and walking through some of the most interesting properties in Baltimore, I can tell you that is not always about the money. Homes have personalities, and so do the people who own them. Every seller has a story, a motivation, a timeline, and a personal definition of success.That’s why my first job is not pricing the home or reviewing comps. My first job is listening and really listening. And once you listen, you discover what the seller truly wants.Here are a few examples: One gentleman was retiring due to illness. It was July, and his only wish was to be fishing in upstate New York by August. He gave me his bottom line, priced below the comp...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
If you’re eyeing a water-privileged home in Pasadena or Severna Park (Lake Shore, Long Point, Magothy Manor, Venice on the Bay, Mount Pleasant Beach, Riviera Beach, etc.), you’ve probably heard the horror stories:“Flood insurance is $10K a year!”  “My cousin’s friend lost everything!”  “I’ll never be able to afford waterfront!”Stop. Breathe.  Most of what you’re hearing is flat-out wrong or 10 years out of date.I’m Adam Chubbuck – retired Navy veteran, current military spouse, and the agent who’s closed more water-privileged homes in Anne Arundel County than just about anyone. I live this stuff. I sell this stuff. I cut through the BS every single day.Here’s the 2025 reality – no fluff, no fear tactics.🚫 Myth 1: Every water-privileged home costs a fortune to insureTruth: Most aren’t eve...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
There are moments in this business that stop me in my tracks and fuel my purpose. When I checked in with a past client recently, and she answered my question if all is still going well with the house, with: "Every day, I am so thankful to live in my house. I love the community, and I love my home." In a career that can be demanding, those words are a reminder of why I do what I do. Every late-night phone call, every careful decision, every moment spent researching... it all led to this moment of peace and joy for them. Their latest transaction (we've worked together a few times) was a particularly stressful one. Outbid a few times, they felt discouraged from still finding their forever home.One of our roles that is often overlooked is that of a cheerleader. We remind our clients to stay...
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The Best Bread Choices for Managing Type 2 DiabetesFor people living with type 2 diabetes, bread doesn't have to be off the menu entirely. The key is understanding which types of bread have the least impact on blood sugar levels and making informed choices that fit into a balanced meal plan.Why Bread Choice MattersBread is primarily composed of carbohydrates, which break down into glucose and affect blood sugar levels. However, not all breads are created equal. The type of grain, fiber content, and processing method all influence how quickly a bread raises blood sugar, measured by its glycemic index (GI).Top Bread Options for Blood Sugar ControlWhole Grain and Sprouted Grain BreadsWhole grain breads retain all parts of the grain kernel, including the fiber-rich bran and nutrient-dense g...
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Book Recommendation: The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth M. BernierThe Bush Tea Murder (Scheduled Publication Date: April 21, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is a Caribbean Island Mystery by North Carolina author Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Now is the time to place your order for this new novel. I must note that the author and I both attended the University of Virginia. This is her first book. Click on the link to reach the website to learn more about the author and her novel.Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native Saint Thomas.The first in a new cozy mystery series set in the US Virgin Islands, this charming amateur sleuth will enrapture readers of Joanne Fluke and Carrie Doyle.Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn’t ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Attached in Name Only: Why This Parkville Rancher Lives Like a Stand-Alone Home8602 David Ave Baltimore MD 21234MLS#MDBC2143062Every so often, I come across a home that teaches both buyers and agents an important lesson: labels don’t always tell the whole story. This Parkville rancher, while technically attached, stands out as a true example of living like a freestanding house. Privacy, space, and independence are often at the top of buyers' wish lists, and this home delivers on all three. It features its own driveway, eliminating the hassle of shared parking, and a fully fenced backyard complete with two sheds and ample space for relaxation, gardening, entertaining, or letting pets roam free.The eat-in kitchen with a window over the sink is accessed from the driveway. From the outside,...
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 Diabetic-Friendly Oatmeal Cookies & Almond Butter CookiesHere are two cookie recipes designed to be friendlier for people with type 2 diabetes. They use lower-glycemic sweeteners, higher fiber, and healthier fats to help minimize blood-sugar spikes. (As always, portion size matters!)🍪 1. Diabetic-Friendly Oatmeal CookiesSoft, chewy, and lightly sweet — without added sugar.Ingredients 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats ¾ cup almond flour ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp salt ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil) ½ cup monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol) 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) ¼ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips or unsweetened coconut (optional) Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parc...
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Maryland Advisory Supporting Newborn Hepatitis B ShotsThe Maryland Department of Health (MDH) issued an advisory reaffirming that all newborns should receive the full hepatitis B vaccination series beginning at birth, a position it underscored after a federal vaccine committee voted to end the longstanding national recommendation for universal newborn hepatitis B immunization.MDH also issued a standing order to ensure statewide vaccine access and highlighted additional efforts to support evidence-based vaccination guidance for providers and families.Per the news release distributed on Friday, December 5: “The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today issued an advisory to health care professionals and birthing hospitals reiterating the importance of administering the full vaccination se...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
As Maryland's housing market continues to evolve into 2026, first-time homebuyers face both opportunities and challenges. With median home prices hovering around $425,000 statewide and climbing toward $600,000 in sought-after areas like Pasadena in Anne Arundel County, affordability remains a top concern. Fortunately, the state has rolled out targeted updates to its first-time homebuyer programs, including adjusted income limits and enhanced down-payment assistance options. These changes, effective January 1, 2026, aim to broaden access amid rising costs and inflation adjustments from the federal poverty guidelines.For aspiring homeowners in Pasadena—known for its waterfront charm and proximity to Annapolis—these programs can mean thousands in savings. Navigating the details, however, r...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law The Good Samaritan Law in Maryland is designed to encourage people to call for help — especially in drug or alcohol–related medical emergencies — by protecting them from criminal prosecution under certain circumstances.  The relevant statute for overdose-related immunity is found in Md. Ann. Code, Criminal Procedure § 1‑210.   Separate from overdose assistance, Maryland also has a broader “Good Samaritan Act” (previously codified at Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5‑603) which provides civil-liability protection for people (including bystanders and medical professionals) who render emergency — typically non-drug-related — medical aid in good faith, without fee, and without gross negligence.   Who Is Protected — and Under What ConditionsOverdose / ...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
In the dynamic world of Maryland real estate, staying ahead of tax implications can make or break a transaction. As of July 1, 2025, significant updates to the state's transfer and recordation taxes—driven primarily by Senate Bill 582—have reshaped the landscape for homebuyers and sellers. These changes aim to curb institutional investor activity while providing clarity on exemptions and rates. For residents in high-demand areas like Pasadena, MD, understanding these shifts is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.Whether you're a first-time buyer eyeing a waterfront property in Anne Arundel County or a seller in Baltimore preparing for the 2026 market, these tax adjustments could influence your bottom line by thousands. This guide breaks down the essentials, drawing on the latest 2025 M...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Food as Medicine for Type 2 DiabetesFor millions living with type 2 diabetes, the path to better health doesn't necessarily begin at the pharmacy—it starts in the kitchen. While medication plays an important role in diabetes management, mounting evidence suggests that what we eat can be just as powerful as prescription drugs in controlling blood sugar levels and, in some cases, even reversing the disease process.Understanding the Food-Blood Sugar ConnectionType 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels. The foods we consume directly impact these mechanisms. Refined carbohydrates and sugars cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, forcing the pancreas to work overtime. Over time, this chronic demand ca...
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Teens Called to Create Life-Saving MessagesThe Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office invites middle and high schoolers who live in, or attend school in, Montgomery County, to participate in the “Speak Up, Save a Life” video contest. Create an original PSA about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl for a chance to win prizes up to $5,000. Winners will be announced at the “Save a Student Summit” on Jan. 31, 2026. Participants can also earn 10 SSL hours. The deadline for entries has been extended to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.Click here to visit the websiteThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement Autumn Colors, Squash Blossom, Kentlands Photowalk,Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 0146Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Protect Your Air Conditioner Condenser From TheftImagine waking up in the morning to this in your yard? Thieves will break up your condenser to steal the copper and aluminum inside. So, how do you protect yourself from something like this?Install security cameras around your home; they don't have to be expensive or monitored. You can have them send an alert to your cell phone when they detect motion nearby. You can also have them turn on a spotlight when they detect motion.In addition, you can have a security cage installed over the top of your condenser unit. This can make it more difficult for them to get into your unit, too.  These cages are becoming even more common.The best defense is getting to know your neighbors, talking to them, getting to know them, and watching out for one an...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Holiday Gift & Craft ShowDecember 6,  2025 - 10 am - 3 pmYou won't want to miss this one-time-only event being held at the Randallstown Community Center, 3505 Resource Dr, Randallstown, MD 21133There will be: Gift Shops Vendors Food Holiday Treats Giveaways Music Performances Meet Santa & More Come out and support local craftspeople, local vendors, and find those one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else.  And, most of all, you can put your good word in with the most important elf of all, Santa!!I will see you there!! 
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Buyer & Seller ConfessionsThe Things We Don’t Talk About Enough In this industry, it's all about more than just transactions; it's about the relationships and support we provide throughout the journey. Whether you're buying or selling, having someone to lean on makes all the difference.After all these years in real estate, I’ve learned that it’s never just the houses that make this business interesting-it’s the people. The questions, the hesitations, the proud moments, the nerves, the excitement, and yes…the confessions.There are things buyers and sellers feel but don’t always say out loud. And those moments are where the real stories begin.I’ve met buyers who walk into a home, fall in love instantly, and you can see it-eyes wide, pulse racing, already picturing the sofa in the living r...
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Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant ProgramGov. Wes Moore (D) on Wednesday vowed to maintain increased security funding next year for nonprofits and religious institutions at risk of hate crimes – a key topic at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington’s “Lox & Legislators” event in Rockville. The JCRC’s annual “Lox & Legislators” event focuses on a variety of public policy issues affecting the local Jewish community such as U.S.-Israel relations, Holocaust education and funding for nonprofit social service agencies.  The group holds similar events each year in Virginia and Washington, D.C.More than 300 people attended Wednesday’s event at B’nai Israel Congregation, according to JCRC spokesperson Adam Zimmerman.  Of those, about 60 were elected officials from...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Christmas on the FarmCelebrate the holidays at Christmas on the Farm Join us Saturday, December 6, from 12–5 p.m. at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood for hayrides, crafts, live music, farm animals, and more! Free admission and parking!Click here for details. Chrysanthemum, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 3454Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Book Recommendation: Spellbound by Murder by Stacie RameySpellbound by Murder (Scheduled publication date: March 10, 2026, Crooked Lane Books) is a Mystic Hollow Bookshop Mystery by the award-winning Florida author Stacie Ramey. Now is the time to place your order for this new novel. Gilmore Girls meets Charmed in this spellbinding cozy mystery featuring a magical bookshop run by three generations of women.When her grandmother suffers a nasty fall and asks for help managing the family business, coffee-addicted single mother Veronica Blackthorne moves her sixteen-year-old romcom-obsessed daughter to Mystic Hollow, Connecticut. Veronica is ecstatic to return to New England but when she arrives, she quickly finds out that Mystic Hollow Books, her grandmother’s pride and joy, needs more tha...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
 OPEN HOUSE — 820 Hidden Bluff Cir, Catonsville, MD 21228 Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Join us for a special Open House in Catonsville’s premier gated villa community — Hidden Bluff! Come explore this stunning, low-maintenance luxury villa and experience the lifestyle this neighborhood offers.  Home Highlights:- Spacious end-unit 3-level villa- 4 bedrooms • 3.5 baths • 2-car garage with ADA lift- Dramatic two-story great room with gas fireplace- Gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite & stainless appliances- Main-level primary suite with dual walk-in closets & spa bath- Finished lower level with rec room, full bath & exercise space- Beautiful stone patio — perfect for entertaining- Exterior maintenance included in the community! Whether you’re looking for elegan...
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