Margaret's Blog

3041 Fallstaff Rd Baltimore, Md. 21209 The Towers Condominium

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:47:31 -0600

3041 Fallstaff Road #206 D
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

The Towers
2 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
$189,944

Here is a very special 2 bedroom 2 bath condominium located on the second floor of The Towers in the convenient Cheswolde, Mt. Washington area... just a mile and a half south of Exit 22 Baltimore Beltway 695. You are close enough to walk to Greenspring Shopping Center and you are adjacent to the Northwest Senior Center.

Living in this home is like having sunrooms in both the master bedroom and the huge living room. The open floor plan with its unique angled walls allow for creative placement of your furniture. The ceramic tiled foyer has a spacious guest closet and a large utility room with ample storage plus your own washer and dryer.

The spacious bright kitchen, again, with the angled walls has another large bright window to enjoy the natural wooded setting. Plenty of room to cook up your favorite gourmet meals with all the necessary goodies stored in the pantry. A refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, microwave, electric stove/oven complete this area. There is still space for the largest kitchen table.

Notice the breakfast counter to enjoy your morning coffee.

The dining area has a mirrored wall enhancing the brightness of the large windows..

Look at the angular windows in the living room which gives a feeling of being outdoors without any of the care and maintenance. This same outside feeling is repeated in the Master bedroom suite. The beauty of these "outside" rooms..you control the climate but can enjoy all of the seasons...changing colors of the leaves, the full bright greenery of the summer and the natural beauty of the Baltimore winters with the occasional snowfall.

The windows open so you can enjoy fresh air and listen to sounds of the birds. You might even want to feed a special bird or squirrel from the window ledge.

Do you like a bit of luxury?

Enjoy your bedroom suite, complete with "hers"and "hers" walk in closets. Not to worry, the second bedroom has a generous sized closet should "he" need a bit of space for clothes.

And the Spa bath...ahhh! Luxuriate in the large oval jetted tub with space for all your personal items. In addition there is also a stall shower in this area.

The second large bedroom has access to a second full bathroom with tub and shower.

Enjoy the benefits of condo living and a lifestyle where you can meet your friends and neighbors for tennis and enjoy swimming in the Olympic sized pool. Need to entertain? The community center has the perfect setting for all your party needs.

This is the ultimate in carefree living. Desirable 2nd floor location in elevator building.

Be proud of where you live! Enjoy calling The Towers home!

"Sunroom" in Master Bedroom Suite

2 huge 'Hers and Hers" walk in closets

Living room 'sunroom"

Secure inside mail delivery

Clubhouse for entertaining

Swimming pool

Jetted tub in Master Bath

Living room 'sunroom"

Please call for your private showing

410-530-2400

mrome@HomeRome.com

3041 Fallstaff Rd The Towers Condominium

Elegant lobbies

Wide hallways

Dining room mirrored wall

Full size washer and dryer

Ceramic Foyer

Angled Kitchen walls

Bright spacious kitchen lots of cabinets

Enjoy the views

Kitchen Window

Enjoy the views

2nd Bath with full tub

2nd Bath

Double vanities


email: mrome @homerome.com

What recession? Who says that real estate is down?

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:02:50 -0600

What recession? Who says that real estate is down? Penthouse condos in Baltimore are hot!

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD

Yesterday the penthouse condominium at the Ritz-Carlton Residences on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD was sold. Well, actually it was three penthouses joined together making a 4 bedroom, 6.5 baths, six balconies, and 12,000 sq. ft.

And it sold for a mere $12.6 million. It has views of the Inner Harbor, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Camden Yards sports complex, home to the Baltimore Orioles. And who bought it? None other than Baltimore native and mega-novelist Tom Clancy.

Clancy mastered the techno-thriller genre beginning with his first novel, The Hunt for Red October in 1984, and his empire has expanded to include video and board games in addition to his many best selling novels. He lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and will keep that home, but this heart of Baltimore mansion-in-the-sky places him close to the Orioles where he can keep an eye on part-ownership investment. He has also invested in his home town by funding professorships in pediatric oncology and ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University.

Exterior and master bath, 1400 Lancaster Street

Now if you want to live in a luxury penthouse condo in downtown Baltimore, and you want great views, and you want sleek and modern, and you want it new, you could be the first to live in this unit.

Then you would be just across the harbor from Tom Clancy. But you'd better hurry before we raise the price!

Yes, you could stand on your balcony at 1400 Lancaster Street and wave to Clancy on his balcony, and for a whole lot less money.

No,Unit 1003 does not have 12,000 sq. ft., but it can be bought for $12,000,000 (you counted right – six zeroes) less, and you can still have a top floor in this contemporary condo.

That's what I call a bargain! Purchased a few years ago for $¾ of million, you can have it all for a cool $½ million. Take a look…and then... give me a call 410-530-2400.

Everywhere you turn, a great view. Slate floors, granite counters, stainless appliances.

Looking out from the kitchen, and looking in to the kitchen - beautiful in any direction.

Thanks to Mr. Clancy, penthouse condos in Baltimore are hot!

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

This is a Baltimore Sky...not one in Arizona

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:04:27 -0600

This is a Baltimore sky...not one in Arizona.

It was a wonderfully busy Sunday; met with new clients, took a listing, showed a couple of properties, along with the emails, phone calls and just everyday life. On the way home, I stopped for a few needed things at the store.

Instead of stopping to smell the roses, I bought some. This color was calling my name - so pretty and so unlike all the others in their shades of reds and pinks. I walked out of store looking forward to going home. But then I was struck by the beauty of the sky. I thought of Mike Jones and his Arizona skies, but this evening I was not in AZ, I was less than two miles from home staring up at a sky the same shade as my pretty bunch of roses.

I drove a few blocks to really see the show, and a show it was! There was Tic-Tac-Toe going on in all its glory. I just kept shooting and watching the intensity of the colors deepen into the sunset. Now that is my kind of art - nature does it with such perfection. Maybe not the same Arizona skies that Mike sees on a daily basis, but for Baltimore, it was a sheer and utter exquisite delight.

And upon arriving home, I arranged the pretty roses in a vase, sat back, and smiled. Together Lee and I smelled the roses. Could you hear me smiling?

410-530-2400

www.HomeRome.com

3618 Paine St. Baltimore, Maryland 21211 Hampden "Hon"

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:51:52 -0600

3618 Paine Street
Hampden "Hon"
Baltimore, Maryland 21211
$159,944

This adorable townhouse or as we call them in Baltimore a rowhouse, with 2 bedrooms and a full bath has been updated with new windows, electric, gas heat, air conditioning, neutral wall to wall carpet and fresh paint.

The yard is fenced and leads to an alley in the back. Enjoy the Baltimore seasons from your covered front porch with room for a small table and chairs.

A door in front leads to the lower level with room for storage, washer, dryer and laundry and all of those out of season ornaments. Remember you are in Hampden "Hon".

This Hampden home is located near Johns Hopkins University and is close to the historic Rotunda Shopping Mall located at 711 40th Street where you can shop at the Giant.

The Rotunda is one of the places to take the PSI exams for agents and brokers.

Located off of 36th Street and next to School #55. This is not a drive by or even a drive through street. This is a quiet little street with no traffic.

updated and new systems

Gas heat and cooking

updated and new systems

Washer & Dryer in lower level.

Crawl space

Welcome home through your new door.

Door leads to lower level.

Enjoy "schmoozing" on your front porch.

Adorable townhouse.

Adorable Row House in Hampden.

View coming from the lower level.

Looking into the lower level from front.

Welcome to 3618 Paine Street

staircase divides living and dining rooms

Dining room floor

staircase divides living and dining rooms

Fenced rear yard seen from kitchen

Baltimore School #55 just steps away.

Upper Bedroom

Upper Bedroom with ceiling fan.

Upper Bedroom

staircase


email: mrome @homerome.com

1 Gristmill Ct. Annen Woods Baltimore, Md.21208

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:56:16 -0600

One Gristmill Court
Annen Woods Pikesville
Baltimore, Maryland 21208
$274,944

Have you been trying to decide whether to stay in your house or move to the luxury of a condominium?

Not just any condo but an all brick full service building with elevator, doorman, garage parking and no worries about the snow, leaves or lawn. Just enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons without participating in any to the work!

Here is your opportunity....in the convenient location of Annen Woods, a gated community with other condos and townhouses.

No worries about cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters or roof repairs.

This third floor spacious 2 bedroom and 2 full bath brick condominium has it all! The monthly condo fee covers the use of the elegant clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis court.

Kind of like being on vacation year round. And did I mention that this is a gated community with evening security personnel?

Guests are welcomed into the beautiful front lobby...while you enter from the secure garage parking and take the elevator up to your double front door. Enjoy the lifestyle and let someone else help with your groceries and packages.

Enter into the spacious ceramic foyer where the oversized windows allow you to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. Now the autumn colors on the trees are spectacular but soon you will be able to see the beauty of the snow falling and the Olympic sized pool from your covered balcony

Enjoy the peace and quiet of a gated community that is surrounded by lush landscaping with areas for sitting, morning walks and relaxing.

Beautifully decorated and ready to move into... tastefully decorated with soft colors and wallpapers.

Notice the full sized stack washer/dryer and your own laundry tub that is cleverly concealed.

This spacious eat in kitchen boasts beautiful granite counters, pantry, utility room with a freezer, updated appliances ( 5 year old HVAC)

Lots of kitchen cabinets for all your storage needs, easy care ceramic floors and the beauty of the mirrored backslash enhances the luxurious granite.

Enjoy your living room with sliders to your covered balcony for reading, morning coffee and just relaxing. Remember you are on the quiet side overlooking the pool.

Special storage in the custom built dining room buffet as well as another custom piece of furniture that can be used for housing or hiding the TV and bar. Mirrored shelving is a way to show off your own collection of art, crafts and family photos. Both of these pieces are good surfaces for serving and entertaining family and friends.

Very spacious Master bedroom has two separate closets, one is a huge walk in plus a wall of custom built ins and a Casablanca fan. Every closet, including linen, has been custom outfitted. The luxury master bathroom has 2 sinks, a stall shower, separate toilet room and a large whirlpool tub!..

The second bedroom with access to the full bath can also be a office, guest room or den. Custom built-ins eliminate the need for additional storage pieces. In this room you can enjoy the covered balcony, again, with those lovely views.

Monthly Condo fee $650, includes cable, water, community clubhouse, tennis, outdoor pool, lawn maintenance and the security of a gated community plus your own doorman, elegant lobby and garage parking.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of a full service building in a gated community. Go ahead, change your lifestyle, travel on a whim..no worry about leaving...another benefit of condo living.

Convenient location off Hooks Lane close to the Baltimore Beltway, Life Bridge Fitness, shopping and Fort Garrison and Pikesville school system.

For your private showing,
mrome@HomeRome.com
HomeRome Realty.
410-530-2400

Elegant double door entrance

elevator

Sunny, elegant lobby.

Always a warm greeting to welcome you home

Open floor plan allows for creative furniture placement.

Brick covered balcony to enjoy the weather and changing seasons.

Your own private swimming pool

Views of fall's beautiful colors
views of fall's beautiful colors
views of fall's beautiful colors

Casablanca ceiling fan

Curves of the Dining room custom buffet

Huge windows to watch the changing seasons.

The covered balcony has access from the living room and the 2nd bedroom/den/office. I took this photo during a rain storm.

Elevator

Mail Room

Sunny elegant lobby to wait for guests.

Sunny elegant lobby entrance

Soft pastels and neutral colors.

King sized master bedroom.


email: mrome @homerome.com

Blog...The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:41:04 -0500

A blog is the gift that keeps on giving!

When I write a blog article, that's not the end of that story. Whenever possible, that blog becomes a marketing piece, a thank-you note, an "I was thinking of you" reminder to a prospective client, and another opportunity to remind clients and prospects of my service and expertise.

Here's one example: There was a buyer who came to Baltimore from the British Virgin Islands to find a place for her college student daughter. She found me through the Internet and was interested in one of the condos I had listed. She was a delight to work with, and bought one of the condos for her daughter. I did a follow-up post on that which helped to reinforce what was already a good relationship. I pointed to the story again in a post that reminded folks that many young people – singles and young families – are finding Baltimore condos to be an affordable choice with great convenience features. My listing inventory of condos is at an all time high, and I find that younger buyers are looking at my high-rise buildings and thinking of buying.

Something else I do is use a blog article as a reminder gift for a person or business. For example, when I write about a restaurant like Tio Pepe in Baltimore, or a dairy with great ice cream in Harford County, I print copies of the article in color and then laminate them. I take them to the owner the next time I visit - one always goes on the wall, and the other is for them to show off. It takes just few minutes and a few cents, but the impact is huge.

Blog articles also are a source for my print advertising. When I have great feedback from a client, like the cient from the British Virgin Islands, I use excerpts in my print ads to reinforce to both clients and prospects the level of service they can expect.

And of course the great benefit of having a large collection of blog articles is that you have taken the time to think and write about many aspects of the real estate business. After a few hundred thousand words, you have the core of a book that you can publish and use to promote yourself to prospects and clients. No magnet or mug can compare with the impact of a book with your name as author when it comes to proving that you are the expert in your market.

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

5905 Berkeley Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21209 Cheswolde, Mt. Washington

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:34:53 -0500

5905 Berkeley Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21209

Cheswolde/Mt. Washington

4 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
1 Powder Room
$424,944

You have found the perfect home ...it is even in the shape of an "H". Take a look at this very special custom contemporary brick "H" shaped rancher with four bedrooms and 2 full baths all on the first level.

Baltimore Real Estate in 21209 Means Mount Washington and More

Easy to care for and pretty to look at, the entire first level has "wood" laminate flooring.

The slate foyer welcomes you into this very bright open living room with cathedral ceilings.

Notice the brick wall with the wood burning fireplace... now being used with a gas insert. You have your choice wood or gas.

There is a "sliding" divider that separates the formal dining room and kitchen from the main living area. Cathedral ceilings and glassed window walls bring the beauty of the seasons to you.

Inside or outside, your patio is surrounded on three sides (remember the shape of the house). You can enjoy this space year round while in the living area or right outside your sliding glass doors. What a pleasure to have this private area...the perfect setting for your morning coffee, a quiet afternoon of reading and later a perfect spot for a Baltimore cookout! The kitchen also has big bright windows, an abundance of cabinets and a bright laundry area in the ideal spot...right where you need it.

The lower level is finished for use as studio or workshop and has abundant storage a half bath, a cedar closet and is also accessed from a door leading to the driveway.

Wood stairs leading to the lower level.

Rear of Rancher showing the patio area

Rear of H Rancher showing the private patio

Front of H shaped Brick Rancher

Finished lower level has outside access

Abundant storage in lower level

Brick wall and cathedral ceilings

Private patio with sliders from large dining room

Hardwood stairs leading to the finished lower level.

Bright living room has wall of glass

Easy care wood laminate flooring

Brick wall with wood burning or gas fireplace

Contemporary Living room

Open floor plan allows flexable furniture placement

Slate foyer can be separated with sliding wall

Bright sunny kitchen windows

Electric cook top bit you have a choice of gas

Convenient laundry between kitchen and bedrooms

Kitchen has lots of storage cabinets

Patio access from dining room's sliding glass door

Privacy and views from patio and dining room


email: mrome @homerome.com

When Is a Three Car Garage Really a Four Car Garage?

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:23:52 -0500

When is a three car garage a four car garage? Let's begin to count.

First, there is the cute little metallic light brown 1974 Excalibur convertible. It has only 4,000 miles on it, but I bet they were all fun miles.

Next is the 1964 red convertible Lincoln Continental with the "suicide doors." (Front-opening doors are called "suicide doors" because, if the door becomes unlatched while the car is moving, the air pressure will pull the door open and make it impossible to close.) This is the same model car, but black of course, that Kennedy rode in on that fateful day in Dallas.

Number three is a 1992 six-door Cadillac Superior stretch limousine. There are two TVs in the back, facing opposite directions. Two of those six doors open only from the inside.

The last is a 1967 Cadillac, also a red convertible. Each of these beauties has been restored with all new leather, new tops and custom paint. I am sure others could give a lot more details on these toys, but these four certainly remind us that the only difference between men and boys is the size of their toys!

This oversized three car garage actually has all four of these autos inside. The garage is a beauty by itself. Built 10 years ago, it has heat and air conditioning, windows, electricity and automatic doors that can also be controlled from inside the home. An insulated attic and finished walls make this four-door garage a wonderful space for a home office, art studio, workshop, hobbies and maybe even for some lucky person... a place to house a special auto or toy collection. Security is maintained by the lighting and surveillance cameras. This freestanding structure makes a nice addition to the custom built home at 3317 Old Post Drive.

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Getting Unstuck .. an Umar Hameed Forum...Tuesday Morning November 3rd

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:30:09 -0500

My friend and speaker , Umar Hameed, will be hosting this forum Tuesday Morning November 3rd

Having the opportunity to listen to Umar, if only for a short time is worth every minute!

Event Details

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 8am-9:30am

Highly Effective Ways to Get Past the "Gatekeeper"

You will never make the sale if you don't get to the decision maker. Each time the gatekeeper stops you from reaching the decision maker it costs you MONEY! Come to this week's forum and learn highly effective techniques that get the job done.

Host: Umar Hameed, international speaker, author and consultant, and Founder of No Limits Selling and Productivity Cubed.

Sales Pro: Stacey Lynn Munsell, Senior Account Executive with Baltimore Magazine, former sales manager at Chef's Expressions Catering, and former director of sales and marketing at Planet Hollywood.

The Sales Experts Forum will be held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. At each forum we'll feature a hot sales topic and a lively discussion led by Umar. Sales pros who are at the top of their game will share some of their most effective ideas, techniques, and secrets with you. In addition to breakfast and networking, you'll get a chance to learn from your peers specific ways to

overcome your challenges
sharpen your sales strategies
improve your performance

When

Tuesday, November 03, 2009 from 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM (ET)

Where

Cromwell Valley Park
2002 Cromwell Bridge Road
Baltimore, MD 21234

Hosted By

Productivity Cubed ,Umar Hameed, international speaker, author and consultant, and founder of No Limits Selling and Productivity Cubed. Umar specializes in getting salespeople unstuck so they can make a ton of money and live happier lives.

Cromwell Valley Park
2002 Cromwell Bridge Road
Baltimore, MD 21234

mrome@HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

3317 Old Post Drive Pikesville, Md. 21208 4 Car Garage Rancher!

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:32:41 -0500

3317 Old Post Drive
Baltimore County
Pikesville/Stevenson 21208

$449,944

4 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
1 Half Bath

Can you picture yourself in a huge brick rancher with a two car attached carport plus an oversized 3 car garage that actually holds four cars.

When Is a Three Car Garage Really a Four Car Garage?

Now, back to the main house... sitting on a beautiful level landscaped lot at the corner of Winterset and Old Post..just minutes from Exit 21 of the Baltimore Beltway 695.. such a convenient location. Close but not too close!

This custom, well built mid-century, brick and stone residence has so much to offer that you could call it a ‘forever' house with complete accessibility... no steps, other than the ones leading to the 4th bedroom!

This is a home for entertaining with the long double driveway...parking for lots of guests.

When you drive up, notice the ‘3317' on the brick mailbox custom made for the long time owners.

There are many unique custom features such as a curved wall, stone planter, pocket doors between the family room and dining areas, and a bricked in gas grill in the spacious eat in kitchen.

Need a home office or den? There is a room for you on one side of the kitchen. Another bonus room houses the extra freezer, refrigerator, washer, dryer, large storage area, and has its own door to the covered carport area.

The grand stone fireplace, a focal point of this special residence, can be enjoyed from the living room, dining room, foyer and family room.

The generous open spaces allow for creative placement of furniture.

The kitchen has a storage wall of custom wood cabinetry, a breakfast area, gas grill, loads of cabinet space, a salad sink with disposal and another deeper sink. Pantries on each side of the oven.

The amount of storage and the design is a functional work of art.

Take a look and you may be asking: "what's behind door # 1, door # 2 etc.

Do you see the elegant "jewelry" hardware on these doors?

The house is transformed when this "wall" opens for entertaining, giving easy access to the open bar into the kitchen.

The dining area is defined by the elegant fireplace, with matching custom wood, the custom wall of cabinets and the adjacent family room. The owners took a great deal of pride choosing the 'art deco' dining room chandelier.

This entire space is opened by a full wall of glass containing two sets of sliders to the patio areas. Another set of sliders from the large paneled family room, again, give access to the patio, level yard and storage shed.

Abundant storage throughout the home and don't forget about the enormous space, now housing four cars. Completely finished with attic insulation, windows, heat and air conditioning. Not a car enthusiast?...how about using for a studio, office or recreation area. Bet you could come up with many ideas for this separate but close to the house structure.

The three, first floor, bedrooms on the other side of the house, are separated by a door and boast rich dark parquet floors.

Look at the main bath room with double sinks, a slight corner tub and seating area. Check out the custom designed tiles of this delightful home built in 1959.

Stairs leading up to the large fourth bedroom.. measuring 19' x 19'..has a large bright window, walk in closet plus a good old fashioned cedar lined closet. This upstairs space has its own heat and air conditioning.

The master bedroom, with dressing room, mirrored closet with built in drawers and stall shower, has plenty of space for designing the most luxurious bath/spa.

With a bit of TLC, this home could be spectacular again.

Elegant Dining

dining room chandelier

foyer area

notice shelves on fireplace

huge kitchen space

Family room with pocket doors to Dining room

3 Car garage (holds four cars)

Carport with loads of parking space

3rd Bedroom

Master Bedroom

View from dining area toward foyer/bedrooms

custom brick mailbox

Front views of brick rancher

Side Views

side view of garage and shed

stone planter

door "jewelry"

What's behind Door # 1 etc.

Other side of the doors above

Brick grill in kitchen

Stone fireplace

Living Room-wall of windows

Living area

Yellow Bath

Wood floors in 2nd bedroom

Living room


email: mrome @homerome.com

Books and Blue Sky in Baltimore, MD

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:31:27 -0500

I watched the hourly weather the night before, and the forecast was rain all the way through 1:00 p.m., then sunshine and only a 10% chance of precipitation. Would the book signing, we had scheduled from 2:00 to 3:00 last Friday, be soggy or bright?

The day turned out to be one of those absolutely glorious gems, cool but sunny, no longer summer, but not quite fall either. A perfect day, and well deserved after last year's "Liquid Sunshine." The planned book signing of Real Estate the Rome Way was scheduled for an hour at 2:00. That hour turned into four, did not leave until after 6:00PM.. just too much going on.

The MidAtlantic Book Publishers Association booth was at the hub of the festival, near the Washington Monument, right in front of the Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church with its gingerbread spires. We heard the sounds of bands from the nearby stage, saw colorful people, pets, neighbors and friends.

Students from the Institute of Notre Dame strolled the festival escorting characters from children's books like the hippos George and Martha, and Frogger.

Right across the way was the LiveBaltimore booth (last year they were easy to find with their bright yellow umbrellas.) The people-watching was excellent!

My publisher and friend, Peg Silloway,was there to volunteer with me, and we had a great time talking with the MBPA President, Sheila Ruth. Last year, Sheila's husband Nick – author of The Remin Chronicles series – and her son, David, where with us, and we missed seeing them this time.

But we met and enjoyed talking with Lucinda Clark of P.R.A. Publishing who came from Georgia to help at the booth and attend the National Book Festival in Washington the next day. Bill McAllen came by with his book, Spirit of Place: Baltimore's Favorite Spaces, a wonderful collection of essays and photographs (Bill is the photographer, Sarah Achenbach is the writer.)

There was so much to see, but I was not able to take my eyes off the church that stood behind our booth.The plaque commemorates the Charles Howard mansion that stood here before the church; it was in that home that Frances Scott Key died.

A news helicopter kept circling overhead and I tried so hard to get a shot of the helicopter over the church and in between the Washington Monument column. It was tough holding the camera in the moving crowd -so eventually gave in and just took the chopper!

Camaraderie, new friends, great weather, book characters, and magnificent architecture all around. A perfect day of books and blue sky in Baltimore.

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

The Baltimore Book Festival - A Signing!

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:16:26 -0500

A year ago, I went to the very soggy Baltimore Book Festival and had a great time even though the liquid sunshine was intense. Back then, I was a soon-to-be published author. This year, I have a book and a book signing slot!

This Friday through Sunday (September 25-27) at Mt. Vernon Place, the 14^th annual Baltimore Book Festival will spread out from the 600 block of North Charles Street with books, authors, food, performances, and fun.

Again this year I'll be volunteering with my publisher, Peg Silloway of The Silloway Press, at the MidAtlantic Book Publishers Association booth. And, on Friday afternoon at 2:00, I'll be meeting visitors and signing my book!

Last year as we sloshed around in the rain, Peg and I said, "Next year we'll be here with a Margaret Rome book." It was a big goal, and we've had adventures along the way, but we did it! Thanks to friends and supporters, the book is a success. This year, we'll be checking out booth locations for next year's festival. By then, Peg will have her Cat Lover's Book of Days along with the second in the Book of Days series available.

This year's list of authors at the festival is long and as varied as astronaut Buzz Aldrin, mystery writer Donna Andrews, and political commentator Gwen Ifill. There are readings, panel discussions, and great weather forecast. So if you are near Baltimore and want a fun afternoon, come to the Baltimore Book Festival this weekend. Please stop by and say "Hi!" on Friday between 2:00 and 3:00!

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

With a Little Help from His Friends – An Ironman Lesson

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:54:34 -0500

Several mornings a week I go to Lifebridge Health Center and workout-at-the-gym This is where my trainer, John Vargo, helps me focus on Physical Training. John's clearly a fitness fan, and here's more proof: he recently competed in an Ironman marathon in Louisville, KY, and shared some photos.

What struck me about this was that while John was doing the running and riding his bicycle, he had a team supporting him. Dana Gaither, his girl friend, was there to hold up signs, run beside him for a while, and help him celebrate at the end. Besides Dana, other friends cheered him on and served as his support team. When it was over, John placed 320th out of 2,435 participants – that's in the top 15%!

No matter how good we are at what we do, no one does it alone, not even a marathoner. We need other people to cheer us on, to run with us, and to be there when we finish no matter whether we win or lose.

This holiday weekend I'm thankful for all the people who are there for me every day. To each of them and you, I say what John said to close his email: "All the best and make it a promising week."

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

What's Luck Got to Do With Selling Houses in Baltimore, MD?

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:35:34 -0500

What's Luck Got to Do With It?

Not long ago I talked with Ylan Q Mui, a staff writer at the Washington Post, who was writing an article on the things sellers do to help sell their houses. She wasn't interested in decluttering or staging. What she wanted to talk about was lucky charms, totems, and other magical devices.

Her article, "Lady Luck Lounges on A Red Couch," ran on August 9, but you can still find it online (http://tinyurl.com/nkmher). She interviewed some agents in the area and included this about me and my lucky number:

"Margaret Rome, a real estate agent in Baltimore, has established her own lucky tradition. When she started selling houses about 20 years ago, she said, she was scooting around in a brown Porsche 944. She loved the car and decided to claim the number as her own. So on her very first listing, she ended the price in '944.'

"It sold within a week. Rome tried it again with her second listing, and it sold within two weeks. She did it again for her third listing, and it also got snapped up.

"I said, 'There's something to this,' she recalled.

"Rome has since used the number for every property, though she now drives a convertible Lexus. ("I didn't want to jinx it," she said.) Only once did she stray, when a family instead asked to use a number that is auspicious in Asian traditions, an eight. So Rome priced the house to end in '988.' Luckily, she said, it sold."

The thing is, I believe luck really has very little to do with selling houses. I believe it's much more the total of how you become known in your community, how you build your referrals over time, and how you treat people. As the saying goes, "The harder I work, the luckier I get!"

This story was picked up and ran on the front page of The Baltimore Sun's Real Estate section. Two calls from friends who read it in the Boston Globe.

How's your luck these days?

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

"Real Estate the Rome Way" by Margaret Rome - Book Review

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:36:42 -0500

Jason Crouch, one of the most admired and adored ActiveRainers, took time from his busy schedule to write the following review. Subscribing to Jason's blog is a must!

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):

Not too long ago, while speaking with my friend Margaret Rome, award-winning Baltimore Realtor, I asked how I could get a copy of her book, "Real Estate the Rome Way". She replied, "You give me your address and I will get it sent out to you soon."

Well, that was easy.

I finished reading her book after a few short sessions, and I felt rejuvenated. Margaret inspired me to look into even more networking opportunities, and to work toward getting a couple of real estate designations as well. Margaret is a power networker, and a Renaissance woman. I was a little dizzy after seeing how much real estate education she has under her belt. :)

This book is an easy and fun read, with plenty of real life anecdotes to punctuate her ideas. You can learn more about Margaret's use of a signature color (brown), price (all of her listings end in 944), and even a particular candy that helps to make her marketing message more memorable (hint: there are a lot of "m"s in that last sentence).

In a brisk, easy-to-understand fashion, "Real Estate the Rome Way" covers all of the basics, so it's definitely suitable for beginning agents who are trying to evaluate real estate as a career choice. However, she doesn't stop there, as I found some pertinent reminders for myself as a broker/owner, and I have been an agent for almost 13 years.

Since I am a pretty prolific blogger, Margaret inspired me in another way. She and her friend Peg Silloway formed Silloway Press in order to get the book published. I am working on a book project (or two) myself, so holding Margaret's book in my hand made my own goal seem more attainable. In fact, I have wanted to be a published author since I was a kid. I plan to make this happen, and hopefully soon.

This book is a must-read if you are just getting started in this challenging business. The perspective from a top-producing agent will also help if you are established and looking for new ideas. I recommend picking up a copy for yourself.

EDITED: I corresponded with Margaret after writing this review, and she is offering FREE shipping and an autographed copy if you order the book directly from her. Email her at mrome@homerome.com and get yours today!

Thanks, Margaret!
If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me in these other communities?

115 Nelson Road Baltimore, Maryland 21208 Investment Opportunity!

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:27:33 -0500

115 Nelson Road, Pikesville, Maryland 21208 (edit/delete)

SELL YOUR HOME WITH MARGARET ROME

115 Nelson Road Baltimore, Maryland 21208 Investment Opportunity!

115 Nelson Rd
Pikesville Farms

Pikesville, Md 21208

3 One Bedroom Apartments
3 Kitchens
3 Full Baths
$254,944

This is a very special property that I sold back in 2004 and I have the honor of listing and selling it again in 2009. You know I love the area of Pikesville He Never Slept Here in 21208 Pikesville, Maryland

There are so many possibilities...with the advantage of an extra lot to build. Wonderful Location for everyone!

Country comfort in "Old" Pikesville! Purse appeal! An investment for home and/or income! This property can be used as a large single family home, a single family home with a rental unit, or three separate one bedroom apartments. Your choice!

Gas heat and cooking and window air conditioners for year round comfort. Nice level lot backs to the Woodholme Country Club golf course!

Need space for hobby, business, or to work on those cars? There is a free standing 2 car garage (with a fireplace chimney) a separate workshop with an adjourning garage.

Here is a bonus; there is a Build-able Dividable Lot!

This property could be an artist's dream, maybe even several artists!

What would you do with this versatile property?

115 Nelson Road Baltimore, Maryland 21208 Investment Opportunity!

For Appointments

410-530-2400

mrome@HomeRome.com


410.530.2400 cell phone 410.667.5214 voice mail email: mrome @homerome.com

For Perfect Crab Cakes Head to Box Hill Pizzeria in Belair, Maryland

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:53:50 -0500

"The Perfect Crab Cake" is something many restaurants in Maryland claim, but there's one place we've found that can back that claim with delicious proof.

Not long ago we spent a delightful afternoon visiting friends in Belair and decided to top it off with a stop at a local favorite. When you pull in to a neighborhood strip shopping center at 5:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, and the place is packed, you just know it's going to be good.

The Box Hill Pizzeria is known for its pizza, of course, but it's the crab cakes that bring people back. They were perfection, lumps of backfin crab (the best and sweetest crabmeat there is), seasoned and broiled to perfection, served up plump in generous portions. Box Hill's crab cakes were just picked among the best by Baltimore Magazine in the July 2009 issue. Yummy!

Their tossed salad comes with the best house dressing I can remember; it's so good they
bottle and sell their special recipe. The waitress kept urging us to "Dip the garlic
bread and the pizza crust in the dressing!" Yes…it was delicious.

It's true, you don't have to go far to have a vacation day in and near Baltimore. And when it's perfection in Maryland's signature dish, backfin crab cakes, Belair is just a short drive. Can't wait? You can order online and taste perfection for yourself!

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

From Baltimore,Maryland......Over the Bridge to Kent Island, Maryland

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:43:42 -0500

When you live in Baltimore, you are never far from so many different settings. They call this state "America in Miniature" for good reason – we have the sea shore at Ocean City, we have the largest estuary in the United States with the Chesapeake Bay, we have flat farmland on the Eastern Shore, and the mountains of the Appalachians in the west. Not long ago we took advantage of the possibilities by driving over to Kent Island for lunch.

The Bay Bridge from a moving car. Th

When you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge you also cross from the hustle-bustle of Baltimore and Washington, DC, to a slower and quieter way of life. Kent Island is at the other end of the bridge and a world away.

Here you can stroll along the water watching the splashing ducks and look at the perched bird. You can slow down and enjoy the brilliant flowers, and then settle in for a delicious lunch at a place we enjoy, The Narrows. Named for the narrow waterway that separates Kent Island from the rest of the Eastern Shore, The Narrows is close enough for a lunch-time jaunt, but still has that on-vacation feel. The crab cakes and cream of crab soup with a splash of sherry is a favorite of many summer diners.

That's what I enjoy – a mini-getaway at Kent Island, Maryland.

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

A Bit of Paradise…Good Friends at The Bay Café in Baltimore, Maryland

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:10:30 -0500

Gary Sisson is a Floyd Wickman trainer and one of my mentors. We met early in my career after I took the Sweathogs program, and have stayed good friends throughout the years. Gary called to say he was on his way to New Jersey visiting family, and would be coming through Baltimore on his way back home to North Carolina. We made plans to have lunch on his way home.

Lee and I would meet them at a favorite restaurant, the Bay Café in Baltimore,Maryland.

This is not a first for us..take a look You Can Get There From Here...Baltimore's Bay Café

It was a perfect day for us to have lunch at the Bay Café with Gary, his wife Lauren, and their lovely daughter, Olivia. The bar and restaurant has multiple levels, but we took a table outside and right on the water.

Bay Café is also known as Baltimore's Best Beach and with good reason.

When you walk from the parking lot it feels as if you've been transported to the tropics!

Look how they have made this feel like an island beach with gorgeous plants, lots of palms and flowering hibiscus.

Even the chalkboard of special events had a tropical feel, thanks to a couple of talented artists who work at the Café.

A Bit of Paradise...Good Friends at The Bay Café in Baltimore, Maryland

It was so pleasant sitting by the water, with good friends and good food. We enjoyed the superb shrimp salad, crab cakes, pizza and curly fries. In fact, we got so wrapped up in our conversation and feeding the birds that I forgot to photograph the food! But we have proof that the birds enjoyed the fries.

What else would you want for paradise but good friends, good food, and good conversation?

A Bit of Paradise...Good Friends at The Bay Café in Baltimore, Maryland

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

6029 Old Harford Rd 21214 Hamilton Area Baltimore, Maryland

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:41:24 -0500

6029 Old Harford Road

Baltimore City 21214

3 Bedrooms
1 Full Bath
1 Half Bath
$139,944

6029 Old Harford Rd 21214 Hamilton Area Baltimore, Maryland

Here is your chance to own a charming spacious single family home in the Baltimore neighborhood of Hamilton.

Picture yourself on the large covered front porch or enjoying the shade of the mature trees in the private level back yard.

Eat in kitchen with breakfast bar and door to back porch and yard.

There are three large bedrooms on the second floor with a full bath.

Enjoy the gleaming Wood floors on the first level and the tin ceiling in the dining room which was once the kitchen in this home built in 1918!

Large windows bring the outdoors in. With a bit of TLC this could be a perfect home. All this for under $140,000!

Wood Staircase

Tin ceiling in Dining Room

Scene from Front Porch

Space for porch furniture

Front yard with mature trees

6029 Old Harford Road 21214

Single Family Home built in 1918

Level Back Yard

6029 Old Harford Rd 21214 Hamilton Area Baltimore, Maryland

For your private showing please call 410-530-2400

mrome@homerome.com

Back Yard

Tin ceiling in Dining Room

Nice Sized Bedroom


email: mrome @homerome.com

Nature and Marketing Contest..Getting Your Ducks In Row

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:59:12 -0500

I had so much fun taking these photos one day when we drove over to Kent Island and had a lovely lunch at The Narrows. Will be posting about that day soon. Lots of fun trying to capture.. ducks in a row!

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

A Waiting List for Clients! Saturday Morning's Teleseminar Was a Hit!

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:19 -0500

A Waiting List for Clients! Saturday Morning's Teleseminar Was a Hit!

It was a lively discussion on Saturday morning when Jennifer Allan hosted a teleseminar on Alternative Business Modelswith Nishika Jones, Mollie Wasserman, and me.

First up was Nishika who spoke from the perspective of a young mother. She aims for volume, working in HUD homes and using Facebook, Craig's list, and her SOI (sphere of influence) to get more leads, working a referral business, and generating income by doing more deals.

Then it was my turn to talk about how I use a waiting list. After almost 20 years in real estate, my business is about 99% referral, and restricted to fifteen listings at any time. If someone wants to list with me and I don't have room, they can go onto my waiting list.

The waiting list is something that started early on when there were people I really wanted to work with and some I didn't want to work with. For them, I used to say, "I have a waiting list," figuring they would say, "Forget it!" and go somewhere else. But I found that some sellers were impressed that I was able to turn down a listing, and often they would actually wait to work with me.

One important point is that I am essentially a listing agent and work with very few buyers. I make all my appointments and no one talks to my sellers but me. I aim for fewer transactions and making a higher commission on the ones I do.

Jennifer had mentioned in her introduction that I get a high commission rate, and she's right. When the commission question comes up, I tell people that I can almost promise them that I will have the highest commission rate. But since just about all my clients come by referral, they already know how I work.

After I spoke for a few minutes we started on the many questions that were coming in. One interesting question was how a new agent can adapt this model and use a waiting list for their situation. My advice is to not rush out to take a listing as soon as someone calls. Take the time to get information in advance. Ask how many agents they are interviewing, and try to be the last they talk to. Even say something like, "I have room for one more listing this week." Even if you don't have any listings, that's a true statement, but keeps you from looking too eager or desperate.

And this is important: Always be ready to walk away from a listing. Don't do business with people you don't like or trust, even if you are struggling and needing every listing you can get. If you don't trust them going in, that's a pretty good indication that the listing will cost you more in time, aggravation, and money than you will make. Don't think of it as turning down a listing; think of it as making room for a better listing.

There were many more questions than we had time for, but we had to move on since Mollie and Jennifer still had to speak.

Mollie spoke third about ACRE®. By now you all know how I feel about Mollie and my ACRE designation. Having the option of acting as a consultant gives you another way of offering services and being compensated for your time. Anything that helps me give that extra level of service is valuable.

And Jennifer, our leader, discussed the Big Bad “D” word - discount brokerage. It's a subject that generates hostility from other agents, and she found that some companies even refused to show homes listed with her. Jennifer said she was an owner of a discount brokerage which offered a full service. Her aim was to do a large volume, and though she did not market herself, she always mentioned her fee/charge. Jennifer feels that to make a discount work, you need to be your own broker - in other words, not having to share. The pie can be split, but not too much, if you want a decent size slice.

We each spoke for about 10 minutes and then took questions. Seminar attendees were able to “ask” questions by writing in a box on line that Jennifer could see. Kind of like Stumping Broker Bryant...It Didn't Happen!

Wrapping it up, each of us is giving away a prize. The deal was that each of us would choose a number between 1 and 1,000, and whoever guessed closest to our number would receive a gift. Mollie is giving a copy of her book, Ripping the Roof Off Real Estate. Jennifer is giving a review copy of her new book, Sell with Soul – The Second Edition. Nishika is giving a copy of her book, How to Make Money with HUD Homes plus a free half hour of her time via telephone.

I liked Nishika's idea so I am giving a copy of my book, Real Estate the Rome Way, and a half hour of my time. There were loads of emails. My number was 944 and those who read my ActiveRain blog or my book will understand what “944” means. Instead of just one, I picked three winners!

Melanie Sedalnick was the closest with a guess of 932 and wins a signed copy of my book and ½ hour phone consultation.
Paula Bean at 999 was second and also wins a signed copy and ½ hour phone consultation.
Oh heck, Walt Anderson at 825 was the third closest and will also receive the book and the ½ hour phone consultation.

And here's a bonus for everyone: Jennifer has made available the full recording of our seminar! Use one of these links and hear it all for yourself:

http://d35smsbqw2z3ar.cloudfront.net/The%20Summer%20of%20Soul/ABM%20Seminar.mp3

We had a lot of fun with this teleseminar. Thanks to everyone who tuned in, thanks to Mollie and Nishika, and especially to Jennifer for pulling it all together so beautifully!

A Waiting List for Clients! Saturday Morning's Teleseminar Was a Hit!

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Ice Cream Down On the Farm and Oh So Close To Baltimore!

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:40:50 -0500

After a full day of work or play...Here's a delightful way to get Ice Cream Down On the Farm and Oh So Close To Baltimore! You can be out into the country without traveling very far from Baltimore. Nearby Bel Air in Harford County, just north and east of Baltimore, is home to Broom's Bloom Farm.

You get out in the fresh country air and at the same time go back in time to when things were simple, hand made, and came with a good sense of humor. You knew it was good by the long line waiting to try one of the delicious flavors. Watching the people, of all ages, decide on what size was a real treat.

From the road there is no question this is a working farm. Pull in to a parking space and you'll be so close to the tall corn that you could actually pick an ear or two from your car.

The farm and house date all the way back to the early 1700's - David and Kate Dallam are the 9^thgeneration of that family to live and work here. Since 1997 the Dallams have had 65 milking cows and they recently started making and selling old fashioned ice cream, cheese, and pork sausage. They feed their animals a natural diet and don't use any artificial growth hormones. Just another good reason to enjoy their fresh foods!

The décor is definitely "Down on the Farm" style with cows and chickens and bits of humor all around. When it came to choosing an ice cream flavor from that long list, it was no problem – chocolate cake batter for me! Choosing a size was harder – those dips were really big.

It's nice to know that this farm will not become a shopping mall some day. An Agricultural Land Preservation Easement assures that the Broom's Bloom Farm will be preserved forever. We'll certainly be back for more delicious ice cream!

When will you be having Ice Cream Down on the Farm and So Close to Baltimore ?

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

It's Free! So What Are You Doing Saturday Morning August 1st ?

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:44:59 -0500

Here's your chance to pick up some great information from four of the best in the business...and the price is RIGHT! From your own phone or computer, spend 90 minutes to learn all about Alternative Business Models in Real Estate in a seminar hosted by Jennifer Allan.

"Alternative Business Models in Real Estate, Part I" with Jennifer Allan, Mollie Wasserman, Margaret Rome & Nishika Jones

DATE: THIS Saturday, August 1

TIME: 11:30 am (Eastern). 10:30 am (Central), 9:30 am (Mountain), 8:30 am (Pacific)

11:30 am (E), 10:30 am (C) 9:30 am (M), 8:30 am (P)

Duration: 90 minutes

Location: Your phone or computer

Cost: Zero. Zip. Nada. Goose Egg. Nothing. In other words...Free!

As a part of her "Summer Soul Series," Jennifer Allan will lead a panel discussion on Alternative Business Models (ABM) with Mollie Wasserman, Nishika Jones, Jennifer, and me.

We will be discussing four different approaches to running a real estate business; approaches that most would consider to be non-traditional, perhaps even controversial. We've all promised not to criticize each other's models, which might be harder than we think, especially if we're pretty enamored with our own model. We'll also ask this of our audience - this will be an ABM-friendly zone!

Mollie Wasserman, the Founder of the Accredited Consultant in Real Estate® (ACRE®) designation will discuss real estate consulting.
Nishika will discuss how she runs a "referral-out-only" brokerage.
Jennifer will tell how she runs a profitable discount brokerage, and
I will share with you how I don't offer a discount and yet have a waiting list of clients!

Care to join us? We'd love to have you! Again, the show is on August 1 at 8:30 am (pacific) / 11:30 am (eastern). To register, just go here: http://www.sellwithsoul.com/sos-abm.html

Hope to "see" you on Saturday!

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

A Romantic Dinner at Tio Pepe in Baltimore, Maryland

Margaret Rome-- HomeRome Realty (Author:Real Estate the Rome Way) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:47:08 -0500

A Romantic Dinner at Tio Pepe in Baltimore,Maryland

Yes, we went to Tío's tonight. No special occasion unless you count our 15,030-day anniversary as an occasion. Our very favorite restaurant is still almost unchanged even after forty plus years.

We went to Tío Pepe in downtown Baltimore when we were first married over 15,000 days ago. And after all this time, when we decide to go out for a romantic dinner, like tonight, we still are greeted like old (well we are) friends.

Francisco Lobo, the Maitre D', who we have always called Paco, treats us like royalty, telling us about the special dishes including some that are not on the menu. The chef and owner, Emiliano Sanz, studied cooking as a young man in Segovia, Spain. He apprenticed at some of the finest restaurants in Madrid before coming to Baltimore in 1971.

His unique style of combining classic techniques with regional Spanish cuisine has made Tío Pepe a Baltimore favorite. It has remained among "Baltimore's Best" for 12 consecutive years in Baltimore Magazine.

There is a wonderful selection of dishes to choose from. Our favorites include appetizers of shrimp in garlic sauce, salad Tío Pepe, crab meat in clam shells, black bean soup, gazpacho, and their famous potato puffs. Main dishes range from roast suckling pig, to the best soft shell crabs in the world, and a fabulous filet with béarnaise (Lee's favorite) along with a wonderful selection of fish including Dover sole.

Everyone always says they are too full, but somehow they manage to make room for something from the dessert tray like the luscious pine roll cake or chocolate roll cake along with a cup of delicious coffee or cappuccino.

Tío Pepe is one more good reason for a visit – don't miss this superb restaurant. We might just see you there.

When will you plan to have a A Romantic Dinner at Tio Pepe in Baltimore, Maryland?

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400