Heather Hartley - Agent, Krauss Real Property Brokerage

08/21/2026

Thinking about tackling a renovation? If so, refinishing hardwood floors is by far one of the most impactful changes you can make to a home’s overall aesthetic. It’s also one of the most invasive…but well worth the pain. Unless you LOVE your current floors, do NOT take the easy way out and skip the refinishing. You will always wonder if the floors would have completed the look…and the answer is, YES!

Comment FLOORS for the best floor refinisher around!

Fun Fact: We decided to buy our neighbor’s house and moved two driveways over. (A true testament of our love for our community of Phoenix, Maryland). We’ve been renovating since May and are just wrapping up the first phase of the interiors and it’s time to finally recap the process and answer all your questions.

RENOVATION RECAP, PART 1: THE FLOORS:
We refinished the wood floors spanning across the entire first floor and most of the second (we opted to add carpet in the kid’s bedrooms). The original floors were fine but they didn’t excite us. There was even a moment where we thought, maybe we don’t NEED to refinish them…well, that thought lasted about 3.2 seconds and then I called in Larry, the best floor guy in Baltimore, County.

We told Larry the mission was to try to turn our red oak floors into white oak. We wanted light and airy with warmth. Larry suggested several water based stain choices. This house gets a ton of natural light so we took the time to sample the stains in several different spaces. We narrowed it down to fruitwood or a mixture of fruitwood with white. After some back and forth we decided on the fruitwood with white and are in love with how they turned out. We give all the credit to Larry, who once again, totally nailed it!

Now we have to decide on the handrails!

If you live in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County or Harford County and are considering anything wood floors related, I have your guy.
Next up…

RENOVATION RECAP, PART 2: ALL THE PAINT

- Heather Hartley, your go-to Baltimore County real estate agent/matchmaker ❤️

Heather Hartley
Krauss Real Property Brokerage
410.404.7749
[email protected]

07/30/2026

Did you know that the sweetest florist and gift shop, located right here in Cockeysville of Baltimore County, is celebrating its 50th birthday?! So
is a little slice of Heaven and my go-to spot for special settlement gifts.
While the flowers are gorgeous, don't let the name throw you off...Janda is way more than a florist! This is truly a thoughtfully curated gift shop with new items constantly trickling in. No two trips are the same...other than I always wish I had more time to browse!
Follow for local Baltimore insight and all things real estate

07/23/2026

Did you know that the sweetest florist and gift shop, located right here in Cockeysville of Baltimore County, is celebrating its 50th birthday?! 🎉

Janda Florist is a little slice of Heaven and my go-to spot for special settlement gifts.

While the flowers are gorgeous, don’t let the name throw you off…Janda is way more than a florist! This is truly a thoughtfully curated gift shop with new items constantly trickling in. No two trips are the same…other than I always wish I had more time to browse!

Follow Heather Hartley | Baltimore, Maryland Real Estate Agent for local Baltimore insight and all things real estate ❤️

07/17/2026

Masterful custom build by Steckel Homes in coveted Upperco. Just completed and ready for occupancy. Tucked way off of Mount Carmel Road with access from John Carroll Lane. The perfect blend of old and new, beautifully sited on a sunny 5 acre lot backing to protected farmland.
3319 Mount Carmel Road | 21155
OPEN SUNDAY 11-1

07/09/2026

Coming soon in coveted Upperco! A masterful custom build by Steckel Homes…Just completed and ready for occupancy. The perfect blend of old and new, beautifully sited on a sunny 5 acre lot backing to protected farmland. This incredibly well-built, brand new home is infused with soul and sophistication as storied reclaimed materials take on a new chapter and panoramic views anchor each space.
3319 Mount Carmel Road | 21155
Showings will begin Sunday, July 19th

06/15/2026

Office Exclusive in Laurelford. Meticulous Contemporary with magazine worthy backyard. Airy and sophisticated, yet perfectly livable…with the most incredible views. Reach out for more information.
13035 Jerome Jay Drive | 21030

05/06/2026

✨ THE Laurelford house that you drive by and drool over is about to hit the market! And if you think the front is stunning, wait until you lay your eyes on the back…and the interior! First showings at open house this Friday ✨
13000 Jerome Jay Drive | Coming Soon
OPEN FRIDAY MAY 8th 12:00-3:00

05/05/2026

this one-of-a-kind waterfront gem has been spoken for!
2325-2 Boston Street | Under Contract

04/22/2026

04/22/2026

A view unlike the others…8+ acres atop the trees…where you feel worlds away within minutes…
Come experience Zemlyn Porches
Open House - Thursday, April 23rd
12:00-2:00PM
8555 Hill Spring Drive | 21093