Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Selling Your Croom Home Starts with Someone Who Knows It from the Inside.
Lori Jean Buongiovanni lives on Mt. Calvert Road — right in the heart of Croom. Horse farms, acreage estates, and historic properties here are unlike anything else in the DMV, and selling one takes someone who knows this land the way only a neighbor can.
My Philosophy
Anyone who visits your home already knows its location. It's the story of your home — its look, feel, and overall experience — that makes a buyer want to own it.
I believe in making smart, strategic decisions — never wasting your hard-earned money, and never missing a worthwhile investment. The presentation, pricing, and marketing exposure of your home are the key elements that drive higher profit margins. From cottages to estates, I represent all types of properties. Whether you're selling a farm, a waterfront retreat, or a home on acreage — my job is to protect your investment, ensure legal peace of mind, and secure the best possible result from your sale.
The Place
Croom Is Not Just a Neighborhood. It's a Way of Life.
Tucked into the rural tier of Prince George's County, the Croom area of Upper Marlboro, Maryland occupies a rare and irreplaceable corner of the DMV. It is one of the last places within 30 miles of Washington, D.C. where you can own five, ten, or twenty acres of land, keep horses, and still hear nothing but birdsong at night.
The community has been continuously settled since the early 1700s. St. Thomas' Episcopal Church — built in 1745 and still an active congregation — anchors the area's sense of history and belonging. The surrounding landscape is protected by the county's Rural Tier designation, which mandates minimum five-acre lot sizes and prohibits the kind of suburban sprawl that has consumed so much of the region.
"This is the kind of place people move to and never want to leave — and when they do have to sell, they want someone who understands exactly what they're giving up."
— Lori Jean Buongiovanni
Est. 1745
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Croom Road
Over 300 Years of History
Croom has been settled since the early 1700s. The land along the Patuxent River was among the first granted by the Maryland colonial government, and the community's roots run deep — in its churches, its farms, and its families.
Protected Rural Landscape
Prince George's County's Rural Tier designation protects Croom from overdevelopment. Minimum five-acre lot sizes, agricultural zoning, and conservation easements ensure the landscape remains open, green, and private.
A Living Equestrian Community
Horse farms, riding trails, and equestrian facilities are woven into the fabric of Croom. The Patuxent River Park's trail network connects directly to private farm roads, making this one of the finest horse-keeping communities in the Mid-Atlantic.
The Lifestyle
Space, Privacy, and the Kind of Quiet You Can't Find Anywhere Else Near D.C.
The Advantage
Why Buyers Seek Out Croom — and Why That Matters When You Sell.
Understanding who your buyers are is the first step to pricing and marketing your property correctly. Croom attracts a very specific, highly motivated pool of buyers — and knowing how to reach them is half the battle.
Federal Employees & Government Contractors
Croom sits within easy commuting distance of Joint Base Andrews, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the U.S. Census Bureau, NOAA, and dozens of federal agencies in Washington, D.C. These buyers have stable incomes, strong purchasing power, and a deep desire for the rural lifestyle that Croom offers.
Equestrians & Horse Owners
The Croom area is one of the premier horse-keeping communities in the Mid-Atlantic. Buyers actively seek properties with existing barns, paddocks, and trail access to Patuxent River Park. As a horse rider herself, Lori Jean brings firsthand insight to the sale of equestrian properties.
Acreage & Privacy Seekers
In a region where land is increasingly scarce, Croom's protected Rural Tier status means supply is permanently constrained. Buyers who want five or more acres within 30 miles of D.C. have very few options — and Croom is at the top of their list.
History & Character Buyers
The historic character of Croom — its 18th-century church, its colonial-era land grants, its sense of permanence — attracts buyers who want more than a house. They want a place with a story.
Bordering Croom
Patuxent River Park
6,000+ acres of protected parkland, trails, and river access
The Market
A Market Where Supply Is Permanently Constrained.
Croom's Rural Tier zoning means no new subdivisions, no townhome developments, and no apartment complexes — ever. When a well-presented, well-priced property comes to market, qualified buyers take notice quickly.
Recognized By
- ✦ SMAR Hall of Fame
- ✦ SMAR Platinum Award
- ✦ Washingtonian Elite Producer
- ✦ eXp Realty Top 300 MD
- ✦ Best of Zillow — Multiple Years
About Lori Jean
She Doesn't Just Sell Homes Here. She Lives Here.
I'm Lori Jean Buongiovanni, and I've been in real estate since 1987 — starting in Beverly Hills, California before moving to Maryland, where I raised three children and restored a historic home. That experience led me to launch Granite Grannies, a boutique granite fabrication business that helped thousands of homeowners across the greater D.C. area transform their spaces into standout listings.
After selling that business, I returned to real estate full time. I'm a horse rider myself, which gives me firsthand insight into the sale and purchase of horse farms and large-acreage properties — the kind of properties that define Croom.
I'm candid, direct, and deeply knowledgeable. I'll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. My clients have recognized that with a perfect 5.0-star rating on Zillow across 44 verified reviews — though I'll be the first to tell you that the only award that really matters is a smooth closing and a happy client.
What Clients Say
"I almost listed my 5+ acre farm with a REALTOR® who was going to put up a sign, write up a listing, and sit and wait. Then Lori came along and in a whirlwind changed all that. She quickly conducted thorough comps and listed my house for $80,000 MORE than the first REALTOR®. She spent 4 FULL DAYS at my house helping haul stuff, repair things, mulch, and more. I can't recommend Lori highly enough!!!!!"
— Sue R.
$80,000 above competing agent's price"Lori expertly staged the home to maximize its appeal and skillfully negotiated with buyers, ultimately securing a final offer that was $41,000 above the asking price with no concessions. Her professionalism, market knowledge, and personalized approach make her the ideal choice for anyone seeking a top-tier real estate professional."
— Colin S.
$41,000 above asking price, no concessions"Lori took care of everything to get my dad's house sold after he passed. She told us exactly what needed to be done, had beautiful professional photos taken, did all the marketing, and got us a really good offer with only a few showings. She's already given us great advice on what to think about for our own home purchase."
— Hannah H.
Sold quickly, minimal showings"Lori is the hardest working agent in real estate, in my opinion. Her knowledgeable advice saved me from spending time and money on things I didn't need to. Helping to move furniture, picking out paint colors and flooring, cleaning, gardening — she got my house on the market and sold quickly for a price I was very happy with."
— Rob T.
Sold quickly at a price that made him happyThe Home-Ready Program
After 25 Years in the Business, I Know Exactly What Moves the Needle.
I have a vast network of excellent painters, plumbers, electricians, flooring experts, handypersons, and landscape experts to help you get your home ready to sell, fast. My Home-Ready consultations are 100% free — and the return on investment is remarkable.
Sue
Invested: $5,000
Netted: $100,000
Renee & Lawrence
Invested: $4,000
Netted: $12,000
Keyoni
Invested: $700
Netted: $16,000
Regina & John
Invested: $15,000
Netted: $65,000
Whether it's as simple as cleaning closets or as extensive as a full barn and basement cleanout — I'll be on-site to guide the process, adding my expert opinion on what should and should NOT be done to sell your home for the most money at the fastest pace.
The Process
Lori Jean's 15-Step Successful Selling Process
My goal for the sale of your property is to maximize interest in order to create negotiating leverage — achieving the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time. I manage every detail so you can focus on your upcoming move and your busy life.
The Marketing
The 10-Point Marketing Plan
Effectively selling a property in today's mobile economy is considerably more complex and competitive than merely entering an MLS listing. Powerhouse marketing is crucial — and meeting the challenge of selling at the highest margin is only possible with sophisticated, up-to-date strategies.
Home-Ready Program
Before a single photo is taken, I walk your property and tell you exactly what will move the needle — and what won't. I bring in my trusted network of painters, plumbers, electricians, flooring experts, handypersons, and landscapers to get your home market-ready fast. This consultation is 100% free. The ROI speaks for itself: one client spent $5,000 and netted an additional $100,000. Another spent $700 and netted $16,000 more.
Strategic Staging
I know what today's buyers want — and how to showcase your home for maximum appeal both in person and online. Smart staging focuses only on updates that deliver the highest return. The numbers are clear: staged homes sell 73% faster (23 days vs. 184 days on market), achieve 5–10% higher sale prices, and deliver 8–10x ROI on staging costs. 81% of buyers say staging helps them visualize living there, and 95% of buyers start their search online — which means photos matter enormously.
Professional Signage
I place a high-quality yard sign before your listing goes live in the MLS. Every sign includes a QR code that takes prospective buyers directly to a custom landing page with instant listing information — and captures their contact details so I can follow up immediately. It's not just a sign. It's a 24/7 lead generation tool.
Editorial Photography & Drone
I have created editorial standards for my listing photography to maintain a high-end visual impact. I always use professional photographers and flattering natural light to bring the best out of your space. For Croom's acreage properties, horse farms, and estates, I use drone flyovers to capture the full scale of the land, outbuildings, trail access, and proximity to parks. These are the images that stop a buyer mid-scroll.
800+ Platform Digital Marketing
I direct marketing strategy at the highest level of marketplace engagement — utilizing over 800 real estate-specific platforms as well as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. My team of marketing professionals constantly adapts to platform changes and deploys up-to-date techniques on your behalf. Every listing also gets its own QR code displayed on all marketing materials, driving prospective buyers to a dedicated landing page that captures their information for immediate follow-up.
Zillow Premier Agent Status
Zillow dominates online real estate search. I spend significant money every month on Zillow to ensure maximum exposure for your listing — and because of my Premier Agent Status, all leads generated from your listing come directly to me. No third-party agent intercepts your buyer. I have been recognized as Best of Zillow for several years running, and I hold a perfect 5.0-star rating across 44 verified reviews.
MLS Optimization
All major platforms — Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and hundreds more — pull their data from the MLS. A well-crafted listing description and strategic use of MLS search criteria is what makes your home appear in every relevant buyer search. I write every listing description myself, with the same care I'd give a piece of editorial copy, because the words matter as much as the photos.
The Open House Launch Strategy
My Open House strategy is deliberate and proven. I change the property from Coming Soon to Active one week before the Open House, allowing all platforms to promote it. I purchase targeted digital advertising. I block all showings until Open House day — because when buyers see other buyers interested in the same property, it creates urgency. The goal is to concentrate offers so I can leverage them for the highest price and best terms. After the Open House, showings are unblocked and the momentum continues.
Ongoing Market Monitoring
I constantly monitor the market to ensure your home is priced to sell at every stage of the listing. If market conditions shift, I'll tell you — directly and honestly — and we'll adjust strategy together. You'll never be left wondering where things stand.
Constant Contact & Feedback
After every showing, I contact the buyer's agent for feedback. I compile that feedback and share it with you. You'll always know what buyers are saying, what's resonating, and what — if anything — needs to be addressed. Communication isn't a courtesy with me. It's a core part of the job.
The Bottom Line
Powerhouse Marketing Is the Difference Between a Good Sale and a Great One.
Meeting the challenge of selling at the highest margin is only possible with sophisticated, up-to-date, behind-the-scenes marketing strategies. Every element of my plan is designed to work together — building anticipation, concentrating buyer interest, and creating the competitive conditions that put you in the strongest possible negotiating position.
Recent Sales
Sold in Croom. By Someone Who Knows Croom.
Every property in Croom tells a different story — different acreage, different history, different buyer. Here's a look at some recent sales in the community.
$980,000
Sold July 2024
10010 Croom Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Beds
5
Baths
4
Living Area
5,356 sq ft
Lot Size
19.5 acres
Year Built
2006
Expansive modern estate on nearly 20 acres — the kind of acreage property that defines Croom's rural tier.
$545,900
Sold October 2025
10007 Croom Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Beds
4
Baths
2
Living Area
1,996 sq ft
Lot Size
2.78 acres
Year Built
1862
An 1862 historic home with soaring 10' ceilings, renovated kitchen, and proximity to 7,400 acres of Patuxent River Park.
$589,900
Sold 2021
8100 Croom Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Beds
3
Baths
3
Living Area
2,775 sq ft
Lot Size
3.44 acres
Year Built
1809
The William W. Duley House — one of the most historically significant estates in Prince George's County, built in 1809 with original Tidewater architecture.
$545,000
Sold June 2023
14800 Croom Airport Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Beds
3
Baths
2
Living Area
2,276 sq ft
Lot Size
3.82 acres
Year Built
1977
A well-maintained ranch on nearly 4 acres along Croom Airport Road, with barn outbuilding and pastoral setting.
← Scroll to view more sales → | MLS data sourced from Bright MLS. All figures verified.
The Surroundings
Thousands of Acres of Parks, Right Outside Your Door.
One of Croom's most compelling selling points is what surrounds it. The community borders some of the most expansive protected parkland in the Mid-Atlantic region — a fact that resonates deeply with buyers seeking space, privacy, and an active outdoor lifestyle.
6,000+ Acres
Patuxent River Park
The crown jewel of Croom's outdoor landscape. Hiking, equestrian trails, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation along miles of protected Patuxent River shoreline.
1,670 Acres
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the largest concentrations of Canada geese on the East Coast winters here. A beloved destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
3,000+ Acres
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
A pristine freshwater tidal wetland along the Patuxent River, home to rare plant species and abundant wildlife. Kayaking and canoe access available.
982 Acres
Rosaryville State Park
Equestrian trails, mountain biking, and hiking through mature hardwood forest surrounding the historic Mount Airy Mansion.
3,697 Acres
Cedarville State Forest
The largest state forest in Southern Maryland, with extensive hiking and equestrian trail networks through pristine woodland.
Multi-Use Trail
Croom Airport Road Trail
A beloved local trail running through the heart of the Croom community, connecting farms, parks, and neighborhoods for walkers, runners, and equestrians.
Let's Talk
Start with a Conversation. No Pressure, No Obligation.
Whether you're thinking about selling next month or just starting to explore your options, I'd love to talk. I'll give you an honest assessment of what your property is worth in today's market and walk you through exactly what selling it would look like. Consider me your trusted resource.