BUYERS
Tips for a Successful & Rewarding Home-Buying Experience
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving up to your dream home, finding a place that better fits your lifestyle, or searching for a second home, I’m here to make your journey smooth, informed, and exciting.
With deep knowledge of the Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and greater Maryland real estate markets, I help you identify properties that truly match your needs. From the very first showing to negotiating offers, navigating contingencies, scheduling inspections, and getting you to the closing table — I’m with you every step of the way.
Buying a home should be exciting, not overwhelming. Through clear communication, careful planning, and thorough preparation, I work to reduce the stress and help you focus on the joy of finding the right home.
Understanding what to expect at every stage is key to a successful experience. Real estate is influenced by shifting economic conditions, market trends, regulations, and local factors — which is why having an experienced REALTOR® on your side is so important. My goal is to guide you through the process with confidence, clarity, and a commitment to finding the home that’s perfect for you.
Getting Started
Determine what you’re looking for. What are your must-have deal breakers vs. nice-to-have features? Take into consideration:
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Budget range
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Location / Commute (time/distance)
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Schools
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Home and lot size
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Home features and layout
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Neighborhood/community amenities, covenants and/or zoning restrictions
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Age of home
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Tolerance for remodeling
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Waterfront vs. waterview or water privileged neighborhood
Schedule an appointment with Brad and his team to discuss what you’re looking for, your timeline, your availability for showings and any other requirements you may have as you begin your search.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Knowing how much you can borrow before you begin your house hunt saves time and alleviates surprises down the road. Brad and his team can help introduce you to reputable lenders that can provide assistance throughout the financing process – from pre-approval to funding.
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Narrow your search. Brad and his team previews each home before you visit – saving you time and showing you the ones that best meet your needs.
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See what’s possible. Drawing on his years in the industry, Brad and his team are happy to help advise on a home’s potential to meet various criteria on a homebuyer’s wish list.
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Determining value. Brad and his team will share actual sales prices of similar homes in the neighborhood and other factors that may have influenced the final price. Using this knowledge allows you to determine if the asking price on a home you are interested in is on par with comparable properties.
Get to Know Us
Begining the House Hunt
Making an offer
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Make a realistic offer. Brad and his team can help you determine a fair opening offer for the home you would like to purchase, and will help negotiate with the seller on price, contingencies, closing dates and other factors.
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Select a lender and submit a mortgage application. You will want to review your available options with three to four trusted lenders, carefully comparing rates, points, terms, etc. The lenders you select will provide a preliminary projections on closing costs to expect, including attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, recordation fees, taxes, and private mortgage insurance (PMI) if required.
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Schedule a home inspection. If your offer is accepted, schedule a home inspection as quickly as possible, especially if your offer includes an inspection contingency. Brad and his team can advise on licensed professionals you can engage for your inspection and negotiate with the seller to address issues that may be identified.
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Coordinate the appraisal with your lender. This is a critical step in determining if your mortgage will be approved for the amount you have requested. Appraisals are conducted by a licensed appraiser approved by the lender and may require access to the home’s interior. Brad and his team can assist in helping coordinate an appraisal and advise you on options if an appraisal falls below expectations. If you are purchasing a home with cash, an appraisal is not required. However, you may wish have a cash appraisal performed to validate your offer.
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Schedule a pre-closing walk-through. Typically, weeks or months pass between making an offer and the closing date. Just prior to the closing, make time to take a final inspection of the home, its exterior and the property to ensure it is being delivered in the condition you expect. Brad and his team will be with you during the walk-through and advise if you have any concerns.
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Set up utility billing transfers. Contact the appropriate utility companies to alert them of the date you wish to have the accounts transferred to your name.
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Ensure all paperwork and disbursements are ready. Brad will carefully review all the documentation that you are required to sign at settlement, advise you of any out-of-pocket expenses that are due at closing, and coordinate arrangements with the lender or financial institution to disburse funds to the seller at settlement.
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Sign the paperwork. Brad and his team will accompany you to the closing and answer any questions you may have as you sign the necessary paperwork and take possession of your new home.
Closing the Sale
Typical Real Estate Expenses
