Buying your first house?

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1. Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home in Maryland?

Technically, no — but having a licensed buyer’s agent gives you a huge advantage. Your agent will guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your interests. Best of all, in Maryland, the seller typically pays the agent’s commission, so having a buyer’s agent usually costs you nothing.

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2. What’s the first step to buying a home?

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This tells you how much you can afford, strengthens your offers, and helps sellers take you seriously. If you need trusted local lenders, I can connect you with great options.

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3. How much money do I need for a down payment?

In Maryland, down payments can vary:

• FHA loans: as low as 3.5%

• Conventional loans: typically 5–20%

• VA loans (for veterans): 0% down
  There are also state and county programs that provide down payment assistance for qualified buyers.

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4. What are closing costs in Maryland?

Closing costs usually range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. These can include lender fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, and more. In some cases, we can negotiate to have the seller contribute toward your closing costs.

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5. How long does it take to buy a home?

Once you’re under contract, the average closing timeline in Maryland is 30–45 days. The full process can be faster or slower depending on financing, inspections, and negotiations.

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6. Do I need a home inspection?

Yes — while not legally required, a home inspection is strongly recommended. It helps uncover hidden issues and gives you leverage in negotiations. Skipping it can be risky.

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7. Are property taxes high in Maryland?

Maryland property taxes vary by county. For example:

• Anne Arundel County: ~1.06% of assessed value

• Montgomery County: ~0.94%

• Baltimore County: ~1.10%
  It’s smart to factor property taxes into your monthly budget.

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8. What is earnest money (EMD)?

Earnest Money Deposit is a good faith deposit you submit with your offer (usually 1–2% of the purchase price in Maryland). It’s held in escrow and applied toward your down payment or closing costs at settlement.

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9. Can I back out of a contract?

Yes — Maryland contracts usually include contingencies (financing, inspection, appraisal). If certain conditions aren’t met, you can back out and typically get your earnest money returned.

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10. Are there special programs for first-time buyers?

Yes! Maryland offers:

• Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) – down payment & closing cost assistance

• County-specific grants (Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Montgomery, etc.)

• Federal FHA, VA, and USDA programs

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11. What should I avoid doing during the homebuying process?

• Don’t make big purchases (cars, furniture, etc.).

• Don’t open new credit cards.

• Don’t change jobs without talking to your lender.

• Always keep your pre-approval updated.

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12. How do I start the process today?

Book a free buyer consultation with me. We’ll talk about your goals, budget, and the step-by-step path to your new home in Maryland.​​​

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Selling your House?

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1. Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home?

You can sell “For Sale by Owner,” but most Maryland homeowners choose to work with a licensed agent. An experienced agent helps with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and legal paperwork — often resulting in a faster sale and higher net proceeds.

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2. How do I know what my home is worth?

The best way is through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which compares your home to recent sales in your neighborhood. Online estimates are a starting point, but a professional analysis accounts for upgrades, condition, and local demand.

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3. What costs should I expect when selling?

Typical costs include:

• Agent commission: usually paid by the seller (negotiable, often 5–6%).

• Closing costs: title fees, state/county transfer taxes, recording fees (approx. 1–2% of sale price).

• Repairs or staging: optional, but can increase your selling price.

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4. How long does it take to sell a home in Maryland?

The timeline depends on market conditions, price, and location. On average, homes in Maryland sell in 30–60 days, though desirable properties can go under contract within days.

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5. Do I need to make repairs before listing?

Not always. Some small improvements (fresh paint, landscaping, minor fixes) can help maximize value. Major repairs are optional — we can discuss whether it makes more sense to fix or price accordingly.

6. What is staging, and is it worth it?

Staging is preparing your home to appeal to buyers (furniture placement, décor, decluttering). Staged homes often sell faster and for more money because buyers can picture themselves living there.

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7. Are there taxes when selling a home in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland charges transfer and recordation taxes, usually split between buyer and seller (negotiable). If the home isn’t your primary residence, you may also owe capital gains tax. Always check with your tax advisor.

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8. Can I sell if I still have a mortgage?

Absolutely. Your mortgage is paid off at settlement using the buyer’s funds, and any remaining equity is yours.

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9. Do I need to be present at closing?

Not necessarily. Many Maryland closings can be done remotely, or you can grant power of attorney if you can’t attend.

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10. How do I choose the right list price?

Pricing too high can scare off buyers, while pricing too low can leave money on the table. I’ll provide a detailed CMA, review current market trends, and help set a price that attracts buyers while maximizing your net proceeds.

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11. Can I back out of a contract?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. Once you’ve accepted an offer, breaking the contract could have legal and financial consequences. I’ll guide you through contingencies and deadlines to protect your interests.

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12. How do I get started?

Schedule a Listing Appointment with me. We’ll review your home, discuss your goals, and create a tailored marketing plan to sell your property quickly and for top dollar.

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