FAQ

In general: get pre-approved for a mortgage, define your budget and must-haves, work with an agent to search and tour homes, make an offer, negotiate terms, complete inspections and appraisal, finalize your loan, and close (also called settlement). The whole process typically takes 30–60 days from accepted offer to closing.

It's not legally required, but a buyer's agent represents your interests, has access to full local listing data, and helps you navigate offers, inspections, and negotiations. In most transactions, the seller pays the listing broker, and buyer-agent compensation is now negotiated directly between buyer and agent, so ask upfront how your agent is paid.

Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on self-reported financial info. Pre-approval involves a lender verifying your income, credit, and assets, and results in a conditional commitment letter, this is what sellers want to see with an offer.

It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans can go as low as 3–5% down, FHA loans as low as 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans may require 0% down for eligible buyers. Putting down less than 20% on a conventional loan usually means paying private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the loan amount), a home inspection, an appraisal fee, title insurance, prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance, and moving expenses. In Maryland, be sure to also budget for state and county transfer/recordation taxes.

It means the seller has accepted your offer and both parties have signed a legally binding purchase agreement, but the deal is contingent on things like inspection, financing, and appraisal being satisfied before it can close.

A licensed inspector evaluates the home's structure, systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), roof, and more. It's strongly recommended even in a competitive market, it protects you from costly surprises and gives you negotiating leverage if issues turn up.

An inspection assesses the home's condition for your benefit as a buyer. An appraisal is ordered by your lender to confirm the home's market value supports the loan amount. They serve different purposes and are usually done separately.

A deposit that shows the seller you're serious. It's held in escrow and applied toward your down payment or closing costs at settlement, assuming the deal closes as planned.

You'll sign the final loan documents and deed paperwork, pay any remaining closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys. In Maryland, settlements are typically conducted by a title company or real estate attorney.

Most conventional loans take about 30 days to fully underwrite and fund, though it can be faster with a strong file and slower if issues arise with appraisal or documentation.

Only under the contingencies written into your contract (financing, inspection, appraisal, etc.) or during a legally specified attorney review period. Backing out outside those protections can risk your earnest money.

An agent can prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) using recent sales of similar nearby homes. A formal appraisal is another option, though the buyer's lender will order one anyway during the transaction.

Focus on the items most likely to concern buyers or inspectors — safety issues, roof condition, HVAC and plumbing function, and visible cosmetic wear. A pre-listing inspection can help you decide where to spend versus where to price accordingly instead.

Staging arranges furniture and décor to help buyers visualize living in the space. It doesn't have to be expensive. In addition to staging, decluttering, deep cleaning, curb appeal and maximizing natural light often make a big difference.

It varies with pricing, condition, location and season.

Maryland and each county in Maryland require the Seller to disclose certain information to Buyers. Waterfront and historic-district properties often come with additional disclosures.

You can negotiate a reduced price, the buyer can make up the difference in cash, you can dispute the appraisal, or the deal can fall through if a contingency allows the buyer to walk away.

It's not required, but many Maryland transactions do use a title company or real estate attorney for settlement, and an attorney can be valuable for complex situations like estate sales or title issues.

Typically include the transfer and recordation taxes, any agreed buyer-agent compensation, title-related fees, and prorated property taxes. Maryland also has a nonresident withholding requirement for certain out-of-state sellers.

Earnest money is your good-faith deposit at contract signing; the down payment is the equity portion of your purchase price paid at closing. Earnest money typically counts toward your down payment.

Yes, for waterfront homes, a current survey confirms water lines, pier location, and boundary issues. For historic-district homes, it can clarify easements or encroachments that matter for future renovations.

It protects you and your lender against future claims on the property's title (like unresolved liens or ownership disputes). Lenders require it for their policy; buyers typically also purchase an owner's policy for their own protection.

Property taxes are assessed based on the state-determined value of your home and combine county and, where applicable, municipal (ex. City of Annapolis) rates. Your title company or agent can help you estimate this before you buy.

Yes, common outcomes include the seller making repairs, offering a credit at closing, or reducing the price. What's negotiable often depends on how competitive the market is at the time.

The listing agent represents the seller's interests and markets the home; the buyer's agent represents the buyer's interests in searching, negotiating, and closing. Agreements with your agent, in writing, will confirm who represents whom.

Skipping pre-approval before touring homes, and underestimating closing costs and move-in expenses on top of the down payment. A buyer’s agent can help guide buyers through the initial process and act as a consultant from the early stages up through and including settlement.

Overpricing based on emotional attachment rather than comparable sales data. Your listing agent can guide you with professional advice.

A local real estate agent makes a real difference here. Many of your friends and family may have opinions but you will want professional advice to cut out the noise of the market and help you reach your goals.

In Maryland, riparian rights mean a homeowner holds a deed extending to the water's edge, giving direct water access and the right to extend use into the water, such as building a pier, with local government approval. Not every waterfront property has these rights, so you will want to confirm before you buy.

A non-riparian property has water access, but the land leading up to the water is owned by someone else, typically a community association or the county, which usually means no private pier or dock without special arrangement. Often times, the community allows to have use and enjoyment to residents.

Not automatically. Riparian rights give you the ability to apply for a private pier, but they don't guarantee approval, and in the Annapolis area, homeowners must seek permit approval for a dock extending into a waterway.

The Maryland General Assembly created the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program in 1984 to protect the Bay and its surrounding habitat, covering land within 1,000 feet inward from all tidal influence. Homes in this zone face added rules on tree removal, buffers, and how much of the lot can be covered by driveways, patios, and other hard surfaces.

Within the Critical Area Buffer, you generally cannot remove healthy trees without a permit.

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover water entering at or below ground level, and if the property sits in a mapped flood zone, flood insurance may be required. Even outside a mapped zone, many waterfront owners choose to carry it given the exposure.

Research permit history for the pier, its transferability, water depth at mean low water, and whether it complies with Anne Arundel County's Critical Area rules.

Often, yes, in many developed waterfront communities, the HOA holds the riparian rights rather than individual owners, so it's important to learn which maintenance responsibilities fall to the community and which are yours.

Recommended items include information referencing riparian rights, a current survey, water depth, title search results, copies of any existing pier or dock permits, and current FEMA flood maps.

Purchasing a new construction home comes with many exciting advantages, including modern designs, energy-efficient features, updated appliances, and the opportunity to select finishes that reflect your personal style. Depending on the builder and stage of construction, you may also have the option to customize certain features, such as flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and fixtures.

While you can purchase directly from a builder, having your own real estate professional can provide valuable guidance throughout the process. Your agent can help you understand the builder’s contract, evaluate your options for lot choices and home finishes, coordinate inspections, assist with negotiations when appropriate, and advocate for your interests.

In many cases, you can work with your own buyer’s agent while purchasing a new construction home. The builder’s sales representative works for the builder, while your buyer’s agent represents your interests, subject to the terms of your representation agreement. It’s important to discuss representation before visiting a new home community or speaking with a custom builder.

The process generally includes determining your budget and obtaining financing, finding a community and home that fit your needs, reviewing available floor plans, features, and options, signing the builder’s purchase agreement, selecting finishes and upgrades (if available), monitoring construction progress, completing inspections and the final walkthrough. closing on your new home and receiving the keys!

Yes! Getting pre-approved is an important first step. It helps you understand your purchasing power, estimate monthly payments, and establish a realistic budget before selecting a home. Some homes may require a construction-permanent loan and we can guide you to lenders who are experts in that type of lending.

Not necessarily. Many builders offer preferred lenders, and some may offer incentives such as closing cost assistance, interest rate incentives, or upgrades. These offers can vary, and they may come with specific terms and conditions. You should compare financing options and review the overall cost of each loan vs. the incentives being offered before deciding.

A spec home, sometimes called a quick move-in home, is generally already under construction or completed. It may offer a faster closing timeline and limited opportunities for customization. A to-be-built home is constructed after you select a floor plan and enter into a purchase agreement. Depending on the builder, you may be able to choose finishes, upgrades, and other design features.

Customization depends on the builder, floor plan, and stage of construction. Some builders offer design selections such as flooring, countertops, cabinets, lighting, and appliances. Others may have more limited options, particularly for homes already under construction. It’s important to understand which selections are included in the base price and which are considered upgrades.

Not always. The advertised base price may not include all the features or finishes shown in the model home. Upgrades may include items such as: premium flooring, additional cabinetry, enhanced countertops, upgraded appliances, finished basements, extended patios or decks, additional lighting or electrical features. Before moving forward, ask for a detailed breakdown of included features, optional upgrades, and associated costs.

Construction timelines vary depending on the builder, home design, location, weather, material availability, permitting, and other factors. Your builder should provide an estimated timeline, but it’s important to understand that completion dates are not always guaranteed.

Yes, a professional home inspection is an option even for a brand-new home and we can provide recommendations for inspectors who are familiar with new construction inspections.

The final walkthrough is an opportunity to review the home before closing and confirm that it is in the expected condition. During the walkthrough, buyers typically review completed agreed-upon features, appliances and fixtures, doors, windows, and construction finishes, any outstanding repairs or agreed-upon items, and overall condition of the property. If there are any outstanding items that need to be finished this is a great opportunity to highlight them. Your agent can help coordinate and accompany you on the walkthrough and communicate any concerns to the builder.

A warranty is a warranty provided by the builder that may cover certain defects or workmanship issues for specified periods. Coverage varies by builder and contract. Some warranties may address workmanship, systems, or structural components for different lengths of time. Be sure to review the warranty documents carefully so you understand what is covered, what is excluded. The State of Maryland provides a brochure for basic warranty coverage.

Yes. In addition to the purchase price, buyers should consider potential costs such as closing costs and prepaid expenses, homeowners insurance, property taxes and tax escrows, HOA or community fees, design upgrades, landscaping or fencing, window treatments, appliances or fixtures not included, moving expenses. Understanding the full cost of ownership helps ensure your new home fits comfortably within your budget.

Many new construction communities have an HOA that manages shared amenities, community standards, and common areas.

Before purchasing, review the HOA fees, rules, amenities, and any applicable assessments. It’s important to understand how these costs and guidelines fit your lifestyle.

Absolutely! Many buyers coordinate the sale of their current home with the purchase of a new construction property. The best strategy depends on your timeline, financing, equity, and the builder’s estimated completion date. We can discuss options such as selling first, purchasing before selling, or exploring temporary housing arrangements.

The earlier, the better! Ideally, connect with your real estate agent before touring communities or signing any builder paperwork. Early guidance can help you understand your options, prepare financially, and avoid surprises throughout the process.

Buying a farm is an exciting opportunity, whether you are looking for a working agricultural property, an equestrian estate, a hobby farm, or a home with acreage. Farm properties often involve considerations beyond a traditional residential purchase, including zoning, land use, water resources, septic systems, outbuildings, and conservation restrictions.

The right farm depends on your goals, lifestyle, and plans for the land. Before beginning your search, consider: How much acreage do you need? Are you looking for a working farm, horse property, hobby farm, or rural residence? Do you need barns, stables, fencing, or other outbuildings? Will you be raising livestock, growing crops, or simply enjoying the land? Are there specific schools, commuting routes, or communities you prefer? What is your budget for the purchase and ongoing property maintenance?

Farm prices vary considerably depending on location, acreage, improvements, land quality, permitted uses, and market conditions. A small farmette with a home may have a very different value from a large agricultural or equestrian property. In addition to the purchase price, buyers should plan for potential expenses such as inspections, surveys, financing costs, closing costs, maintenance, and improvements to farm infrastructure.

That depends on the property's zoning, deed restrictions, conservation easements, and applicable county regulations. If you are planning to keep horses, raise livestock, grow crops, or operate an agricultural business, it is important to verify that your intended use is permitted. Properties may have different requirements for animal keeping, structures, fencing, manure management, and agricultural operations.

Potentially, but not every farm property has the same development rights. Zoning, acreage, agricultural preservation restrictions, conservation easements, environmental limitations, and other factors can affect what you may be able to do with the land. If future development or subdivision is part of your plan, we recommend investigating these questions before purchasing.

Some Maryland farms are subject to agricultural preservation restrictions or conservation easements that limit development or other uses of the land. These restrictions may affect where you can build, whether you can subdivide, how the property can be used, and the property's long-term value. Sometimes, there are tax benefits for preservation or conservation properties. Buyers should review any applicable recorded documents and understand the restrictions vs. benefits before making a purchase.

Some Maryland agricultural properties may qualify for special property tax assessment programs. Eligibility and requirements vary depending on the property and its use. If you are purchasing a farm, ask whether it is enrolled in an agricultural assessment program, whether any use requirements apply, and how a change in ownership or use could affect taxes.

Farm properties may require additional inspections and due diligence beyond a standard home purchase. Depending on the property and your intended use, you may want to consider home and structural inspections, well and septic evaluations, barn, stable, and outbuilding inspections, survey and boundary verification, soil, drainage, or environmental assessments, review of easements and deed restrictions, verification of zoning and permitted uses

Financing options depend on the property, how you intend to use it, and your financial circumstances. A property purchased primarily as a residence may have different financing considerations from a working farm or agricultural investment.Before making an offer, it is helpful to speak with a lender who understands the type of farm property you are considering. We can help you identify financing questions and connect you with appropriate lending resources.

Determining the value of a farm requires looking at more than the home and the number of acres. Important factors include location and accessibility, total acreage and usable land, zoning and permitted uses, agricultural preservation restrictions or conservation easements, quality of the land and soils, homes, barns, stables, and other improvements, water resources and infrastructure, comparable farm and land sales, current buyer demand.

Preparing a farm for sale begins with understanding your property, organizing important information, and identifying improvements that may help present it well. Before listing, consider gathering surveys, deeds, easements, information about wells and septic systems, details about barns and outbuildings, and any agricultural leases or agreements.

Farm properties appeal to a specialized group of buyers, and each property offers a unique combination of land, improvements, and potential uses. Selling a farm may require a marketing strategy that highlights acreage, agricultural capabilities, equestrian facilities, outbuildings, water resources, and the lifestyle the property offers. We can work with you to determine what makes your farm special and present it in a way that reaches the right buyers.

The time it takes to sell a farm depends on a variety of factors, including location, price, acreage, condition, property features, and current market conditions. Some properties may attract buyers quickly, while specialized or larger farms may require a longer marketing period. We can help you evaluate your property's market position, establish realistic expectations, and develop a plan for reaching qualified buyers.

In many cases, yes. However, existing agricultural leases, tenant arrangements, and other agreements can affect the sale process. Before listing, it is important to understand the terms of any leases, their expiration dates, tenant obligations, and whether they will transfer to a new owner.

That depends on your property, your goals, and the applicable land-use restrictions. Some owners may benefit from selling an entire farm, while others may wish to explore whether subdivision or development is possible. Before making that decision, it is important to understand zoning, agricultural preservation restrictions, conservation easements, development rights, and the potential costs involved.

Having important property information organized can help make the listing and sale process more efficient. Depending on your property, useful documents may include the deed and survey, agricultural preservation or conservation easement documents, information about wells and septic systems, tax records and agricultural assessment information, building permits and records for improvements, copies of agricultural or residential leases, information about barns, fencing, and other farm infrastructure, any additional agreements affecting the property

The county was created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1650 and named after the wife of the colony leader at the time, Cecil Calvert, better known as Lord Baltimore.

Yes! Annapolis briefly served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783. The Maryland State House hosted Congress, and it's where George Washington famously resigned his military commission.

Between its world-famous regattas, sailing schools, and the U.S. Naval Academy, which trains future Navy and Marine officers, the nickname is well earned. Sailboats fill the harbor most of the year.

It spans over 500 square miles along the Chesapeake Bay, offering everything from dense suburban neighborhoods to quiet rural locations, and waterfront communities.

Yes! Crofton made Money magazine's 100 Best Places to Live list twice, ranking 72nd in 2007 and 82nd in 2011.

Definitely. Locations such as Historic London Town and Gardens located in Edgewater is a restored colonial seaport where visitors can explore historic buildings, gardens, and archaeological exhibits from 18th-century Chesapeake life. Anne Arundel County has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places, in addition to the nationally landmarked historic district in downtown Annapolis.

St. John's College, the third oldest college in the country, originally chartered as King William's School, has a historic site on campus known as the Liberty Tree, believed to be around 400 years old.

It's known for its charming waterfronts, top-rated schools, and proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, a big reason it draws both commuters and retirees.

Most of the downtown and waterfront areas were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965, and Annapolis is considered a "living microcosm" showing what life was like in the 1700s and early 1800s.

Remarkably intact, Annapolis was one of the first planned cities in America, and 120 of its 18th-century buildings still stand today.

The area includes the Hammond–Harwood House, the Paca House and Gardens, the Artisan's House, the Brice House, the John Callahan House, and the Chase–Lloyd House, several of which are now museums rather than private residences.

Exterior changes generally require approval. Under Annapolis city code, any unapproved change to a landmark, site, or structure in the historic district can result in a municipal infraction, with each day of violation counted as a separate offense. Applicants must show their plans comply with the city's Design Manual for the district.

It's the approval issued by Annapolis's Historic Preservation Commission for exterior work in the historic district. Anyone working on a historic property should contact the City's Historic Preservation Commission to obtain a Certificate of Approval before proceeding.

A preservation easement is a legal covenant between a property owner and an easement holder that protects a building's historic and architectural significance, usually running in perpetuity. Historic Annapolis alone holds 50 such easements, primarily within the historic district so it's worth confirming during due diligence whether a property carries one.

Not necessarily. For a home to be formally recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, it generally needs to be at least 50 years old and have documented historical significance, but plenty of charming older Annapolis homes fall outside strict landmark status while still carrying that historic character.

Yes, the Maryland Historical Trust offers several grant programs to help preserve historically significant properties and areaseach with its own eligibility rules and deadlines.

Icons like the Maryland State House on State Circle and St. Ann's Church nearby on Church Circle plus the Market House at the foot of Main Street, which has served as a gathering place for local food and community life since the 18th century.

Beyond the charm, Annapolis's waterfront setting extends the outdoor season for boating, walking, and dining, which is a big draw for buyers who want an active, walkable lifestyle.