Your Dream Home Starts Here
Our real estate advisors are here to assist all Buyers to accomplish their goals. From First-Time Home Buyers looking for down payment assistance options and closing cost concessions to savvy investors and flippers looking for Off-Market Pocket Listings to Buyers looking to purchase their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th home, we can help
MORTGAGE APPROVAL
If you don’t have the funds, you can’t buy the house—plain and simple. In Maryland, getting pre-approved by a local lender before starting your home search is a crucial first step. While this may seem intimidating to some buyers who worry about a long and complicated process, the reality is much easier. With most of our financial information readily accessible online, mortgage pre-approval has become a relatively straightforward task. Taking this step early not only prevents the heartbreak of falling for a home outside your budget, but it also strengthens your position when you’re ready to make a serious offer.
Your Choice of Lender is Crucial
Always work with a reputable lender—and whenever possible, choose someone local. Just like large real estate firms have both standout agents and less reliable ones, big mortgage companies are no different. The loan officer you work with can be the key to ensuring your financing is ready in time for settlement—or not. It’s smart and necessary to compare rates and terms, but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Be sure to request a written Loan Estimate (formerly known as a Good Faith Estimate) from each potential lender so you can make an informed decision.
Learning The Market
The Internet is a fantastic starting point for your home search and a great way to stay updated on market trends—but nothing beats walking through a home in person. As your agents, it’s incredibly valuable for us to hear your real-time reactions, both the good and the bad, as we tour homes together. You may feel you’ve clearly described your ideal features, but terms like “chef’s kitchen” can mean different things to different people. Seeing your response in person helps us better understand your vision. We take pride in truly listening and helping you refine your search based on what resonates with you. Think of us less as salespeople and more as educators—we’re here to help you learn the market so that when the right home comes along, you’ll recognize it instantly.
Letting Emotions Take Over
No matter how rational and well-informed you try to be, there’s always an emotional element to choosing a home—and that’s perfectly okay. Often, it’s a feeling that draws you in and helps you know when you’ve found “the one.” What’s not okay is letting emotion take the wheel during negotiations. For example, don’t let a seller’s refusal to fix a minor issue derail your plans if the home is otherwise a perfect fit. At the same time, be honest with yourself about what you’re realistically able to take on. Loving a home is important—but so is knowing your limits.
Professional Home Inspections
Including a home inspection contingency in your offer is a smart and important step. It gives you the opportunity to have the property professionally inspected and allows for negotiations based on the findings—whether that means requesting repairs or, in some cases, walking away from the deal. Be sure to choose a certified home inspector who will walk through the property with you, answer your questions, provide a detailed written report, and remain available for follow-up if issues arise later. A thorough inspection helps ensure there are no surprises after you’ve moved in.
Title Companies or Title/Settlement Attorneys
This is another crucial step in the homebuying process. The title company or settlement attorney is responsible for preparing all the paperwork for closing, researching the property’s title, ensuring it’s clear of any issues, and issuing title insurance. As the buyer, you have the right to choose the settlement company—so it’s important to work with professionals you trust. Once selected, be sure to provide them with all necessary documents promptly to help ensure a smooth and timely settlement.
