How to Buy a House in Maryland [8-Step Guide]

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By Jamie Ayers Updated March 1, 2024

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8 Steps to Buying a House in Maryland

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Now that the housing market is finally calming down after the pandemic[1], buyers are facing a new challenge: Soaring mortgage rates.[2]

In Maryland, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.05% — up from 2021's historic lows. This raises the average monthly mortgage payment to $2,147 (assuming a 20% down payment at the median home value).

But buying a home in Maryland is still possible, even for first-time home buyers. Many markets are seeing frequent price drops and fewer offers, giving motivated buyers the upper hand in negotiating for the best price.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to buy a house in Maryland with confidence no matter what the market brings. Learn why you can trust our advice.

Whether you're actively house hunting or just starting to browse homes on Zillow, it's never too early to find a great local realtor to guide you on your search. An experienced agent can help you navigate a tricky housing market, explore your financial options, and negotiate the best deal possible.

Best of all, hiring a real estate agent comes at no extra cost to you — since the seller typically pays both their listing agent and your buyer's agent.

Ready to find a great local realtor, but not sure where to start? The best (and easiest!) option is to try a free agent matching service like Clever Real Estate. Answer a few simple questions about your home buying goals, and Clever will match you with hand-picked agents from Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and other top brokerages in your area. Find a top local agent and make your home buying dreams a reality today!

Step 1: Save for a down payment

🔑 Key takeaway:

Your down payment can be less than 20% of the purchase price — $80,261 for the typical home in Maryland — but you'll have to purchase mortgage insurance and pay more interest over the life of your loan.

Your down payment is the first part of your home's purchase price that you pay at closing. Your mortgage lender will pay the remaining balance.

Typically, mortgage lenders in Maryland want you to contribute 20% of the purchase price as a down payment. That would be $80,261 for a $401,305 home — the typical home value in Maryland.

However, you have options to lower your down payment amount.

Government backed loans, like VA and FHA loans, allow you to contribute 0% and 3.5% of your home's purchase price respectively. Even conventional loans allow for down payments as low as 3-5% (though the minimum varies by lender).

But making a down payment of less than 20% comes with some risks.

First, because you're borrowing more money, you'll have a higher monthly payment and pay more in interest over the life of your loan.

Second, you may have to purchase mortgage insurance.

Conventional loans require private mortgage insurance (PMI) until your loan balance reaches 80% of the purchase price. FHA loans, on the other hand, require a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for the life of your loans.

Mortgage insurance costs around 1% of your mortgage balance annually. However, rates vary based on your down payment and credit score. Typically, your mortgage insurance payment is added to your mortgage payment each month.

VA loans don't charge mortgage insurance. Instead, you'll pay a VA loan funding fee at closing, which can range from 1.4% to 3.6% of the purchase price.

» READ MORE: Everything you need to know about low-income home loans

Maryland down payment assistance programs

There are thousands of down payment assistance (DPA) programs across the country, including state-specific options for Maryland residents. If you're eligible, you could receive a grant or a second mortgage to help you pay for a home.

Here are some down payment assistance programs in Maryland for you to check out:

Maryland 1st Time Advantage Loan

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers its 1st Time Advantage Loan program for eligible first-time homebuyers. There are two DPA options within the 1st Time Advantage line to choose from:

  • The Advantage 5000 program rovides a $5,000 loan to buyers. The loan must be repaid after the first mortgage is paid off.
  • The Advantage 3% program offers financial assistance equal to 3% of the first mortgage through a 0% deferred second mortgage.

Maryland Mortgage Program Flex

The Maryland Mortgage Program Flex line has more options for repeat homebuyers to choose from, including:

  • The Flex 5000 program offers participants a second mortgage of $5,000 that's to be paid after the first mortgage is paid off.
  • The Flex 3% Loan provides assistance equal to 3% of the first mortgage through a 0% deferred second mortgage.
  • The Flex 3% Grant provides a grant that’s equal to 3% of the first mortgage.
  • The Flex 4% Grant includes a grant that’s equal to 4% of the first mortgage.
  • The Partner Match Programs offer assistance through 0% interest loans, forgivable loans, and cash grants.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

A list of alternative programs in Maryland can be found on HUD’s page here.

Step 2: Find a great real estate agent in Maryland

🔑 Key takeaway:

Interview multiple agents to find one who knows your target neighborhoods, has experience in your price range, and communicates well.

Your real estate agent will be your main ally during the home buying process. Besides finding and showing you properties, your agent will help you make offers, negotiate contracts, and navigate the closing process. Plus, they can recommend other service providers like title companies and inspectors to help you buy your home in Maryland.

Don't rush into choosing an agent. Instead, take the time to research and interview multiple real estate agents who have experience in the neighborhoods you're interested in. You should pay attention to a realtor's:

  • Years of experience
  • Number of transactions in the last year (the more the better!)
  • Experience in your price range
  • Overall review score
  • Individual reviews and complaints
👋 Find the best realtors near you!

Finding a great real estate agent shouldn't be complicated. Let Clever Real Estate do the hard part and match you with experienced local realtors who are experts in your market.

Enter your zip code below to compare top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway, and Coldwell Banker, then choose the best fit for you. It's 100% free, and there's no obligation.

Step 3: Get preapproved for a mortgage

🔑 Key takeaway:

Once you're preapproved for a mortgage, it's imperative that your financial situation doesn't change. If your credit drops, it can derail the process and keep you from closing on your house.

Here are some easy ways to ensure your credit doesn't change after you receive your preapproval letter:

  • Avoid opening new credit accounts
  • Don't close any accounts that have been open for a long time
  • Make all of your credit card payments on time

» LEARN MORE: What factors do mortgage lenders consider?

A mortgage preapproval letter is an offer to lend you up to a certain amount of money to purchase a home. It shows sellers that you are a serious buyer who is financially qualified to make an offer on a home.

Most sellers in Maryland will require preapproval before showing you their home.

You don't have to decide on one lender right now. In fact, you should compare interest rates and preapproval amounts from several lenders to make sure you're getting the absolute best terms when you buy your Maryland home.

Step 4: Choose the right location

🔑 Key takeaway:

Search for neighborhoods where:

  • Home prices are within your price range
  • Home values are on the rise
  • The local amenities support your lifestyle

Currently, the typical home value in Maryland is $401,305, but don't worry if that doesn't perfectly match your budget. Home prices vary dramatically from city to city and even from neighborhood to neighborhood!

Also, look at past home value trends. This will give you an idea of how much your home's value could go up over the next few years.

To give you an idea of how appreciation could impact what your house is worth in the future, consider these examples from three neighborhoods in Baltimore:

Home value appreciation in Baltimore

Neighborhood 2015 Current Appreciation
Frankford $116,216 $208,214 44.2%
Belair-Edison $78,222 $136,686 42.8%
Canton $309,610 $346,758 10.7%
Show more

Step 5: Start house hunting in Maryland

🔑 Key takeaway:

Listing prices have barely increased in Maryland in the past year, so there’s a good chance that homes will be priced within your budget. However, there isn’t a lot of inventory, so manage your expectations and keep an open mind to the listings your realtor shows you. While it may be a challenge to find the perfect house, there are a lot of great listings that may have most of your requirements.

Searching for homes in Maryland is the fun part of the home buying process! You'll get to look at a variety of homes and discover what you really want in a home.

Make a list of everything you want in a home and prioritize them. At the top of the list should be the items that are most important to you. This will help you separate your "must-haves" from your "nice-to-haves."

Your agent can help you understand if your wants are realistic for your budget and favorite neighborhoods or if you need to rethink what you're looking for.

Look at current housing inventory

The timing of your house hunt in Maryland can have a big impact on your number of options. For example, in Maryland, May has historically seen the most homes for sale. Searching in this season could give you more options and a greater likelihood of finding your dream home.

On the other hand, December gives you the fewest choices in Maryland. Historically, there are 42.8% fewer homes for sale than during Maryland's peak season.

Housing inventory in Maryland by season

Step 6: Make an offer

🔑 Key takeaway:

Maryland’s market has a lot of activity, and there are barely any listings left at the end of each month — so you will have to act quickly. When you find a house you like, put in a strong offer from the onset to up your chances of snagging the listing. Work with your realtor when coming up with the offer; that way, you can ensure you’re giving a competitive price while still keeping it reasonable for your budget.

Once you find a Maryland house you love, it's time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will help you write a compelling offer that gives you the best shot of convincing the homeowner to sell to you.

Currently, in Maryland, homes stay on the market for 58 days before going under contract. However, every market goes through seasonal changes. During busier months, homes get snatched up more quickly than others.

Historically, Maryland homes sell fastest in April, where the average property is only on the market for 46 days. If your home search falls around this time, you should be prepared to move quickly and potentially make offers on several homes before yours is accepted.

On the other hand, if you buy in January, you have a bit more time to search. Homes typically stay on the market 19 days longer than Maryland's annual average.

Average time homes spend on market in Maryland

» LEARN MORE: What should an offer include?

Step 7: Inspections and appraisals

Inspections and appraisals are an opportunity for you to better evaluate the home's condition and value before officially purchasing it. You may have an opportunity after this step to renegotiate the terms of your contract with the seller if something unexpected pops up.

🔑 Key takeaway:

  • Inspections: A licensed professional checks the house for any unseen, unexpected, or potential issues.
  • Appraisals: An appraiser hired by your lender examines the house to determine how much it's worth.

Home inspections in Maryland

Having your Maryland home inspected by a licensed inspector gives you peace of mind about the condition of the property before you commit thousands of dollars to purchase it.

Your inspector should check out the following parts of the property:

  • Roof
  • Foundation
  • Electrical system
  • HVAC system
  • Plumbing

If the home has a septic system, you should also pay for a septic inspection to make sure it doesn't have any problems that wouldn't be covered in a typical home inspection.

Maryland-specific inspections

Sellers in Maryland are required to complete a disclosure form, but this doesn't guarantee that the property is completely safe. To give yourself peace of mind, it's recommended to do more specific tests after a general home inspection and before closing.

Here are a few important inspections for buyers to consider:

  • Radon testing: Although it's not required by law, Maryland buyers are strongly recommended to test for radon before closing. Some areas in the state are prone to higher radon levels, so homes should be inspected annually. If the seller hasn't conducted a radon test in the past year, you can get a discounted radon test kit from the Maryland Department of the Environment here.
  • Termite inspection: Some lenders require borrowers to have a pest inspection done before closing. However, even if you're not required to conduct one, it's still a good idea to check for possible infestations before the home is yours.

Appraisals

Appraisals determine the value of the property. If you're using a mortgage to buy your new home, your lender will order an appraisal to make sure the home is worth the money that it's loaning you.

» LEARN: 3 options for buyers after a low appraisal

Step 8: Close on your new home!

🔑 Key takeaway:

Before you close on your new home, you and your agent will do a final walkthrough of the property to ensure that it's still in the expected condition.

When closing day arrives, you'll meet at the title company to finalize the Maryland buying process. The title company will guide you through the necessary paperwork and help you settle your closing costs.

Make sure to carefully read through each document before signing anything. If you don't understand something or notice an error, ask your escrow agent for clarification.

Most buyers take about an hour to review and sign all of their paperwork, including the following key documents:

  • Your final loan application
  • The deed
  • The mortgage promissory note
  • The disclosure statements

After your paperwork is finished, you'll pay your closing costs. If you don't recall how much you owe for the various services you've used during the homebuying process, the title company will take care of the financial details for you. You'll simply pay the total amount you owe to the title company, and they'll distribute the payments to each party on your behalf.

For homebuyers, closing costs can usually be divided into four distinct categories:

  • Lender fees: Fees paid to your mortgage lender for preparing your loan. Lender fees may also include other costs related to your loan, such as appraisal fees or survey fees.
  • Prepaid costs: Ongoing costs of owning a home. Lenders often require new homeowners to pay for certain expenses up front, such as property taxes, mortgage interest, and homeowners insurance.
  • Title and escrow charges: Fees to cover the title company's services. Title and escrow charges can be for facilitating the closing process, performing the title search, and providing title insurance.
  • Other closing costs: Miscellaneous expenses that differ for each buyer. A few common costs for buyers can include natural disaster certification fees or real estate attorney fees.

Buyers in Maryland typically pay 3–5% of the purchase price in closing costs. For a $401,300 home — the typical home value in Maryland — that's between $12,039 and $20,065!

⚡Make your home-buying dreams a reality!

Ready to make your home-buying dreams a reality? The first step is to find a top local realtor who's an expert negotiator with proven experience in your market.

Enter your zip code below to compare the best agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway, and Coldwell Banker, then choose the best fit for you. It's 100% free and there's no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a real estate attorney in Maryland?

In Maryland it's required for a real estate attorney to be part of every home sale. While your agent can make recommendations, remember you get to make the final decision. Interview lawyers before hiring them to make sure they have the experience you need.

What are the steps to buy a house in Maryland?

  1. Save for down payment
  2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
  3. Choose your preferred Maryland neighborhoods
  4. Partner with the right real estate agent in Maryland
  5. Go house hunting
  6. Make a strong offer
  7. Inspections and appraisals
  8. Do a final walkthrough and close

Does Maryland have a first time home buyer program?

Yes! The Maryland Mortgage Program 1st Time Advantage offers a 30-year fixed loan to eligible first-time buyers. There are three variations to choose from:

  • 1st Time Advantage Direct. This option has the most competitive interest rates, but doesn't offer any down payment assistance.
  • 1st Time Advantage 5000. This option provides buyers with a $5,000 loan to pay for closing costs or a down payment.
  • 1st Time Advantage 3% loan. This loan can be up to 3% of the homebuyer's first mortgage.

To qualify for any of these programs, your household income must not exceed the limits set for your county.

» READ: What are the top first-time homebuyer programs?

Why trust us?

Clever Real Estate is a free agent-matching service that has helped more than 82,000 people buy and sell homes. We partner with over 2,700 top-performing agents nationwide at national brokers including Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Century 21, and more. We also help buyers save money with cash back after closing — no strings attached.

We’ve earned buyers’ trust with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and over 1,800 customer reviews.

Our team of industry-leading researchers is committed to making homeownership more accessible by educating buyers through guides like this one. We've spent thousands of hours analyzing publicly available data, surveying consumers, and interviewing industry experts. Our research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more.

Learn more about Clever.

Article Sources

[1] Federal Reserve – "Housing Market Tightness During COVID-19: Increased Demand or Reduced Supply?". Updated July 08, 2021. Accessed October 11, 2022.
[2] Consumer Protection Financial Bureau – "The Fed is raising interest rates. What does that mean for borrowers and savers?". Updated March 17, 2022. Accessed October 11, 2022.

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