Are you wondering when is the best time to buy a house in Maryland? There are always great homes for sale, but you have a better chance of getting a good deal if you are able to understand seasonal fluctuations because these affect how much you pay for a house and if you have competition.
Buying a house is a stressful and emotional process. You'll likely have to spend weeks touring properties, fill out hundreds of forms, and invest a large chunk of your savings to secure the right house.
One way to make buying a house easier is starting the process at the right time. In Maryland, housing inventory, mortgage rates, and market trends vary from month to month.
For example, this year listing prices for homes in Maryland were lowest in February. On average, homes were $33,287 less expensive. While in August — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $23,718 more than the annual average.
In truth, the best time to buy a house really depends on your priorities and situation. Read on to find out which time of year will give you the most options and the biggest savings when buying a house in Maryland.
If you're interested in buying a home, the first step in the home buying journey is to find an experienced realtor who's an expert in your local market. The right agent can help you find the best house for your budget and priorities - and negotiate a winning offer so you don't miss out on your dream home.
The easiest way to find a great local realtor is to use a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever matches home buyers like you with top agents in your area so you can compare your options and choose a realtor who's the right fit for you.
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Best Time of Year to Buy in Maryland
While most houses are being bought and sold during the spring and summer months, the best time to buy in Maryland is fall or winter. This is because you can expect almost no competition during the fall and winter months. While some people are not accustomed to the cold, people who are wanting to live in Maryland won’t have a problem during this season.
With low competition comes low prices. This is mainly because sellers are not getting as many potential buyers as they like, so they’re willing to take a cut on the price. Use this to your advantage and wait out the good deals. Patient home buyers almost always end up better off in the long run.
However, don’t take this as a warning to never purchase a home in the spring or summer. Specifically, March to May has the highest number of homes being listed on the market. This might give you the chance to find your dream home.
The Best Places to Buy a Home in Maryland
North Potomac
North Potomac is a beautiful suburb on Washington D.C. with a population of 24,236. The median household income is just over $160,000 with the average home valuing at $600,000. They have a highly rated public school district which makes this the perfect place for families.
North Bethesda
North Bethesda is a very safe city with a low crime right. The average house value sits around $550,000 with prices going up. Residents of this area say the neighbors are friendly and the communal areas are well kept.
Annapolis
Annapolis is a great area if you want to live by the water without breaking the bank. It’s located on the Chesapeake Bay and has many water-based activities for residents to enjoy. The downtown area is home to the U.S. Navy Naval academy and has many historic landmarks.
Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg is conveniently located less than 20 miles from Washington D.C. which makes it an affordable option for commuters. The median household income is around $75,000 with the average home valuing at $360,000. Residents of this city can enjoy the 6,300-acre Seneca Creek, State Park.
Hagerstown
Hagerstown is a very historic town with its establishment date being 1776. For people that love history, you can visit the several Civil War sites and museums. The average home value is $151,000, which makes it a very affordable location given its history.
4 Ways to Get a Great Deal on a Home in Maryland
Find a Great Maryland Real Estate Agent:
An experienced, local buyer’s agent is going to help you get the best deal on your new home. It’s strongly recommended that buyers don’t attempt to do this process alone. There are many steps in the home buying process and agents will be able to properly negotiate and complete paperwork.
Assess Your Needs and Lay Out Your Goals:
Work with your agent to determine what you want in a house. Are you looking for a house that is on a large amount of land? Or do you want a house in a newly built development? You want to also be realistic with what you can afford because house hunting is exciting but being underwater with your mortgage is not.
Find a Lender and Secure Financing:
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Maryland, interest rates are among the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing a little upfront research and comparing options to find the best rates could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in Maryland a typical house is worth $330,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $1,177. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $1,113.
| Getting a mortgage is a big decision – and it pays to shop around! Keep shopping until you find a lender with competitive rates who also understands your goals. Don’t get pressured into taking on a bigger loan than you’re comfortable with – work with a lender who explains what you’re really signing up for.It’s easy to start your home buying journey – answer a few questions to get instantly matched with a lender who works in your area. |
Negotiate for the Best Possible Price:
Once you’ve found your dream home, your agent will assist you in making and submitting an offer. They will also negotiate after a home inspection is completed to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. This is an important step because home inspections might reveal new details about a home.
If you’re interested in learning more about Clever or speaking with a top-rated buyer’s agent in your area, fill out our online form. A member of our team will be in touch shortly to answer any questions you might and have and connect you with one of our local Partner Agents for a no-obligation consultation.
