Who Is Considered a First-Time Home Buyer in Maryland?
First-time home buyer Maryland rules may be more flexible than you think. You do not necessarily have to be buying your first house ever to qualify as a first-time homebuyer under certain Maryland programs. For the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), Maryland currently defines a first-time homebuyer as
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? What Southern Maryland Buyers Should Know How long does it take to buy a house in Southern Maryland? For most buyers, the process is better measured in stages than by one fixed number of days. You need time to prepare financially, get pre-approved, find the righ
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Southern Maryland: 2026 Guide
Buying your first home can feel more achievable once you understand the financing and assistance programs available to you. For buyers in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, several Southern Maryland first-time home buyer programs may help with down payments, closing costs, student loan debt,
Earnest Money in Maryland: How Much Should You Offer?
When you find a home you want to buy, one of the decisions you may face is how much earnest money to include with your offer. For buyers trying to understand earnest money in Maryland, there is an important point to know from the start: there is not one deposit amount that is right for every transac
Buyer Backs Out in Southern Maryland: What Happens?
A signed real estate contract is more than an agreement to keep negotiating. Once a buyer and seller are under contract, both parties have obligations defined by the contract, its addenda, applicable contingencies, and Maryland law. So, what happens when a buyer backs out in Southern Maryland? The a
Can You Buy a Home With Little to No Money Down in Maryland?
If saving 20% for a down payment feels like the biggest obstacle between you and buying a home, there is good news: you may not need anywhere close to 20% down to buy a home in Maryland. For buyers exploring Southern Maryland down payment assistance, several financing paths may reduce the amount of
Understanding Real Estate Commissions: Maryland Buyer FAQs
Real estate commissions in Maryland can feel confusing for home buyers, especially after recent changes to how buyer-agent compensation is discussed and documented. If you're planning to buy a home in Southern Maryland, understanding your agent's compensation before you start touring homes can help
How Much Should I Save Before Buying a Home?
If you're planning to buy a home, one of the first questions you may have is: How much should I save before buying a house? The answer isn't simply 20% of the purchase price. Your savings plan should account for your down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, potential inspections and upfront exp
What Is Earnest Money and How Does It Work?
You found a home you love in Southern Maryland, submitted an offer, and now you're being asked about an earnest money deposit. What exactly is earnest money? Where does the money go? Does it become part of your down payment? And perhaps most importantly, can you get it back if the home purchase does