Frequently Asked Questions

Buying a Home

  • The amount of money you'll need to buy a home in Maryland depends on the purchase price, your loan type, and your lender's requirements. Many buyers assume they need a 20% down payment, but that's often not the case. Some conventional loans allow as little as 3% down, FHA loans require as little as 3.5%, and eligible VA and USDA loans may require no down payment at all. In addition to your down payment, you'll also need to budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. It's also wise to have money set aside for moving expenses, inspections, and unexpected repairs. The best way to determine your budget is to get pre-approved by a trusted lender before you begin your home search.

  • Your credit score plays an important role in qualifying for a mortgage, but there isn't a single minimum score for every homebuyer. The requirement depends on the type of loan you choose and your lender's guidelines. In general, conventional loans typically require a credit score of 620 or higher, while FHA loans may allow scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Eligible VA and USDA borrowers often have more flexible requirements, although many lenders prefer scores of 620–640 or higher. Maryland Mortgage Program loans generally require a minimum credit score of 640.

    While it's possible to buy a home with a lower credit score, a higher score can help you qualify for better interest rates, lower monthly payments, and more loan options. If your score is below 620, don't assume homeownership is out of reach. An experienced lender can review your financial situation and recommend the loan program that's the best fit for your goals.

  • Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay to complete the purchase of a home. In Maryland, buyers typically pay 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price in closing costs, although the exact amount depends on your loan type, lender, and the property's location. These costs may include your lender's fees, appraisal, home inspection, title insurance, title search, recording fees, prepaid property taxes, homeowners insurance, and the initial funding of your escrow account. In some cases, buyers can negotiate for the seller to contribute toward closing costs as part of the purchase contract. Before closing, your lender will provide a Closing Disclosure outlining every cost so there are no surprises. Understanding these expenses ahead of time will help you budget confidently and make your home-buying experience much smoother.

    • VA Loan: The best option for eligible military borrowers thanks to no down payment requirement and no monthly mortgage insurance.

    • FHA Loan: A great choice if your credit score is lower or you have a smaller down payment.

    • Conventional Loan: Often the most cost-effective option for buyers with stronger credit because it can offer lower long-term borrowing costs and mortgage insurance that can typically be canceled.

    Tip: The best loan isn't necessarily the one with the lowest down payment—it's the one that best fits your financial goals. A knowledgeable lender can help you compare your options based on your credit, income, and budget.
    See my preferred lender on my lender’s page

  • Congratulations—having your offer accepted is a major milestone! Once the seller accepts your offer, the home officially goes under contract, and the closing process begins. Your lender will finalize your mortgage application, and you'll typically schedule a home inspection to identify any potential issues with the property. An appraisal will also be ordered by your lender to confirm the home's value. During this time, the title company will perform a title search to ensure there are no ownership or legal issues that could affect the sale. Depending on the inspection results, there may be negotiations over repairs or credits. As closing day approaches, you'll review and sign your loan documents, complete a final walk-through of the home, and bring any required funds to closing. Once the paperwork is complete and the transaction is recorded, you'll receive the keys to your new Maryland home!

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

Selling a Home

  • Your home's value depends on much more than its size or the price you originally paid. Factors like location, condition, recent upgrades, neighborhood trends, and the prices of similar homes that have recently sold all play a role in determining its current market value. Online home value estimates can provide a rough starting point, but they often can't account for your home's unique features or current local market conditions. If you're thinking about selling—or you're simply curious about your home's value—the most accurate option is a professional comparative market analysis (CMA). I'll evaluate recent sales, current market trends, and your home's individual characteristics to provide a realistic estimate of what your home could sell for in today's Maryland real estate market. Best of all, it's a complimentary service with no obligation.

  • Preparing your home for sale is one of the best ways to attract more buyers and maximize your selling price. Start by decluttering, deep cleaning, and removing personal items so buyers can easily picture themselves living in the space. Take care of minor repairs, freshen up paint where needed, improve curb appeal, and make sure every room is clean, bright, and welcoming. You don't have to complete a major renovation—small improvements often provide the greatest return on investment. Before listing your home, I'll walk through the property with you and recommend the updates and staging ideas that will have the biggest impact. My goal is to help your home make an outstanding first impression and stand out in today's Maryland real estate market.

  • Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful sale. A home priced too high may sit on the market, while one priced too low could leave money on the table. The best pricing strategy is based on recent comparable sales, current market conditions, buyer demand, and your home's unique features—not online estimates alone. As a Maryland Realtor, I prepare a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine a competitive price that attracts qualified buyers and maximizes your return. My goal is to position your home to generate strong interest from the moment it hits the market, giving you the best opportunity to sell quickly and for the highest price the market will support.

  • In many cases, yes. Home staging helps buyers imagine themselves living in your home by highlighting its best features and creating a welcoming, move-in-ready appearance. Staged homes often photograph better, attract more online interest, and can sell faster than homes that are cluttered or overly personalized. Staging doesn't always require renting furniture—sometimes simple changes like decluttering, rearranging furniture, adding fresh paint, or improving lighting can make a significant difference. Before listing your Maryland home, I'll provide personalized recommendations that fit your budget and focus on improvements that are most likely to increase buyer appeal and help your home stand out from the competition.

  • Today's homebuyers almost always begin their search online, making professional photography one of the most important investments when selling your home. High-quality images create a strong first impression, attract more potential buyers, and encourage more showing requests. Professional photographers understand how to use lighting, composition, and editing to showcase your home's best features while accurately representing the property. Listings with exceptional photography often receive more online views and can generate greater buyer interest. Every home I market includes professional photography because I believe your home deserves to be presented at its absolute best from the moment it goes live.

  • First impressions matter. Before every showing, your home should be clean, organized, well-lit, and free of clutter. Open curtains to let in natural light, secure pets, remove personal items, and make sure the temperature is comfortable. Small touches like fresh towels, neatly made beds, and tidy countertops help buyers focus on the home rather than distractions. Buyers often decide how they feel about a property within the first few minutes, so presentation is critical. Before your home goes on the market, I'll provide a room-by-room checklist and personalized suggestions to help your property make the strongest possible impression on every prospective buyer.

  • A home inspection can play an important role in a successful home sale. While sellers in Maryland aren't required to have a pre-listing inspection, doing so can uncover potential issues before your home goes on the market, giving you the opportunity to make repairs or price your home accordingly. Most buyers will order their own inspection after their offer is accepted, and the results may lead to requests for repairs, credits, or additional negotiations. Understanding your home's condition ahead of time can help you avoid surprises and make the selling process smoother. As your Maryland Realtor, I'll help you decide whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your situation and guide you through any inspection-related negotiations to keep your sale on track.

  • Whether you should sell your home before buying another depends on your finances, the local market, and your comfort level with risk. Selling first gives you a clear understanding of how much equity you'll have to put toward your next home and can reduce the stress of carrying two mortgages. Buying first allows you to move only once and avoid temporary housing, but it may require stronger finances or a bridge loan if your current home hasn't sold. In today's Maryland real estate market, the best strategy varies from one homeowner to the next. As your Realtor, I'll help you evaluate your options, coordinate the timing of both transactions, and develop a plan that minimizes stress while helping you achieve your moving goals with confidence.

Thinking About Living in Baltimore?

  • Baltimore isn't one-size-fits-all. Every neighborhood has its own personality. Whether you love the waterfront charm of Canton and Fells Point, the energy of Federal Hill, the tree-lined streets of Guilford, or the historic elegance of Roland Park, there's a neighborhood to match nearly every lifestyle.

  • One of Baltimore's biggest advantages is affordability. Homebuyers can often purchase larger homes or live in walkable, historic neighborhoods for significantly less than comparable properties in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, or many other East Coast cities. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, Baltimore offers outstanding value.

  • The Baltimore Harbor is one of the city's greatest assets. Miles of waterfront promenades, marinas, restaurants, parks, and outdoor events make it easy to enjoy life on the water. Many residents can walk to restaurants, breweries, festivals, and scenic harbor views right from their front door.

  • Baltimore is home to internationally recognized employers in healthcare, education, technology, finance, and government. Major institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and Under Armour provide thousands of career opportunities throughout the region.

  • From Maryland crab cakes and fresh seafood to award-winning Italian restaurants, craft breweries, and neighborhood cafés, Baltimore's food scene continues to grow. Residents enjoy everything from waterfront dining to hidden neighborhood favorites.

  • Living in Baltimore means you're within easy reach of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and the beaches of Maryland and Delaware. MARC trains, Amtrak, I-95, and BWI Airport make commuting and travel convenient.

  • Baltimore is filled with beautiful historic rowhomes, Victorian houses, converted warehouses, and charming streets that give the city its unique personality. History lovers appreciate everything from cobblestone streets to centuries-old landmarks that blend seamlessly with modern living.

  • Whether you're visiting museums, attending concerts, cheering on professional sports teams, or enjoying neighborhood festivals, Baltimore offers year-round entertainment. The city is known for its vibrant arts community, live music, theater, and waterfront events.

  • One of the things residents love most about Baltimore is its authentic sense of community. Many neighborhoods host block parties, farmers markets, local festivals, and community events that make it easy to meet neighbors and become involved. It's a city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and support local businesses.

  • Baltimore offers far more green space than many people expect. Residents enjoy waterfront parks, hiking and biking trails, dog parks, kayaking, sailing, and easy access to destinations like Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, and nearby state parks.

  • Living in Baltimore means you're within easy reach of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and the beaches of Maryland and Delaware. MARC trains, Amtrak, I-95, and BWI Airport make commuting and travel convenient.