Buyer Guide
Ready to Buy a Home?
You've come to the right place!
Learn all about the buying process and explore our resources for homebuyers in Baltimore.
Are you ready to buy a home in Baltimore? We have a long list of resources to help you get started! Whether you're trying to figure out if buying a home is the right move or you're ready to start a serious home search, our buyer resources can help you get started. It's important to stay informed throughout the home-buying process, but don't worry—we're here to help as well!
If you have any questions as you're checking out our resources below, don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to being a part of your home-buying journey!
PREPARING TO BUY
It can be fun to jump right in and start looking at homes, but there are a few important things to consider before you start your serious home search. If you're preparing to buy a home in Baltimore, here are a few things you may need to consider:
Is it better to rent or buy?
Many people reach a stage in life when they’re really wondering whether it’s better to rent or buy a house. Have you ever calculated how much money you pay in rent over an extended period of time? The amount you spend for rent each month could be applied to a mortgage instead...
Improving Your Credit Score to Buy a Home
Along with your overall income and debt, credit scores are a BIG factor when it comes to obtaining a mortgage loan and what your loan terms will be. What if your credit score could use some improving?
5 Sources of Down Payment Money for First Time Buyers
For many people, a down payment is the largest single cash expenditure they ever make! Whether you’re planning to put down 20% or just pulling together the cash for a 3.5% down payment for an FHA loan, no buyer has ever had too much money for a down payment!
How to Buy a HUD Home
Are you interested in buying a HUD home in Baltimore? Do you want to know how to buy HUD homes for investing? There’s a lot to know about how to buy a foreclosed home, and below, you’ll find a wealth of information as a place to get started.
How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time
Buying a home can be stressful enough, but buying AND selling a home at the same time? It can get complicated! But don’t stress too much—by planning ahead and preparing for each step of the way, you can sell your current home and buy the next home of your dreams successfully.
My Friend's a Real Estate Agent: Should I Hire Them?
Like any business venture, working alongside a family member or friend can pose many rewards and challenges. On the one hand, it can be a wonderful experience to work with someone who knows you well and can watch out for you. On the other hand, it can present problems...
4 Tips For Buying a House in a Seller's Market
A “seller’s market” in real estate means that there is low inventory. It means that there aren’t many homes for sale on the market to meet the demand of buyers, and therefore there is more competition among buyers. This can inspire bidding wars and multiple offer situations...
Things to Consider When Looking for an Investment Property
Investing in real estate is a great way to diversify your portfolio. There are many different ways you can invest in real estate, and here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re looking to purchase an investment property:
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Downsizing Homes
There are many reasons why someone might downsizing their living situation. Maybe your kids are moved out and you simply need less space; perhaps you’re looking for less home to maintain; maybe you’re going from living in a suburban setting to a city setting.
MORTGAGE RESOURCES
If you're ready to buy a home, then you'll most likely need a mortgage loan. If you're interested in buying a home, it will be important to take some time to go over your finances. The information below offers you a great place to get started:
What You Need to Know About Mortgages
Basically, a mortgage is a loan that will provide you with the finances necessary so you can purchase a home. There are many different components of a mortgage, and it’s important to be informed—most mortgages take anywhere from 15 to 30 years to pay off!
Here's Exactly What You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage Loan
Banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and mortgage brokers are all potential sources for home loans. You can begin by asking friends, relatives, or your real estate agents for recommendations on who you could use for a loan. Starting this process BEFORE you start looking...
How to Get Pre-Approved For a Mortgage
Banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and mortgage brokers are all potential sources for home loans. You can begin by asking friends, relatives, or your real estate agents for recommendations on who you could use for a loan. Starting this process BEFORE you start looking...
How to Choose a Lender
If you are in need of a mortgage loan to buy a home, then you will need to find a mortgage lender. Choosing a lender is important, and there are a few crucial things to keep in mind:
10 Questions You Should Ask Your Mortgage Lender
When you’re choosing a mortgage lender, there’s a few important things to keep in mind. These questions to ask your mortgage lender will help you make informed decisions:
What You Need to Know About FHA 203(K) Loans When Buying Your Home
Buying a fixer-upper house and turning it into your dream home can sound like the perfect idea. If you’re interested in transforming a house into your dream home...
HOME SEARCH TIPS
Ready to search for your new home-sweet-home in Baltimore? There are a few things you'll need to keep in mind during your home search:
Finding the Perfect Neighborhood in Baltimore County
The neighborhood in Baltimore County that you choose to live in can have a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community and your ideal Baltimore County neighborhood to call home:
4 Tips on How to Search Online for a Home
If you’ve looked at homes online for fun or with the serious intention of buying a home, then you know it can be a bit overwhelming! Which website should you use? Which real estate agent should you choose? Is this a scam? There are many questions and concerns that surround...
House Hunting in REAL LIFE: 6 Important Things to Keep in Mind
When you’re ready to start searching for a home in person and attending tours and open houses, there are a few really important things to look for and keep in mind:
THE BUYING PROCESS
There are several steps to buying a home, but luckily you won't be doing it all alone! Your real estate agent is there to guide you through each and every step, but it doesn't hurt to educate yourself on the different aspects of the buying process:
What is a Deposit (aka "Earnest Money") in Real Estate?
For those who may be looking to buy a home for the first time, you may have heard “deposit” and “earnest money” talked about in relation to putting an offer on a home. Here are a few commonly asked questions about deposits to help start you out on the buying process!
What You Need to Know About Making an Offer
Luckily, when it comes to making an offer on a home you’d like to buy, you’re not doing it alone—you’ll have the help and guidance of your real estate agent! But as you start the process, there are a few things about making an offer that will be helpful to consider.
What Is Title Insurance and Why a Homeowner Needs It
As real estate is the nation's largest market, its purchase and sale is essential to the health of the U.S. economy. However, these transactions are never without risk. That's why its important to make sure you have title insurance. If you're buying a house you should make sure you...
10 Common Title Problems When Buying a House
Ever wondered why you need title insurance? Your home might be new to you or even look brand new, but every home has its history. A thorough title search can help you uncover any defects your property might have. Luckily—subject to the terms of the policy—your title insurance provides...
What to Do in a Multiple Offer Situation
First of all, what is a multiple offer situation? If any given home on the market receives more than one offer—even if it’s just 2 offers—then you have a multiple offer situation. In certain markets where there is a lot of competition, a multiple offer situation is extremely common, and real...
CLOSING ON YOUR HOME
When you're finally ready to close on your home, there are a few very important things to keep in mind. You've worked hard to get this far, and you just have a few key steps to complete. Make sure you're prepared to have a successful closing!
What to Avoid During the Closing Process When Buying a Home
When you’re going through the process of buying a home, you become a complete open book. Sometimes it can feel like lenders are asking you for everything but the kitchen sink! The closing process of buying a home is a very important stage, and there are a few things you should be careful...
A Checklist of What to Do After Closing on Your Home
Whew! You’ve finally closed on your home, and you can breathe a big sigh of relief. But what’s next? Below, you’ll find a checklist for what to do AFTER closing on your home! You’ll definitely want to keep this checklist handy as you move into your new home sweet home:
MOVING TIPS
Now the work is really getting started! Moving into your new home is a momentous occasion, but it can also be a stressful time. Use the tips below to ensure things go as smoothly as possible:
Your Complete Go-To Moving Checklist
Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, moving is a huge endeavor! Keeping things organized will help to keep your stress levels in check, so I’ve put together this handy moving checklist for you to keep on hand!
Tips for Moving With Pets
Depending on your situation, moving with pets can add a whole new layer of complication! Whether you’re figuring out how to move pets long distances, comply with laws and keep your pet happy, we have some great advice!
REAL ESTATE TIPS
Whether you're a first-time buyer or you've done this all before, it doesn't hurt to brush up on your real estate knowledge before you start hunting for a home! Use the buyer resources below to get acquainted with some commonly used real estate terms and professionals you'll be working with:
11 Key Professionals Involved in Baltimore Real Estate Transactions
When it comes to the world of real estate, there is A LOT to know! Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming—who should you work with? Where do you even start?
Frequently Used Real Estate Terms
Are you selling your home? Or in the market to buy? Before you begin your real estate transaction we've put together a list of terms frequently used to help you throughout the process.
BEGIN YOUR REAL ESTATE SEARCH
Ready to start searching for a home in Baltimore? You've come to the right place. We love helping our clients find homes in Baltimore, including Federal Hill, Fells Point, Reisterstown, Canton, Owings Mills, Timonium, Randallstown, Pikesville, Perry Hall, Markville, Nottingham, Gwynn Oak, Catonsville, Mt Washington, Towson, White Marsh, Windsor Mill, and more.
Thinking of selling or buying a home?
Let our experienced team lead the way! We take great pride in the relationships we build and promise to work relentlessly to help you achieve your goals.
Featherstone & Co.
30 E. Padonia Rd.
Suite 303
Timonium, MD 21093