One of the very first questions I get from first-time homebuyers is, “Where do I start?” Buying your first home in Maryland is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. For most people, a home is the largest financial investment they’ll ever make—so preparation is key. Here are four essential things every first-time homebuyer in Maryland should understand before jumping into the process.

1. Understanding Real Estate Agency in Maryland

In Maryland, real estate agents represent different parties in a transaction—and knowing who’s working for you matters. If you're a buyer, avoid dealing directly with the listing agent, as their fiduciary duty is to the seller. Instead, work with a trusted Maryland buyer’s agent. Until you sign a buyer agency agreement, any agent you speak with is legally working in the seller’s best interest. A buyer’s agent can help identify red flags in a home and connect you with lenders, home inspectors, and any other real estate professionals you may need.

What About Dual Agency?

In Maryland, dual agency—where one agent represents both the buyer and seller—is not permitted. However, dual agency can occur when one brokerage represents both parties, with a designated agent representing each respective party.

2. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking At Homes

Before you start house hunting in Maryland, get pre-approved for a mortgage if you are taking out a loan. A pre-approval will be required to submit an offer as most listing agents will want to verify a buyer’s readiness to buy with their lender. Pre-approval involves a detailed review of your financials and helps you understand your upper limit and what your closing costs and monthly payments will look like.

Keep in mind that obtaining a pre-approval can take a day or so. In competitive markets—such as Columbia or Ellicott City in Howard County, MD—waiting until after you’ve found a home to start the pre-approval process could cause you to miss out on the property.

3. Explore Maryland First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Maryland offers several programs to help first-time buyers with down payments, closing costs, and more.

One popular option is the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), which offers down payment assistance, special mortgage rates, student debt payoff assistance, and more!

Even if you’ve owned a home elsewhere, you may still qualify as a first-time homebuyer in Maryland if this is your first Maryland home or you have not owned a home in the last three years. 

4. Rethink the 20% Down Payment

While putting 20% down can eliminate mortgage insurance premiums from your monthly payment, it may not be the best financial move for every buyer since spending the bulk of your savings on the down payment could leave you unprepared for emergencies.

Consider lower down payment options and keep an emergency fund in place. Loans through the MMP or government-insured FHA loans can help make homeownership more accessible without compromising your financial stability. There are plenty of loan options out there with as little as 3% down and VA loans do not require a down payment at all.

Ready to Buy a Home in Maryland?

If you’re considering becoming a first-time homebuyer in Maryland, reach out today for guidance, local resources, and a trusted buyer’s agent who puts your interests first.

Sarah is a Realtor specializing in residential and equestrian properties. She is based in Howard County, Maryland.

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