Maryland Transfer Tax & Recordation Tax: Who Pays What?
Maryland Transfer Tax & Recordation Tax: Who Pays What?Who pays transfer tax and recordation tax in Maryland?In Maryland, the state transfer tax (0.5%) and county…
Category: Buying
Should You Ask for a Seller Concession When Buying in Bethesda, MD?
TL;DRYes, you can ask a seller to cover part of your closing costs in Maryland — and in Bethesda's $700K–$2M price range, that can mean…
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Montgomery County, MD: What’s Actually Available in 2026
TL;DRMontgomery County offers two specific down payment assistance programs — the Montgomery Homeownership Program (up to $50K) and MEDPAL for county employees (up to $50K)…
What Is a Buyer Broker Agreement — And Do You Have to Sign One in Maryland?
TL;DR: Since August 17, 2024, the NAR settlement requires all buyers to sign a written buyer broker agreement before touring any home with an agent.…
What to Know Before Buying New Construction in Bethesda, MD
What should buyers know before purchasing new construction in Bethesda, MD?New construction in Bethesda means dealing with a builder's contract written by the builder's attorney,…
What Bethesda Buyers Need to Know About HOA Disclosures
TL;DRIf you're buying a townhome or condo in Bethesda, Maryland law requires the seller to provide a full HOA resale package before closing — covering…
How to Buy Before You Sell in Bethesda, MD: Bridge Loans vs. Sale Contingencies
TL;DRMove-up buyers in Bethesda have two real options: a bridge loan (borrow against your current home's equity at 8–11% APR, with total costs typically running…
What to Expect at Closing: A Buyer’s Guide for Maryland
TL;DRMaryland closing happens at a title company’s office — not a courthouse or attorney’s office — and typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll need…
MCPS School Boundaries Changed (2026): Bethesda Home Value Impact
TL;DROn March 26, 2026, the MCPS Board of Education approved sweeping attendance zone changes affecting Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Germantown — with implementation…
How Much Are Closing Costs for Buyers in Bethesda, MD in 2026?
TL;DR: Buyer closing costs in Bethesda and Montgomery County typically run $23,000–$34,000 on a $900,000 home (3–5% of purchase price, not including your down payment).…