Looking to buy a house in Maryland or Pennsylvania?

ReNew Realty agents can help!

A guide to finding your home.

At ReNew Realty we are bringing the best real estate professionals to help you to find your future home or investment property.

Reasons to own a home: 1. Tax Breaks You can deduct interest on the mortgage, some purchasing costs, and property taxes. 2. Equity You gain equity each time you make a mortgage payment unlike paying rent. 3. Savings Building equity in your home is like a savings plan. And when you are ready to sell to can take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) gain tax free. 4. Predictability Unlike rent, your mortgage payments for the most part stay the same (sometimes you would get an annual adjustment when you have an increase in property taxes, insurance, hoa fees) 5. Freedom You can decorate and renovate your home however you want and benefit from your investment in the future. 6. Appreciation Real estate has proven to appreciate on average about 6% every year (not counting some market fluctuations short term). It is definitely a good long term investment.

Home Buying Process Steps:

Pre-approval → Home search → Submitting offer → Negotiation → Inspection → Appraisal →
Mortgage underwriting → Title work → Insurance → Utility setup → Walk-through → Settlement

Pre-approval and Financial Considerations

Before you begin your search, you will need to get pre-approved. The lender you choose is vitally important. We have a handful of lenders we recommend based on your individual situation. Having a local lender who becomes “part of our team” is key. We want to make sure you have realistic expectations before we begin your house hunt. This will help us refine your search criteria so we can proceed with confidence, knowing your payments will be comfortable for you. In our current market, being armed with a pre-approval upfront will allow for decisions to be made quickly.

Solidify Buyer Representation

It is important to know that you will be represented and your rights will be protected through Buyer’s Agency. We like to begin with a brief consultation in the office or at a location convenient for you. We take the time to get to know your goals and timeline and will provide you with neighborhood information, mortgage resources, and an overview of how we work as a team to make it all happen seamlessly.

National Online Listing & MLS Portals

We will send you listings from the MLS that meet your criteria through an online listing portal. You will be sent listings in real time as they hit the market; you can highlight, delete, and send notes to your agent.

Home Search

We like to show properties that meet your search criteria and will schedule comprehensive tours of properties and their neighborhoods. Our philosophy is that we will show you as many properties as it takes until you find “the one”; we will never rush you or push you into making a decision.

Submitting an Offer

Once we find a home you love, we will prepare your offer. We will review all necessary paperwork together in person or via eSign/phone. Earnest money deposit will be included in the offer. For convenience, buyers can submit an online deposit of the EMD once the offer is accepted.

Negotiate

We will strategically negotiate the terms and price of your offer with the listing agent on your behalf. Once all parties reach a consensus and sign off on the Contract of Sale, it is considered fully executed.

Inspections

Per the contract, you will have a specified time period to perform and negotiate all inspections. We have professional inspectors we will be happy to recommend.

The Mortgage

You will immediately complete your mortgage application and submit all necessary documentation to your lender. The lender will issue us a written mortgage commitment on the date we specify in the contract.

Title

The title company will order title on your behalf unless you instruct us otherwise. We will review the report in full with you and make the seller aware of any title findings which they will clear prior to closing. We want the property to have clear title, free of liens, and resolved of any issues when you purchase.

Homeowner’s Insurance

You will obtain a homeowner’s or hazard insurance policy to cover your home and personal possessions.

Contact Utility Companies/Post Office

You will contact electric, gas, oil, cable, Internet, and water to be switched into your name as of the date of settlement. You may also change your mailing address with the post office.

Pre-Settlement Walk-Through

We will accompany you as you perform a pre-settlement walk-through just before settlement to ensure that all agreed-upon home inspection repairs have been completed and that the property is in reasonably the same condition as when you agreed to purchase.

Settlement

Celebrate receiving the keys to your new home!

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Pre-Approval

Below is a document checklist. Make sure you have everything in order before seeking pre-approval.

☑ W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you’re self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.
☑ Copies of at least one recent pay stub for each person signing the loan.
☑ Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances.
☑ Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.
☑ Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and car loans.
☑ Addresses where you’ve lived for the last five to seven years, with names of landlords if appropriate.
☑ Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account.
☑ Copies of your most recent 401(k) or other retirement account statement.
☑ Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension.
☑ Copies of personal tax forms for the last two to three years.

Free PDF Guide “Three Mistakes Buyers Make in a Buyer’s Market”

enter your contact information to get a Free downloadable Guide “Three Mistakes Buyers Make in a Buyer’s Market”

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Pro-Tips — The Offer

How to negotiate a strong offer in any market

01. Present a clean, clear offer

We always want to submit your offer in the clearest and most concise way possible. Many buyers think sellers only care about price, but the terms can be just as important. Settlement dates, inspection contingencies, and financing details often play a huge role in getting your offer accepted. A well-structured offer shows confidence — and helps you stand out.

02. Choose the right lender

The lender you choose can truly make a difference. (We always recommend using one of our trusted local lenders with a great reputation.) A strong pre-approval letter shows financial stability and strengthens your offer. It tells the seller that you’re ready and capable.

03. Look for every advantage in competitive situations

In a multiple-offer situation, every detail matters. Sometimes the deciding factor isn’t the price itself but the overall strength of the offer.
One strategy is a price escalation clause, which automatically increases your offer up to a maximum amount you choose — without overpaying upfront. It shows the seller you’re serious while still protecting your budget.

04. Understand you may only get one shot

In a competitive market, you may not have the chance to revise your offer later. If offers vary widely in price and terms, the seller might simply select the strongest one immediately. If offers are similar, they may ask everyone for their highest and best by a deadline — but that’s not guaranteed.
This is why we work with you from the start to craft the strongest possible offer.

The Inspection

Home inspections can vary based on the age and type of property. Older homes or large historic properties may require more specialized inspections than condos or townhomes.
Below are the core items an inspector will review — use this list to understand what to expect.

Structure

A home’s “skeleton” affects how it stands up to gravity, weather, and time. Inspectors evaluate the foundation, framing, and structural components for signs of shifting or damage.

Exterior

The inspector checks sidewalks, driveways, steps, doors, windows, trim, siding, and surface drainage. Exterior issues can affect both curb appeal and the health of the home.

Roofing

A good roof protects the home from rain, snow, and outdoor elements. Inspectors look at the roof’s age, condition of shingles, drainage systems, pooling water, flashing, gutters, downspouts, skylights, and chimneys.

Plumbing

Inspectors evaluate the water supply, drainage, water heater, and fuel storage systems. They also check sump pumps and sewer components. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust, or corrosion may indicate bigger issues.

Additional Maryland and Pennsylvania Inspections

Buyers must fully understand a home’s condition. Your agent may recommend:

• Radon testing
• Wood-destroying insect (WDI/termite) inspection
• Well testing (if applicable)
• Septic inspection
• Lead-based paint inspection
• Asbestos evaluation
• Water potability testing
• Sump pump/well yield testing

Always discuss property-specific needs with your agent.

Electrical

Inspectors check panels, breakers, fuses, disconnects, service entrance wiring, and outlets. They also confirm the number and placement of outlets in each room.

Heating

The heating system, including vents, flues, and chimneys, is reviewed for proper function, safety, and efficiency. They ensure the system can heat the home adequately and safely.

Air Conditioning

Inspectors evaluate the cooling system, its energy usage, and central or through-wall AC equipment. They consider the age and efficiency rating of the system.

Interiors

Interior inspections reveal issues involving leaks, rot, defects, flooring, walls, ceilings, stairs, railings, counters, cabinets, and garage door systems.

Ventilation & Insulation

Proper insulation and ventilation prevent heat loss and moisture problems — especially in attics and crawl spaces. Poor ventilation can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage. Inspectors ensure the home can “breathe” properly and maintain a healthy environment.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes at the foundation level. Testing is the only way to know if levels are safe. If elevated, mitigation systems can be installed.

Areas we serve:

All Maryland Counties (23 Counties + Baltimore City)

1. Allegany County
2. Anne Arundel County
3. Baltimore County
4. Calvert County
5. Caroline County
6. Carroll County
7. Cecil County
8. Charles County
9. Dorchester County
10. Frederick County
11. Garrett County
12. Harford County
13. Howard County
14. Kent County
15. Montgomery County
16. Prince George’s County
17. Queen Anne’s County
18. St. Mary’s County
19. Somerset County
20. Talbot County
21. Washington County
22. Wicomico County
23. Worcester County
24. Baltimore City

Pennsylvania Counties

1. Adams County
2. Franklin County
3. Fulton County
4. York County
5. Lancaster County
6. Cumberland County
7. Perry County
8. Dauphin County
9. Lebanon County
10. and more, if you are moving out of MD or PA to another state ask us for Real Estate Professionals recommendations in those areas!

How Can We Help You?

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