First-Time Home Seller's Guide to Maryland Real Estate

Selling your first home can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the Maryland home selling process into manageable steps.

Step 1: Determine Your Home's Value Use online tools, review recent comparable sales, and consider getting a professional appraisal or broker price opinion.

Step 2: Choose Your Listing Strategy You have three main options: traditional agent (5-6% commission), flat-fee MLS listing ($299-$799), or pure FSBO (no MLS exposure). We recommend flat-fee MLS for the best balance of savings and exposure.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home Clean, declutter, make repairs, and consider staging. First impressions drive higher offers.

Step 4: List Your Home Complete the listing intake process, upload photos, set your price, and go live on MLS.

Step 5: Manage Showings Use ShowingTime to coordinate buyer visits at your convenience.

Step 6: Review Offers Evaluate each offer based on price, contingencies, timeline, and buyer qualification.

Step 7: Negotiate & Accept Work with your broker to negotiate the best terms.

Step 8: Navigate Inspections & Appraisal Address any issues that arise during the buyer's due diligence period.

Step 9: Close the Sale The title company coordinates the settlement. Sign documents, hand over keys, and collect your proceeds.