Buying a Home in Baltimore
Why Choose Bay View Realty When Buying a Home?
Finding the right home is easier when you have an experienced real estate team on your side. At Bayview Realty, we specialize in helping buyers navigate the Baltimore real estate market with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, our expert agents are here to guide you every step of the way.
Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your goals, budget, and lifestyle to match you with the ideal property.
Local Market Experts: Our team has deep knowledge of Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods, ensuring you find the perfect home in the right location.
Multilingual Agents: Our team speaks seven different languages, making the home-buying process easy and stress-free for clients from all backgrounds.
Seamless Buying Experience: From mortgage pre-approval to closing, we handle the details so you can focus on finding your dream home.
Exclusive Off-Market Listings: Gain access to hidden deals and properties before they hit the market.
“Buying a Home Is a Smart Investment in Your Future.”
Buyer’s Agent Compensation
With recent changes in real estate law, sellers are NOT required to pay for the buyer’s agent, meaning buyers may now be responsible for compensating their agent directly.
While the process has changed, an experienced buyer’s agent is still crucial for market insights, negotiation expertise, and protection, helping you navigate the transaction with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
This is especially important for first-time homebuyers, who may be unfamiliar with the process, and real estate investors, who need expert guidance to maximize their returns.
Buyer-Paid Commission
The seller does not provide any commission for the buyer’s agent. In this case, the buyer compensates their agent directly, either as a percentage of the purchase price or a flat fee.
Negotiated Cost Sharing
The seller offers to pay a portion of the buyer’s agent’s commission, but not the full standard rate. The buyer may need to cover the remaining amount to ensure their agent is fully compensated.
Seller-Offered Commission
Some sellers may still offer to cover all of the buyer’s agent fee as an incentive. The buyer’s agent is compensated directly from the proceeds of the sale, costing the buyer nothing extra.
Lender Assistance
Some lenders offer programs that allow buyers to roll agent fees into their mortgage. Depending on the loan type, buyers may be able to finance a portion or all of their agent’s commission.
Wondering How Much House You Can Afford?
Before you start house hunting, it’s important to know how much home you can afford. Getting pre-qualified is the first step — it gives you a general idea of your budget, estimated loan amount, and monthly payments based on your financial situation. Contact us today to get connected with a trusted lender and start your pre-qualification!
Our Home Buying Process
At Bay View Realty, we make buying a home simple and stress-free. Our expert team guides you through every step, from your first search to closing, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
1. Get Pre-approved
We connect you with trusted lenders to determine your budget and strengthen your buying power.
2. Book Consultation
Schedule a consultation with a Bayview Realty agent to discuss your needs, preferences, and goals for buying a home.
3. Find Your Home
Get access to exclusive listings and schedule home tours to find a property that matches your lifestyle and budget.
4. Make an Offer & Negotiate
We help you craft a strong offer and negotiate on your behalf to get the best price and terms.
5. Home Inspection
A professional home inspection ensures there are no hidden issues, giving you confidence in your purchase.
6. Closing & Move-In
Finalize paperwork, complete the transaction, and step into your new Baltimore home!
DOWNLOAD FREE GUIDE
Unlock the Secrets to Buying Your Dream Home
Our expert-crafted, 21-page Home Buyer’s Guide is packed with insider tips, proven strategies, and must-know secrets to help you navigate the process with confidence. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes, craft winning offers, and secure the best deal on your dream home. Valued at $99, but today it’s yours FREE!
What Our Happy Buyers Say
We take pride in helping homeowners achieve their selling goals. Here’s what some of our past clients have to say about their experience with Bay View Realty:
My husband and I recently worked with Bay View Realty to buy our home, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. The team was professional, responsive, and truly understood what we were looking for. They guided us through every step, from finding the perfect property to closing. Their expertise made the process smooth and stress-free. We highly recommend Bay View Realty!
If someone had told me 4 years ago, that my family and I will have our own house, I would not have believed them. We were so lucky to have had a family friend recommend Tania Hall as our realtor. We thank her from the bottom our hearts for making our dream of owning a house the US come true! We would definitely trust Tania, and her team, with any future real estate needs!
Tanya Hall and her team were amazing in helping me buy my first home. Their knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Her team truly went above and beyond to make sure I found the perfect home. As a first-time homebuyer, I was nervous about the process, but Tanya’s guidance gave me confidence and peace of mind. I’m so grateful for their support and highly recommend Tanya to anyone looking for a dedicated real estate agent!
Tanya and her team did an amazing job in helping me find my first home! She made the process smooth and easy, and was available to answer any questions along the way. I toured many houses before finding the one, and Tanya was always available to help. Thank you Tanya, I could not have asked for a better home buying experience!
We had amazing experience with Bay View Realty! The team of professionals guided us through every stage of the process. I highly recommend them to anyone planning to buy or sell a house!
First-Time Homebuyer Programs & Incentives in Baltimore
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and Maryland offers several programs and financial incentives to help first-time buyers get into their dream home with lower costs and better financing options. At Bay View Realty, we ensure you take full advantage of these opportunities to maximize your savings.
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
Offers competitive loan options, down payment assistance, and special incentives for first-time buyers, making homeownership more accessible with lower upfront costs.
Baltimore City First-Time Homebuyer Program
Provides a $5,000 incentive toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers purchasing in Baltimore City, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Live Near Your Work (LNYW) Program
Employer-sponsored grants ranging from $2,000 to $17,000 help homebuyers purchase a home near their workplace, encouraging homeownership close to work and strengthening communities.
Buying Into Baltimore & Trolley Tour Incentives
Offers a $5,000 incentive through a lottery system for eligible buyers who attend a Baltimore homeownership event, providing extra savings simply for learning about homeownership opportunities.
Federal & State Tax Credits
Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) allow eligible first-time buyers to receive tax credits on mortgage interest, reducing annual tax burdens and saving money over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about buying a home? You’re in the right place! Check out these frequently asked questions, and if you need more guidance, our team is here to help.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payments typically range from 3% to 20% of the home’s price, depending on the loan type. First-time buyers may qualify for low down payment programs, allowing as little as 3% down with conventional loans or 3.5% with FHA loans.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, while FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. A higher score can help you qualify for better interest rates and loan terms.
What are the hidden costs of buying a home?
In addition to the down payment, expect to pay for closing costs (2%–5% of the home price), home inspections, appraisal fees, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and potential HOA fees.
How long does the home-buying process take?
On average, buying a home takes 30 to 60 days from offer to closing. However, this timeline can vary based on market conditions, loan approval, and negotiations.
How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?
In Maryland, real estate commission structures have recently changed, and buyers may now be responsible for compensating their agent directly in some cases.
Traditionally, the seller’s proceeds covered both the buyer’s agent and listing agent commissions, but under the new regulations, buyers may need to negotiate compensation with their agent upfront.
Can I buy a home with student loan debt?
Yes! Lenders consider your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, so having student loans won’t automatically disqualify you. Making on-time payments and having a stable income can help your approval odds.
Should I get pre-approved before house hunting?
Yes! Getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget, strengthens your offer, and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. Most sellers prefer buyers with pre-approval letters from lenders.
How can I make a competitive offer on a property?
To make a competitive offer on a property, it’s important to work with an experienced agent who can help you understand the current real estate market conditions, evaluate the property’s value, and structure an offer that is both appealing to the seller and appropriate for your financial situation.
Getting pre-approved shows sellers you’re financially ready, while making a strong offer with limited contingencies can increase your chances of success. Being flexible with closing terms can also help make your offer more attractive.