17 questions Maryland buyers forget to ask — and why each one matters.
You've been pre-approved, you're touring homes, and you're this close to making an offer. But before you sign anything — are you asking the right questions? Most first-time buyers focus on price and location. What they miss are the 17 make-or-break questions that can mean the difference between a dream home and a financial nightmare. This guide covers every single one.
According to the National Association of Realtors,
43% of first-time buyers
say they were surprised by closing costs and fees they didn't know about — and many say they'd ask more questions if they could do it over.
The purchase price is just the beginning. These five questions uncover what you're really paying.
Most first-time buyers budget for the down payment (3–20%) and stop there. But closing costs add another 2–5% of the purchase price on top of that — paid before you get the keys. On a $280,000 Baltimore home, that's $5,600–$14,000 you may not have budgeted for.
Ask your lender: "Can I get a detailed Loan Estimate that breaks down every single closing cost line by line?" Then ask your agent: "What are typical seller concessions in this market that could offset my costs?"
Your mortgage payment is more than just principal and interest. PITI stands for Principal + Interest + Taxes + Insurance. Property taxes and homeowner's insurance are often escrowed into your monthly payment — meaning your actual monthly outlay is significantly higher than the advertised mortgage rate suggests.
Ask your lender: "What is the all-in monthly PITI payment at this price point, and what are the annual property taxes on this specific address?"
Homeowners Association (HOA) fees can range from $50 to $1,000+ per month depending on the community. More dangerous are special assessments — one-time fees voted in by the HOA for major repairs (like a new roof on shared property) that you'd be obligated to pay even if the vote happened before you moved in.
Ask the listing agent: "Are there any pending or upcoming special assessments? Can I review the last 12 months of HOA meeting minutes before closing?"
Homeowner's insurance varies dramatically based on the home's age, construction type, location, and claims history. An older Baltimore rowhouse may carry higher premiums than a newer build. Properties with prior insurance claims (visible in the CLUE report) can cost significantly more to insure — or be difficult to insure at all.
Before making an offer: Call 2–3 insurance providers with the property address and get actual quotes. Ask the seller to provide the CLUE report showing all prior claims on the property.
An older home with poor insulation could carry $400+ monthly utility bills in a Baltimore winter. Ask the seller for 12 months of utility bills (electric, gas, water/sewer, trash). Also confirm what utilities are included if it's a condo or townhome, and whether the home has oil heat — which fluctuates wildly in price.
Ask the seller: "Can you provide 12 months of utility statements?" Utility costs are not disclosed by law in Maryland — you have to ask specifically.
Not all agents are working for you. These four questions clarify whose side your agent is really on.
This matters enormously. A buyer's agent has a fiduciary duty to represent your interests. A listing agent (seller's agent) works for the seller. Dual agency — where the same agent or same brokerage represents both sides — is legal in Maryland but creates a serious conflict of interest. You should always know which role your agent is playing.
Ask directly: "Are you operating as a buyer's agent, and will you be representing only me on this transaction?" Get the agency disclosure form in writing before touring.
An agent juggling 20+ active buyers may not have the bandwidth to alert you quickly when a good home hits the market — and in Baltimore's competitive neighborhoods, being 2 hours late to a showing can mean losing a home. You want an agent who is accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in your search.
Ask: "How quickly do you typically respond to client messages? And who covers for you if you're unavailable?" A great agent will have a clear answer.
As of August 2024, following the NAR settlement, buyer's agent compensation is no longer automatically covered by the seller. You may be asked to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement that commits you to paying your agent's commission if the seller doesn't cover it. Always understand this upfront — don't assume it's free.
Ask before signing anything: "Under what scenarios would I be responsible for paying your commission? What is your fee, and is it negotiable?"
If you've signed a buyer representation agreement, you may still owe your agent a commission even on a home you found independently. Some agreements cover any home you purchase during the agreement period, regardless of how you found it. Read the contract carefully and understand your obligations before signing.
Ask: "Does this representation agreement cover homes I find on my own, including FSBOs or homes I see on Zillow?" Know your rights before you're bound.
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What the photos won't show you. These five questions surface issues that could cost you tens of thousands.
Unpermitted work is one of the most common and costly surprises in real estate. If a previous owner added a bedroom, finished a basement, or replaced electrical wiring without permits, you could inherit the liability — including being forced to tear out the work or pay fines. Check with Baltimore City's permit database before making an offer.
Ask the seller: "What major work has been done to this home in the past 10 years, and do you have documentation of permits for each project?" Search Maryland's property records yourself to verify.
These are the three most expensive systems in any home. A foundation repair can cost $10,000–$50,000+. A full roof replacement in Baltimore averages $8,000–$15,000. An HVAC replacement runs $5,000–$12,000. Even if these issues aren't immediately visible, they must be disclosed in Maryland if the seller is aware of them. A professional home inspection is non-negotiable.
During the inspection: Ask the inspector to specifically assess the age and condition of the roof, HVAC system, and any signs of foundation movement. Get the inspector's honest opinion on useful remaining life.
Maryland law requires sellers to disclose known material defects. Read this document extremely carefully. Pay attention to checked "Yes" boxes on water intrusion, pest activity, lead paint (pre-1978 homes), roof age, and any past flooding. A vague or incomplete disclosure is itself a red flag — and sellers who check "Unknown" for everything are often hiding issues.
Ask your agent: "Can I review the seller's disclosure before we write an offer, not after?" You're entitled to see it upfront. Read every line — don't skim.
Many areas of Baltimore and surrounding Maryland counties are in or near FEMA-designated flood zones — meaning you'd be required to carry flood insurance, which can add $800–$3,000+ per year to your housing costs. Separately, check for proximity to industrial sites, contaminated soil (brownfields), or major utility easements that could affect property value and livability.
Check yourself: Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and enter the property address. Then search the EPA's EnviroMapper for nearby environmental sites.
You can't test-drive a neighborhood from a single afternoon showing. Noisy neighbors, nearby bars or nightclubs, early-morning garbage trucks, or a flight path overhead can make a dream home feel like a nightmare within weeks. This isn't something a seller will volunteer — you have to investigate yourself.
Do this: Visit the home on a weekday morning, a Friday evening, and a Sunday afternoon at different times. Walk the block and talk to neighbors if possible. Check Google Street View's historical images for any neighborhood changes.
Buying smart means thinking beyond move-in day. These three questions protect your long-term investment.
School district quality is one of the strongest predictors of long-term home value and resale speed. Homes in higher-rated school districts sell faster and at higher prices — period. Even if you don't have children and never plan to, your future buyers might. This factor directly affects your return on investment when it's time to sell.
Research: Check GreatSchools.org and Maryland State Department of Education school profiles. Confirm which school zone the specific address falls in — boundaries change.
Before you buy, understand what it looks like when you sell. If comparable homes in the neighborhood have been sitting on the market for 90+ days, that's a signal of weak demand — meaning you could face the same challenge in five years. Research recent sold prices vs. list prices and the average days-on-market (DOM) within a half-mile radius.
Ask your agent: "Can you pull a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) for this neighborhood showing sold prices and days on market for the last 6 months?" This is standard data any buyer's agent should provide for free.
This is the most important question of all — and it's the only one you ask yourself. The pressure to buy can be intense: rising rates, inventory scarcity, friends who already own, and family expectations. But a home purchased from fear of missing out (FOMO) rather than financial readiness is a recipe for regret. Make sure your emergency fund is intact, your debt-to-income is healthy, and you're buying for your life — not someone else's timeline.
Honest self-check: Do you have 3–6 months of expenses saved after closing? Is your job stable? Are you buying this home because it fits your life — or because you're afraid to keep renting? The right time to buy is when the answer is clear.
That's actually a great outcome. Knowing when not to buy is as valuable as knowing how to buy well. If you're in a situation where the traditional buying path isn't right — whether you need to sell a current home quickly, inherited a property, or need to move fast — here are options to consider:
Cash offers for your current property — If you own a home and need to sell fast before buying, a cash sale through Parlevu Global Services can close in as little as 14 days, giving you liquidity to buy on your terms rather than a lender's timeline.
Free virtual consultation — Not sure if buying or selling makes more sense for your situation? Book a free Google Meet with our team. We can walk you through Maryland market conditions, your current home's value, and what your options are — no obligation, no pressure.
As-is property sales — If you're considering selling an existing property to fund a new purchase but the home needs repairs, we buy homes in any condition throughout Maryland — no repairs, no cleaning, no showings required.
Buying your first home is one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. The buyers who come out ahead aren't the ones who offered the most — they're the ones who asked the right questions before signing anything. Print this list. Take it to every showing. Ask every single question, and don't let anyone rush you past the answers. When you're ready, Parlevu Global Services is here — whether that means helping you sell your current home fast, advising on Maryland market conditions, or connecting you with trusted local resources. We're on your side.
Ready to Talk?
Our team is available for free, no-obligation consultations — by phone, email, or Google Meet. We specialize in helping Maryland homeowners navigate their options with zero pressure.
Or call us: (667) 646-8306
First-time home buyers should ask about all closing costs (not just the down payment), what's included in the monthly PITI payment, HOA fees and pending assessments, homeowner's insurance costs, utility history, and whether their agent represents them exclusively. On the property side: ask about major repairs, permits, the seller's disclosure, flood zone status, and comparable sales in the area. This guide covers all 17 critical questions in detail.
Beyond the down payment, hidden home buying costs include: closing costs (2–5% of purchase price), homeowner's insurance, property taxes escrowed into your monthly payment, HOA fees and special assessments, home inspection fees ($350–$600), appraisal fees ($400–$700), title insurance, attorney fees (required in Maryland), moving costs, and immediate repairs or upgrades after move-in. On a $280,000 home, these extras can add $10,000–$20,000+ to your total out-of-pocket costs.
Confirm whether the agent is a buyer's agent (representing only you) or a dual agent (representing both sides — a conflict of interest). Ask how many buyers they're currently working with and how quickly they respond to messages. Understand their commission structure and whether you'd owe anything if you find a home on your own. A great buyer's agent should be fully transparent, accessible, and experienced in the specific neighborhoods you're targeting.
Key red flags include: foundation cracks or sloping floors, a roof over 15–20 years old, HVAC systems older than 12–15 years, signs of water damage or mold (staining, musty smell), unpermitted additions or renovations, a seller's disclosure with "Unknown" checked repeatedly, a home priced significantly below neighborhood comps with no clear reason, and any seller reluctance to allow a full home inspection.
Absolutely. School district ratings are one of the strongest predictors of long-term home value and resale speed — even if you have no children. Buyers with families actively filter by school district, meaning homes in higher-rated zones attract more demand, sell faster, and typically appreciate at a stronger pace. Buying in a lower-rated district to save money can cost you significantly more when you eventually sell.
Recognizing when you're not ready is a smart financial move. Key readiness indicators include: a down payment saved (minimum 3–5% for FHA), 3–6 months of emergency funds remaining after closing, a debt-to-income ratio under 43%, stable employment for at least 2 years, and a credit score above 620 (580 for FHA). If you own a property you need to sell first, Parlevu Global Services can provide a fast cash offer to give you the liquidity and flexibility you need to buy on your own timeline.
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