How to buy a house in Maryland, and how long it takes
Plan on a few weeks to find the right house and about 30 to 45 days from signed contract to settlement with a loan. Cash can close faster. Here is what happens in each step and what it costs.
By Stephen Wilson, REALTOR and owner of a licensed Maryland general contractor. Updated October 25, 2026.
The steps, in order
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-approval with a lender | 1 to 3 days |
| 2. Buyer agreement with your agent, then tours | A few days to a few months |
| 3. Offer, negotiation and signed contract | 1 to 3 days per offer |
| 4. Home inspection and repair negotiation | About 7 to 10 days after contract |
| 5. Appraisal and loan approval | 2 to 4 weeks after contract |
| 6. Final walk-through and settlement | Usually 30 to 45 days after contract |
1. Get pre-approved
A pre-approval letter tells sellers you can close and tells you the real budget. Ask the lender for the full monthly payment with property tax, homeowners insurance and any HOA or condo fee, because Maryland property tax varies a lot by county. First-time buyers should ask about the Maryland Mortgage Program.
2. Pick an agent and start touring
Industry rules now require a written agreement with your buyer's agent before you tour homes. It spells out what the agent does and how they are paid, so read it and ask questions. Then set up a search: all homes for sale, new listings, or a county such as Anne Arundel or Howard.
3. Make an offer
Most Maryland offers are written on the Maryland REALTORS residential contract (Montgomery County often uses its own regional forms). The offer sets the price, your earnest money deposit, the settlement date and your contingencies:
- Financing: you can cancel if the loan is not approved.
- Appraisal: what happens if the home appraises below the price.
- Home inspection: time to inspect and to ask for repairs or a credit.
- Sale of your current home, if you need it to buy.
The seller gives you the Maryland property disclosure or disclaimer statement, and homes built before 1978 come with a lead paint disclosure. Baltimore City and several counties have their own addenda too.
4. Home inspection
Hire a licensed inspector and go to the inspection. Add radon, termite, sewer scope, or well and septic tests when the house calls for them. This is where our team is different: Stephen owns a licensed Maryland contractor, Monarch Bay Renovations, so we can tell you what a repair really costs before you decide what to ask the seller for.
5. Appraisal and loan approval
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the value. If it comes in low, you can renegotiate, bring more cash, or cancel under your appraisal or financing contingency. Meanwhile the lender finishes underwriting. Avoid new debt or job changes until after settlement.
6. Settlement
A title company or settlement attorney runs the closing, searches title, collects the transfer and recordation taxes and records your deed. You do a final walk-through first. At the table you sign the loan and transfer documents, wire or bring your funds, and get the keys. Read the settlement statement a few days ahead and call your agent with any questions.
Is now a good time to buy?
The right time is when the payment fits your budget and you plan to stay long enough to cover the costs of buying and selling, often five years or more. Spring brings the most listings and the most competition; late fall and winter bring fewer of both. We can show you how long homes in your price range are sitting right now.
Quick answers
- How long does it take to buy a house in Maryland?
- With a mortgage, settlement usually happens 30 to 45 days after the contract is signed. Cash purchases can close in two to three weeks. Finding the house and getting an offer accepted adds anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on your budget and area.
- How much is a home appraisal in Maryland?
- For a typical single-family home, appraisals commonly run about $500 to $800, more for large, rural, multi-unit or unusual homes. The lender orders it and you usually pay for it up front or at settlement. Ask your lender for the exact fee on your loan estimate.
- How much is a home inspection in Maryland?
- A general home inspection commonly costs about $400 to $700 depending on size and age. Radon, wood-destroying insect, sewer line, well and septic tests are extra. It is money well spent: the report is what you negotiate repairs from.
- How much is home insurance in Maryland?
- It varies with the home's age, size, roof, location and your claims history, so get quotes as soon as your offer is accepted. Your lender needs proof of the policy before settlement, and older homes or homes near the water can cost more to insure.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and vary by county; confirm the details for your situation with the agency named above, a tax professional or an attorney.