House Buying Tips

What is a Closing Protection Letter & What Does It Do?

Key TakeawaysA Closing Protection Letter (CPL) is issued by the title insurance underwriter and protects the lender, buyer, or seller…

6 years ago

How Much Title Insurance Costs & How to Calculate It

Key TakeawaysTitle insurance costs depend on home price, location, and policy type — owner’s policies are price-based, lender’s policies are…

6 years ago

Closing Disclosure Timelines & The Three Day Rule

Key TakeawaysThe Closing Disclosure (CD) must reach the borrower at least three business days before closing — this is the…

6 years ago

What a Property Easement Is And How it Impacts a Property

Key TakeawaysA property easement grants a specific, limited right to use someone else’s land for a defined purpose — utility…

6 years ago

Plat Maps – What They Are and Why They Matter.

Key TakeawaysA plat map shows how land is divided within a county, city, or neighborhood — lot lines, easements, nearby…

6 years ago

How Much Should Home Inspections Cost & Other FAQs!

Key TakeawaysHome inspection costs typically range from $300–$600 for a standard single-family home in the DMV, with larger or older…

6 years ago

Which Closing Costs Are Paid By The Buyer & The Seller.

Key TakeawaysBuyers typically pay most closing costs — appraisal, loan origination, title search, owner’s and lender’s title insurance, escrow deposit,…

6 years ago

Maryland Critical Areas, Landscaping & Your Home – What You Need to Know.

Key TakeawaysMaryland's Critical Area is a 1,000-foot buffer around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries — development, landscaping, and impervious…

6 years ago

What a Title Commitment is & When You Need One

Key TakeawaysA title commitment is a pre-closing document promising the title company will issue a title insurance policy after closing,…

6 years ago

What Land Contracts Are & How to Read Them

Key TakeawaysA land contract (installment sale contract or contract for deed) is a seller-financing arrangement where the seller retains legal…

6 years ago