Buy a Home

Start by thinking about the communities, home features, and types of properties that would be the best fit for you and your family. Talk openly about what really matters most and what would just be a nice bonus. For example, are you hoping for a waterfront home?  If so, is direct water access a must, or would community access work for you? Would you enjoy a big, flat yard or something smaller and easier to maintain? Is having space for a future pool important? What about charging for an electric car? And don’t forget to consider how important nearby schools are in your decision.

Now that you’ve been pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage, it’s important to remember that you can continue shopping for the best interest rate until you have a ratified contract, have selected your lender, and submitted a formal loan application. Jeff will then send the ratified contract to your chosen lender and discuss key details such as the duration of the financing and appraisal contingencies, inspection credits, and closing date. He will closely monitor all timelines to ensure your interests are safeguarded and your earnest money is protected.

Jeff is here to help you find the perfect home… including private, off-market listings you won’t see anywhere else. As a true house matchmaking expert, he takes the time to understand your needs and preferences, then presents tailored options and styles that suit you best. Whether you're looking for a turn-key waterfront home, a historic charmer in Eastport, a family-friendly residence in Severna Park, or a property in the amenity-rich community of Bay Ridge, Jeff will guide you every step of the way to find your home.

Once you’ve found the perfect home and your financing is in place, Jeff will help you craft a strategic offer based on comparable market data. He’ll guide you through key considerations such as timing, contingencies, and fees. After submitting your offer, Jeff will handle negotiations, navigate any counteroffers, and work to reach an agreement with the seller. From there, the home goes into escrow.  As the buyer, you have the right to choose the closing attorney. Why? Because most of the closing costs, including the homeowner’s title policy, are the buyer’s responsibility and are managed by the closing attorney. While attorney and closing fees are generally comparable, it's a good idea to research a few options or ask Jeff for a trusted recommendation. This is also the time to prepare your earnest money (either by writing a check payable to the closing attorney or arranging a wire transfer) so that the funds are ready to be transferred within 24 hours of contract ratification.

If you're financing your home purchase, your lender will order an independent appraisal to ensure the property’s value supports the loan amount. The appraiser is selected by the lender, not the buyer or seller, and will evaluate the home’s condition, location, and recent comparable sales in the area to determine its fair market value. If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, you’re one step closer to closing. If it comes in lower, don’t panic! Jeff will help you explore your options, which may include renegotiating the purchase price, appealing the appraisal, or covering the difference in cash if necessary. Appraisals are a routine part of the process, and Jeff’s deep market knowledge and strategic pricing guidance can help reduce surprises at this stage. He will ensure that you’re well-prepared, informed, and supported, every step of the way.