Buying your first home in Maryland is exciting, but it’s also easy to overlook important details when you’re focused on getting an offer accepted. Many first-time buyers look back after closing and realize there were costs, decisions, or timing factors they didn’t fully understand at the start.

In 2025, the Maryland real estate market is more balanced than it has been in years, but that doesn’t mean mistakes won’t be costly. Understanding what first-time homebuyers commonly overlook can help you avoid regret, protect your budget, and make a more confident purchase.

1. Underestimating the True Monthly Payment

One of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make is focusing only on the purchase price or interest rate, rather than the full monthly payment.

In Maryland, your monthly payment often includes:

• Principal and interest

• Property taxes (which vary significantly by county)

• Homeowners insurance

• HOA or condo fees, if applicable

Buyers are often surprised when property taxes or HOA fees add hundreds of dollars to their monthly payment, even though the home price felt affordable.

What to do instead:
Before making an offer, review a full payment estimate based on the specific county, not just a generic online calculator.

2. Ignoring How County Differences Affect Affordability

Maryland is not a one-price-fits-all state. Property taxes, insurance costs, and even closing costs can vary dramatically from one county to another.

For example:

• A home in Baltimore County may have a very different tax bill than a similar-priced home in Harford or Cecil County.

• Some counties offer first-time buyer incentives or tax discounts that others do not.

First-time buyers who focus on neighborhoods without comparing county costs often limit their options unnecessarily.

What to do instead:
Compare counties early in your search to see where your budget stretches further without sacrificing your priorities.

3. Overlooking Closing Costs and Cash Needed at Settlement

Many first-time buyers save diligently for a down payment but underestimate how much cash is required at closing.

In Maryland, buyers may need to cover:

• Transfer and recordation taxes (depending on county and exemptions)

• Lender fees

• Title and settlement costs

• Prepaid taxes and insurance

Closing costs can add up quickly, and buyers who aren’t prepared may feel stressed just before settlement.

What to do instead:
Ask for a realistic closing cost estimate early and explore whether seller credits or local assistance programs can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Skipping or Rushing the Home Inspection

In competitive markets, some first-time buyers feel pressure to waive inspections or rush through them. This often leads to regret.

Older homes in Maryland—especially in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and historic communities—can have:

• Aging roofs or HVAC systems

• Electrical or plumbing issues

• Foundation or moisture concerns

These problems aren’t always obvious during a showing.

What to do instead:
Use the inspection as a negotiation and education tool. Even if you still want the home, understanding its condition helps you plan financially.

5. Not Thinking Long-Term Enough

Many first-time buyers focus only on today’s needs and forget to think about how their life may change in the next five to seven years.

Common oversights include:

• Buying too small with no room to grow

• Choosing a location with limited resale appeal

• Ignoring commute flexibility or future work changes

Your first home doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should support your medium-term goals.

What to do instead:
Think about resale value, layout flexibility, and neighborhood demand—not just what works today.

6. Assuming the List Price Reflects True Value

In 2025, Maryland homes are not all selling the same way. Some homes sell quickly, while others sit due to overpricing or condition issues.

First-time buyers sometimes assume:

• A high list price means strong value

• A price reduction means something is “wrong”

Neither assumption is always true.

What to do instead:
Look at recent comparable sales, days on market, and price trends in that specific area to understand real value.

7. Waiting Too Long to Ask Questions

Many first-time buyers hesitate to ask questions because they don’t want to seem inexperienced. This often leads to confusion or stress later.

Common questions buyers wait too long to ask:

• How escrow works

• How property taxes may change

• What happens if repairs are needed after closing

• How refinancing works in the future

What to do instead:
Ask questions early and often. The right guidance should make you feel informed—not rushed.

The Bottom Line

Most first-time homebuyer regrets in Maryland aren’t about buying the “wrong” house—they’re about not fully understanding the process, costs, and long-term implications.

By planning ahead, comparing counties, understanding your true monthly payment, and asking the right questions, you can avoid common pitfalls and make a purchase you feel confident about long after closing.

Thinking About Buying Your First Home in Maryland?

At KNHome Group of Vybe Realty, we help first-time buyers understand the full picture—from monthly payments to county costs—so there are no surprises after settlement.

If you’re preparing to buy your first home or want clarity on where to start, visit KNHomeGroup.com to schedule a first-time buyer strategy conversation.