7 Steps to Making an Offer on Your Baltimore City Dream Home in 2024!

New year, new you, new home! It’s an easy affirmation to speak, but is it as easy in practice? Live Baltimore is here to answer that question with a resounding YES! Keep reading to learn exactly what you need to make your homebuying dreams come true in 2024.

1 – Assess Your Needs

First things first, what do you need out of your new home? Not to toot our own horn, but our Neighborhoods web page is one of the best resources for information on Baltimore’s 279 unique neighborhoods! Narrow down your search by choosing your desired vibe– artsy, historic, kid-friendly, lively, by the water, etc., and get an in-depth breakdown of each neighborhood. Learn about nearby amenities, median home values, estimated mortgages, housing styles, real estate agents who service the area, neighborhood schools, and more.

2 – Create a Resident Profile on LiveBaltimore.com

Now that you know what you need, let us get you started! Create your Personalized Moving Planner on LiveBaltimore.com to get recommendations on neighborhoods, financial incentives, real estate partners, and schools that uniquely meet your needs.

3 – Attend Homeownership Counseling

Homeownership counseling agencies offer homebuyer services to help determine if you are ready for homeownership, review and address credit issues, aid with applying for homebuying incentives, and more. A homeownership counseling certificate is required to receive almost all Baltimore City homebuying incentives.

4 – Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Knowing how much you can afford to spend on your new home is one of the most important things to know. However, it can also be one of the most overwhelming. That is why it is recommended to speak with at least three reputable mortgage lenders to find the best mortgage product for you– especially those familiar with homebuying incentives.

5 – Find a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents have proprietary homebuying knowledge and resources unavailable to the average house hunter. Best of all, they cost nothing to the homebuyer utilize. All you need to do is know your must-haves, desired location, and budget; they will take it from there!

6 – Attend Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour

Live Baltimore’s Trolley Tour is a premiere homebuying event intended to:

• Educate homebuyers
• Connect homebuyers with knowledgeable real estate professionals
• Show off Baltimore City neighborhoods and amenities
• Qualify homebuyers for the Buying Into Baltimore $5,000 incentive

Trolley Tour allows you to accomplish many of these steps in just one afternoon. If you’re interested in attending the next Trolley Tour, sign up for our monthly events newsletter to know when it is available!

7 – Make an Offer

You’ve got the money, and you’ve found the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood, ‘nuff said. Snatch it up while you can!

The End…?

In a perfect world, your first offer would be accepted, and you’d immediately move into your new home. However, we know the world isn’t perfect, and there are a few more steps you must take before moving day, like getting homeowners insurance, getting the home inspected, and securing a title. Luckily for you, we have you covered there as well! Live Baltimore partners with trusted homebuyer resource providers to ensure you are supported, even after signing your contract.

Want a step-by-step guide? Check out our Homebuying Guide, which outlines each major milestone of your journey and informs you which real estate professionals to ensure you have all the tools you need for homebuying success!