Thinking About Buying a Home Right Now? Here’s What You Should Be Doing!

Thinking About Buying a Home Right Now? Here’s What You Should Be Doing!

If you’re considering a real estate purchase in today’s market, you’re not alone—buyers throughout Maryland are weighing their options as interest rates, inventory levels, and competition continue to shift. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or thinking about upsizing or downsizing, taking the right steps early can make the entire process smoother, more strategic, and far less stressful.

Here’s what you should be doing right now if you’re thinking about buying:

1. Get Pre-Approved With a Trusted Local Lender

Before you even start scrolling listings, get pre-approved.

A strong pre-approval does three things:

• Shows you your true budget
• Positions you as a serious buyer
• Allows you to act quickly when the right home hits the market

In Maryland—where good homes often go under contract quickly—a clean, well-prepared pre-approval can make all the difference. If you need reputable local lenders, we are always happy to provide recommendations.

2. Understand Today’s Market Conditions

Markets vary neighborhood by neighborhood—but here’s what we’re seeing across much of Maryland:

• Well-priced, well-prepared homes still move fast
• Condition matters more than ever—homes that are updated and turnkey draw stronger attention
• Interest rates remain a factor, but buyers who prepare strategically are still finding excellent opportunities

Knowledge is power. The more you understand your local market, the better positioned you’ll be to make confident decisions.

3. Make a Needs vs. Wants List

This step may seem simple, but it saves buyers huge amounts of time.

Create three columns:

• Must-Have (non-negotiables like location, number of bedrooms, accessibility, commute time)
• Nice-to-Have
• Dream Features

This helps focus your search so you don’t get distracted by homes that look great online but ultimately don’t fit your lifestyle.

4. Start Watching Neighborhood Activity

Even if you’re not ready to write an offer today, start studying:

• Recent sales
• Days on market
• Price reductions
• Inventory levels

This gives you a feel for whether a neighborhood is competitive or offers room for negotiation. We can also set you up with a personalized market alert system so you see new listings and sold data in real time.

5. Build Your Team Early

A successful home purchase requires more than just a realtor.

Start connecting with:

• Your lender
• A home inspector
• Contractors (if you’re considering homes that may need updates)
• Insurance provider

Having the right team ready to go prevents delays when it’s time to write an offer.

6. Be Ready to Act—But Don’t Rush

The right home is still out there, and the best buyers strike a balance between readiness and patience. With a clear plan, a strong pre-approval, and guidance from a professional who knows the Maryland market inside and out, you can move forward with confidence—even in a shifting market.

7. Partner With a Realtor  (like The Miller Team) Who Can Strategize With You

Buying a home today isn’t just about finding the right property—it’s about navigating a dynamic market. A strong agent should help you:

• Analyze neighborhood trends
• Understand offer strategies
• Identify red flags during showings
• Negotiate effectively
• Coordinate the entire process from contract to closing

If you’re thinking about buying—whether next month or next year—we’d be happy to walk you through the steps and help you prepare so you feel confident and informed.