The Maryland Buyer's Guide to Vetting Real Estate Professionals

You research restaurants for 20 minutes before dinner. Shouldn't you research the professionals handling your $400,000 home purchase?

Most Maryland home buyers work with the first lender, title company, or inspector their agent recommends. But you have the right to choose your own professionals. The differences between them can save you thousands or cost you dearly.

Why Most Buyers Skip the Research

• "My agent knows best" — They might, but that doesn't mean it's the best fit for you
  
  
• "It's too complicated" — Researching multiple vendors sounds overwhelming
  
  
• "I don't know what to ask" — Without industry knowledge, it's hard to compare
  
  
• "I don't have time" — Between house hunting and paperwork, it feels like too much
  
  

Here's the truth: skipping this step usually costs more time and money later.

What's Really at Stake

You're not just picking service providers. You're choosing:

• Your closing timeline. Some lenders close in 21 days. Others take 45 or more.
  
  
• Your protection level. Title companies vary dramatically in fraud protection and insurance coverage.
  
  
• Your total costs. Fees can differ by hundreds or thousands for identical services.
  
  
• Your stress level. Communication styles and responsiveness vary widely.
  
  
• Your financial security. Some professionals prevent problems. Others only respond after issues occur.
  
  

Sarah learned this the hard way. She used her agent's recommended lender without shopping around. A better rate she found later would have saved her $2,300 over the loan term.

Start This Process Now

Here's a timeline that works:

• While house hunting: Research and create your shortlist of professionals.
  
  
• Before making offers: Have your team identified and vetted.
  
  
• After offer acceptance: Work with professionals you already trust.
  
  

Don't wait until you're under contract when emotions and time pressure cloud judgment.

Your 4-Step Vetting Process

Step 1: Ask the Right Questions

For Lenders:

• What's your average closing timeline for my loan type?
  
  
• Do you offer rate locks and what are the terms?
  
  
• What happens if underwriting issues come up?
  
  
• Can you provide recent references from similar buyers?
  
  

For Title Companies:

• Do you carry wire fraud insurance? How much coverage?
  
  
• Can you accommodate my preferred closing timeline and location?
  
  
• What languages do you offer services in?
  
  
• How do you handle complex title issues?
  
  

For Inspectors:

• What's included in your standard inspection versus add-ons?
  
  
• How detailed is your report and when do I receive it?
  
  
• Are you familiar with issues common to this area or home age?
  
  
• Do you offer follow-up consultations?
  
  

Step 2: Compare Multiple Options

• Get at least three quotes for lending and title services.
  
  
• Ask identical questions to each provider so you can compare fairly.
  
  
• Focus on value, not just price. The cheapest option often costs more later.
  
  

Step 3: Check Reviews and References

• Read recent reviews that mention communication, timeline accuracy, and problem-solving.
  
  
• Call actual references. Ask how they handled challenges and what the experience was like.
  
  
• Look for patterns. Repeated complaints are red flags. Consistent praise builds confidence.
  
  

Step 4: Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off during your research, trust your gut. You'll be working closely with these people during a stressful transaction.

Green Flags and Red Flags

Universal Green Flags

• Clear communication and realistic timelines
  
  
• Willing to explain fees and processes in detail
  
  
• Consistent, recent reviews from buyers like you
  
  
• Proper Maryland licensing and current insurance
  
  
• Availability that matches your contract needs
  
  

Service-Specific Excellence

Lenders

• Competitive rates with transparent terms
  
  
• Strong pre-approval process
  
  

Title Companies

• Comprehensive wire fraud protection
  
  
• Flexible closing options
  
  
• Experience with your property type
  
  

Inspectors

• Detailed reports with photos
  
  
• Quick turnaround
  
  
• Expertise in local home styles
  
  

Real Estate Attorneys

• Maryland real estate focus
  
  
• Transparent fees
  
  
• Responsive communication
  
  

Red Flags to Avoid

• Pressure to decide immediately without time to research
  
  
• Vague or evasive answers to direct questions
  
  
• Unwilling to provide references or explain their process
  
  
• Pattern of poor reviews with similar complaints
  
  
• Unclear licensing or inadequate insurance coverage
  
  

Real Buyer Experiences

Mike's expensive lesson: He chose the cheapest title company to save $200. Their disorganization delayed his closing by a week, costing him $800 in temporary housing and storage fees.

Jennifer's nightmare: She didn’t properly vet her home inspector. He missed foundation issues that cost her $12,000 in repairs after closing. A more thorough inspector would have caught it.

Questions to Ask Your Agent

Your agent’s suggestions can be a helpful starting point. But take time to ask your own questions:

• Why this lender over others you work with?
  
  
• How often have you worked with them recently?
  
  
• What's their reputation when problems arise?
  
  
• Can you give me two or three other options to compare?
  
  

Good agents expect buyers to do their homework. Most will respect your thoroughness.

Making Your Final Decisions

Prioritize based on your goals:

• Want to save money? Compare all fees, not just rates.
  
  
• Want peace of mind? Focus on security protocols and communication style.
  
  
• Want speed? Verify actual closing timelines and availability.
  
  
• Want expertise? Choose professionals with experience in your situation.
  
  

Document everything. Get fee estimates, timelines, and responsibilities in writing before you commit.

Take Control of Your Home Purchase

The professionals you choose will determine whether your home purchase is smooth or stressful, affordable or expensive, secure or risky.

Start your research while you're house hunting. That way, you’ll have trusted people in place before it really matters.

Your agent's recommendations are suggestions, not requirements. The final decision is yours, and it matters more than you might think.

Compare wisely. Choose confidently. Buy with peace of mind.

Maryland law protects your right to choose your own real estate professionals. Make that choice count.

‍