maryland real estate lawyer what to look out for in sales contract

by Jolie Ferry 8 min read

In Maryland, sellers are required to complete a real estate purchase agreement and the following disclosure in order for it to be considered legally binding: Residential Property Disclosure and Disclaimer Form. State law requires that the seller of a residential property disclose the property’s condition and any defects to the buyer.

Full Answer

What is a Maryland residential real estate purchase and sale agreement?

A Maryland residential real estate purchase and sale agreement is a contract used to present an offer and facilitate the purchase or sale of real estate. The agreement will outline the specific terms of the sale and set a deadline on which the offer expires.

What do I have to disclose when selling my Maryland home?

What you must disclose to buyers if you're selling your home can get complicated. Although the laws vary by state, you must tell buyers about any problems you know exist in your home. Find out more about the Maryland real estate seller disclosures and what you can do to protect yourself.

Who is the best lawyer for waterfront property in Maryland?

Dirk Schwenk is a Maryland real estate attorney focusing on waterfront issues including riparian rights, piers, variances and permits, boundary disputes as well as maritime and marine contracting issues. He also assists with boat purchase, sale and tax issues.

How to buy a house in Maryland as a buyer?

Generate an official Maryland real estate purchase agreement. The Maryland residential real estate purchase agreement (“residential purchase and sale agreement”) is a contract that outlines the price, terms, rights, and obligations of both the buyer and seller during a residential real estate transaction.

What should I watch for in a contract of sale?

It is important to check for any registered easements (which appear on Title) and unregistered easements (private agreements). If you are buying off-plan, the Contract of Sale should contain a sunset clause. This enables you to cancel the Contract if the Plan or development is not completed by a certain date.

What should I look for in a contract of purchase and sale?

What to Look for in Your Agreement of Purchase and SalePrice/Deposit. In order for your Purchase of Agreement and Sale to be valid, it must include the price of the property as agreed on by both the buyer and the seller. ... Possession Date. ... Irrevocability. ... Conditions.

Does Maryland require an attorney for real estate?

Maryland state law does not require parties to hire a lawyer to assist them in their residential real estate transactions, including with respect to the closing.

Do sellers have to be present at closing in Maryland?

Unlike the buyer, who may have to attend the closing to sign original loan documents delivered by the lender to the closing, you, as the seller, may or may not need to attend. For either a conventional escrow closing or a table closing, you may be able to pre-sign the deed and other transfer documents.

What do I need to know before signing a purchase agreement?

The names of the parties, a description of the property, and the purchase price. The rights and obligations of the parties. The condition of the property, including what is - and is not - included in the sale. The amount of the earnest money deposit.

Who pays for closing costs?

Closing costs are paid according to the terms of the purchase contract made between the buyer and seller. Usually the buyer pays for most of the closing costs, but there are instances when the seller may have to pay some fees at closing too.

How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Maryland?

How much do lawyers charge in Maryland?Practice TypeAverage Hourly RateReal Estate$323Tax$391Traffic Offenses$447Trusts$38316 more rows

How much is earnest money deposit in Maryland?

One percent of the purchase price is standard in some areas in Maryland. In other areas, the Earnest Money Deposit my be $500 or $1,000. Typically, the higher the price of a house, the higher the earnest money deposit.

Is Maryland an attorney closing state?

Several states have laws on the books mandating the physical presence of an attorney or other types of involvement at real estate closings, including: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New ...

Do sellers pay closing costs in Maryland?

Who pays for closing costs in Maryland? Both the buyer and the seller pay for closing costs in MD. They are responsible for different costs, though they split the transfer taxes.

Can seller back out if closing date not met?

Typically, the closing date is extended; however, the sellers might disagree. Yes – if the closing date is missed, the seller can cancel at will. However, there are many things to consider before deciding to end the deal. If there are no other interested parties, the seller may be more willing to grant an extension.

What not to do after closing on a house?

What Not To Do After Closing On a HouseAvoid Big Charges on a Credit Card.Be Careful with Trends.Do Not Neglect Your Neighbors.Don't Miss Tax Breaks.Keep Your Real Estate Agent Close.Save That Mail.Celebrate! You Did It!

How Do You Write a Real Estate Contract in Maryland?

To write a real estate contract in Maryland, you will need to identify and document the terms and conditions of the sale. The contract should also...

How Can You Get Out of a Real Estate Contract in Maryland?

You can get out of a real estate contract in Maryland during several stages of the buying process. First, the offer must be accepted to make it bin...

What Is the Effective Date of a Real Estate Contract in Maryland?

In Maryland, the effective date of a real estate contract is the date the buyer and seller agree to the terms of the contract and have it executed....

Can a Seller Cancel a Real Estate Contract in Maryland?

In Maryland, a seller can get out of a real estate contract if the buyer’s contingencies are not met—these include financial, appraisal, inspection...

How Do I Fill Out a Real Estate Contract in Maryland?

To fill out a real estate contract in Maryland, first, download our customizable Maryland real estate contract template. Filling out the template i...

What are the disclosures required in Maryland?

Statutory Disclosures. There are a long list of disclosures that are required to be placed in Maryland real estate contracts by statute. These include everything from the application of the Critical Areas laws, to notices about where deposits are placed by the broker, to sections on the homeowners associations, ...

What are the three sections of a real estate contract?

This article is broken up into three sections: 1) Basic requirements for a contract; 2) disclosure considerations; and 3) investigation that is worthwhile to do when entering into a real estate contract.

What is a transfer of land in Maryland?

A writing, signed by the parties, that identifies the property and the basic terms of the contract: In Maryland, as in most states, there is no enforceable contract to transfer land unless there is at least a written document identifying the property and the nature of the contract and signed by the seller.

What is the importance of understanding Maryland real estate laws?

In all real estate cases, an understanding of Maryland real estate laws, consumer protection laws, real estate disclosure statutes and real estate sales and settlements is critical to winning real estate cases on behalf of buyers and sellers.

Does Maryland have a real estate law?

While many states actually require that lawyers review real estate contracts before they are signed, Maryland property law leaves buyers and sellers free to enter into bad deals under sales contracts with legally ambiguous language that actually invites real estate lawsuits. In most residential home sales, these real estate contracts are drafted by real estate agents, buyers and sellers who may not understand the legal problems.

What is a Maryland real estate purchase agreement?

The Maryland residential real estate purchase agreement (“residential purchase and sale agreement”) is a contract that outlines the price, terms, rights, and obligations of both the buyer and seller during a residential real estate transaction. Once the agreement has been signed, it may ...

What is a residential purchase agreement?

Residential real estate purchase agreements commonly contain promises and provisions guaranteeing a property’s condition. Many states legally require sellers to disclose explicit information concerning a property’s condition. In states where this is required and a seller willfully hides such information, they can be sued for fraud.

What happens when a buyer breaches a contract?

When a buyer or seller breaches a contract for real property, the non-breaching party often find themselves in a precarious situation. Questions of whether or not a sale can be enforced are complex, and their answers are dependent on the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. The types of damages that are available are also largely ...

When is a contract legally binding?

Lastly, a contract is legally binding when the above elements are met and when there has been a “meeting of the minds” between the parties. Both parties must have had the requisite intent to enter into a binding contract at the time of formation.

What are the elements of a breach of contract?

There are four elements that must be established in order for a valid contract to exist: Offer. Acceptance.

Is acceptance a binding contract?

It is binding upon acceptance. Acceptance is the unequivocal agreement to the terms of the offer. In order for a contract to be legally enforceable, there must also be consideration. Consideration, or “benefit of the bargain,” is the value or benefit that both parties gain from entering into the contract. Lastly, a contract is legally binding ...

Can a buyer sue a seller for monetary damages?

Lack of remedy at law. A buyer may choose to sue for monetary damages if a seller breaches a contract for sale of land. Damages that a seller could seek include costs of applying for a loan, damages from the buyer’s reliance on the property being available, and other associated costs.

What is a Maryland residential real estate purchase and sale agreement?

A Maryland residential real estate purchase and sale agreement is a contract used to present an offer and facilitate the purchase or sale of real estate. The agreement will outline the specific terms of the sale and set a deadline on which the offer expires.

When is lead based paint required to be disclosed?

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – In accordance with federal law, if a residential property was built before 1978, purchasers must be given information about the application of lead-based paint on the property.

What is the law in Maryland?

In Maryland, you the law requires you to make certain disclosures. Maryland Real Property Section 10-702 requires you to fill out a form that gives you the choice of disclaiming to buyers your selling your home “as-is” with no representations or warranties about its condition, or disclose to buyers certain defects or other information about ...

Can you sell your house in Maryland without jumping over hurdles?

It's never easy to sell your home without jumping over a few hurdles. Aside from trying to find as many potential buyers as you can, Maryland law requires you to disclose any “latent defects” with your house before you can close a deal.

Do defects affect value of a home?

Some defects are just normal wear and tear that comes with older homes and shouldn't affect values. The problem is it could make buyers skittish about buying your home. So, what should you disclose to potential buyers ? In Maryland, you the law requires you to make certain disclosures.

Do you have to disclose latent defects in Maryland?

However, if you choose the disclaimer route, it doesn't mean you're off the hook for any potential problems buyers may encounter. Maryland law still requires you to disclose any “actual knowledge” you have about any latent defects with your home.