Selling your home in Maryland can feel like standing at a crossroads. Do you go the traditional route—hiring a realtor, staging the property, waiting for offers? Or do you explore a faster, potentially more cost-effective option—like selling to a “We Buy Houses” company?
Understanding your true costs (not just realtor commissions) is key to making the smartest decision. Let’s break it all down.
1. What Do Realtors in Maryland Typically Charge?
In Maryland, the standard real estate commission is between 5% and 6% of the final sale price. This fee is usually split between:
The listing agent (your agent)
The buyer’s agent
📌 Example:
If you sell your home for $350,000, you’ll pay $17,500 to $21,000 in commissions alone.
But that’s just the beginning.
2. Hidden Costs Beyond Realtor Commissions
While the 5-6% commission is the headline number, it’s only part of the full cost. Sellers often face additional out-of-pocket expenses:
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs/Renovations | $1,000–$15,000+ | Pre-listing fixes, staging |
| Closing Costs (Seller) | 1–3% of home price | Title fees, transfer taxes |
| Holding Costs | Varies (monthly bills) | Mortgage, utilities, taxes while listed |
| Concessions to Buyer | $2,000–$10,000 | Repairs, credits |
| Staging & Photography | $500–$3,000 | Professional services |
💡 Did You Know?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of selling a home in the U.S. is nearly 10% of the home’s sale price.
3. Time Is Money: Average Days on Market in Maryland
Even if your home is beautifully staged, it may sit on the market for 40–70 days, depending on the location and season.
Each day costs you:
Mortgage payments
Insurance
Utilities
Property taxes
👁️🗨️ Real World Case Study: Baltimore
A family in Baltimore recently sold their $280,000 home. Here’s what they spent:
$16,800 in realtor fees
$7,000 in updates and staging
$2,100 in closing costs
$3,500 in holding costs (2 months)
👉 Net profit? Less than $250,000. That’s nearly $30,000 in expenses.
4. What Are Your Alternatives?
Enter “We Buy Houses in Maryland” Companies
These companies offer a fast cash offer for your home, often as-is, with:
No commissions
No repairs or cleaning
No waiting on buyer financing
Pros:
Close in 7–14 days
Skip inspections, showings, and fees
Certainty of sale (no falling through)
Cons:
Lower offer than market value
Potential for less transparency (if not vetted)
✅ But for many sellers, the simplicity and speed are worth it.
5. Comparing Two Paths: Realtor vs Cash Buyer
Let’s break it down with an example.
Scenario: You’re selling a $300,000 house.
| Cost Type | Traditional Realtor | We Buy Houses Company |
|---|---|---|
| Realtor Fees | $18,000 (6%) | $0 |
| Repairs & Prep | $8,000 | $0 |
| Closing Costs | $3,000 | $0 (often covered) |
| Holding Costs (60 days) | $3,000 | $0 |
| Total Costs | $32,000 | $0 |
| Net Proceeds | ~$268,000 | ~$260,000 (after cash offer) |
Verdict? The gap is smaller than you think.
6. Who Are These Companies? Can You Trust Them?
Yes—if you choose wisely.
Look for:
BBB accreditation
A local presence (avoid national chains without Maryland experience)
🔍 Recommended Resources:
7. FAQs: Selling Without a Realtor in Maryland
Q: Is it legal to sell a house without a realtor in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) and direct-to-buyer sales.
Q: Do I need a lawyer?
While not required, it’s highly recommended to use a real estate attorney when selling without a licensed agent.
Q: Can I still get a good price from a cash buyer?
Yes—but “good” is relative. What you save in time and fees, you may forgo in listing competition.
8. When It Makes Sense to Use a Realtor
Despite the costs, sometimes hiring a realtor is the smart play:
Your home is in excellent condition
You’re not in a rush
You want to maximize price and create bidding wars
In this case, a realtor’s marketing, negotiation, and network can make the commission worthwhile.
9. When to Choose a Cash Buyer Instead
A “We Buy Houses” company may be ideal if:
You’re behind on mortgage payments or taxes
You inherited a home you don’t want
The house needs significant repairs
You’re relocating or facing divorce
You want a fast, guaranteed sale
10. What Maryland Homeowners Are Saying
“We inherited our grandmother’s house in Silver Spring—it needed $40K in work. A realtor said it would take 3 months to sell. We went with a cash buyer and closed in 9 days. No headaches, no stress.”
— Karen D., Montgomery County
“I was going to list with an agent, but the thought of open houses and repairs made me anxious. We got a fair offer and closed fast.”
— Marcus L., Anne Arundel
- Schedule a Consultation: Google Calendar or Appointment Form
11. How to Get a Fair Cash Offer in Maryland
Step 1: Research local companies
Step 2: Read reviews and check licensing
Step 3: Request a free, no-obligation offer
Step 4: Compare net proceeds (don’t just look at sale price)
Step 5: Choose the best path for your needs
🛠️ You can also consult a real estate attorney to review your contract.
12. Final Thoughts: Sell Smart in Maryland
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Don’t let tradition force your hand.
Whether you go the realtor route or opt for a direct home buyer, make sure you:
Know your true costs
Understand your timeline needs
Prioritize convenience vs profit
📘 Further Reading and Trusted Sources
- Visit: We Buy Houses Maryland
- Schedule a Consultation: Google Calendar or Appointment Form
- Leave a Review: Google Reviews
- Explore Our Business Profile: Google My Business
✅ TL;DR Summary
| Factor | Realtor Route | Cash Buyer Option |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 40–70+ days | 7–14 days |
| Costs | 8–10% of sale price | Minimal to none |
| Repairs/Staging Needed | Yes | No |
| Legal Help Needed | Optional | Recommended |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
If you’re in Maryland and wondering “should I use a realtor—or sell my house fast?” then hopefully this guide gave you clarity. Want to explore working with a trusted local buyer?