Annapolis Real Estate FAQ

Your comprehensive guide to buying, selling, and relocating with Jean Tullier.

First-Time Home Buyers

Great news for 2026! Under current Maryland law, eligible first-time buyers who have never owned a principal residence in the state are fully exempt from the state transfer tax. This can save you thousands of dollars at the closing table. To qualify, you must occupy the home as your primary residence.

Yes. Programs like the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) offer "1st Time Advantage" loans with competitive rates and deferred-payment loans for down payment and closing cost assistance. I work with preferred local lenders who specialize in these state-backed programs to maximize your buying power.

Don't just look at the kitchen! I help my clients check the "big ticket" items: the age of the HVAC system, the condition of the roof, signs of water in the basement (crucial in coastal Annapolis), and the orientation of the home for natural light. We also look for "latent defects" that might not show up in pretty listing photos.

Relocating & Military (PCS) VA Specialist

Many of my military and corporate relocation clients buy from across the country. I act as your "boots on the ground" by providing narrated video walk-throughs. I don’t just show the house; I show the street, the neighbor’s yard, and the proximity to local amenities so you can buy with 100% confidence without needing to fly in.

Annapolis is home to a huge veteran community. VA loans offer 0% down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Since I understand VA appraisal standards (Minimum Property Requirements), I can help you identify homes that will pass inspection smoothly, avoiding last-minute financing hurdles.

Fort Meade is typically a 25-35 minute drive from Annapolis, making it a very popular home base for military families. Commuting to D.C. via Route 50 takes about 45-60 minutes depending on the time of day. I can suggest specific neighborhoods like Severn River or Arnold that can shave minutes off your daily drive.

Relocating to Annapolis

Commissioning Week (mid-May) is the US Naval Academy's graduation. It brings thousands of visitors to town. For homeowners, it's a prime short-term rental opportunity; for buyers, it's a time when the city's energy is at its peak, though traffic can be intense!

In Annapolis, properties within 1,000 feet of the shoreline are subject to "Critical Area" regulations. This affects how much "impervious surface" (like patios or driveways) you can add and how trees can be cleared. It's vital to have a Realtor who understands these local environmental laws.

Selling Your Home

While spring is the traditional peak, Annapolis stays active year-round. However, listing in late March or April allows you to capture buyers who want to be settled in before the summer boating season or the start of the school year.

Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price. In Maryland, state and local transfer taxes and recordation fees are traditionally split 50/50 between the buyer and seller, though this is always a negotiable point in the contract.