Maryland is a great place for members of the military to call home.
If you’re one of Maryland’s 67,000+ active-duty service members, veterans, or dependents, there are programs to help you on your homebuying journeys, making it easier to find a home that’s right for you. Here’s what you should know:
Using Your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Benefits
In the past, using the VA Home Loan meant buyers were not allowed to pay for your real estate agent’s commission. That changed on August 10th, 2024, when the VA enacted a temporary policy allowing VA buyers to pay their real estate representation. By making this temporary change, it ensures that VA buyers will have the continued access to representation in the homebuying process, regardless of whether the seller of the home you put an offer in on is willing to offer cooperative compensation (the offer from a seller to pay some or all of the buyer agent’s commission).
The VA may decide in the future to make this change permanent through their formal rulemaking process.
Receiving Equal Treatment in Real Estate Transactions
Beginning October 1st, 2024, Maryland state law added active-duty military status to the list of fair housing protected classes. This means that a seller or landlord cannot discriminate in the renting or selling process based on the buyer’s status as an active duty servicemember.
Source of income is another existing protection under Maryland fair housing laws, meaning a seller also cannot exclude your offer on the basis of using a VA loan.
Read more about Maryland fair housing laws on our fair housing page or in our fair housing brochure, available in English and Spanish.
Working With an Experienced REALTOR®
In addition to being bound by a strict Code of Ethics to work in your best interest, some REALTORS® may have a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. By earning this certification, they have received specialized instruction on the specific and unique needs as a servicemember or veteran. Find a REALTOR® who has earned the MRP certification here.
Signing a Buyer Brokerage Agreement
To begin working with any real estate agent, you’ll need to sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement. While this is a new requirement in other states, this has been a part of Maryland law since 2016.
The agreement must be signed before the agent can do any work for you (including showing you potential homes). It sets the duration of the agency relationship, explains what the agency agreement means, and is when you discuss and negotiate compensation (which can be a flat fee, percentage, or some combination of both). This agreement protects both you and your agent and helps set expectations for what services you will receive during your real estate transaction.
You can read more about them in our blog, Buyer Brokerage 101.
