By Christina Koch-Garcia, REALTOR®
If you’re buying a home in a condominium, homeowners association (HOA), or cooperative community, Maryland law requires the seller to provide you with a resale package—a collection of documents designed to help you understand the community you’re joining before you go to closing.
Think of it as a snapshot of both the property and the association that governs it.
What’s Included?
While the contents vary by community and by property type, a resale package typically includes:
- A resale certificate or disclosure statement outlining association fees, assessments, and financial obligations
- Information about any outstanding balances, violations, or enforcement actions related to the property
- Current or pending special assessments
- Governing documents such as declarations, bylaws, and articles of incorporation
- Community rules, regulations, and architectural guidelines
- The association’s budget, reserve information, and insurance details
- Recent meeting minutes and other community disclosures
Some associations may also conduct an inspection of the property as part of the resale process to identify any exterior violations or maintenance issues.
Why It Matters
As a buyer, it’s important to review the information in the package carefully. Community restrictions regarding pets, parking, rentals, home modifications, and other property uses may apply, and you’ll want to know about them before settlement—not after.
Take a close look at the resale certificate. It should identify any unpaid fees, violations, or special assessments associated with the property. If issues are noted, work with your REALTOR® to make sure they are addressed before closing.
The package can also tell you a lot about the financial health of the community. Associations with strong reserve funds are generally better prepared for major repairs and replacements, reducing the likelihood of special assessments, which homeowners may be required to pay when reserves are insufficient.
Your Right to Review
Resale packages may be delivered electronically or in hard copy. Once received, Maryland buyers are given a review period and may have the right to cancel the contract without penalty if they decide the community is not the right fit. The exact timeframe depends on the type of community and when the documents are delivered.
Your REALTOR® can help you understand the applicable deadlines and ensure you don’t miss any important dates.
Who Pays?
In Maryland, sellers are generally responsible for obtaining and paying for the resale package. Because gathering the documents can take time, sellers should order them as early as possible during the listing process.
If you’re purchasing a home in a condominium, HOA, or cooperative community, don’t treat the resale package as just another stack of paperwork. Take the time to review it, ask questions, and understand both the community’s rules and its financial condition before you close. The details can have a significant impact on both property ownership and future resale value.
A little due diligence today can help you avoid costly surprises tomorrow.
Learn More
For more information, see the following from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General:
