The Home Buying Process in Western Maryland: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a home in Allegany or Garrett County is an exciting milestone. Whether you're purchasing your first home in Cumberland, relocating to Frostburg, or exploring properties throughout Western Maryland, understanding each step of the home buying process helps you close with confidence.
As your local title and settlement company, Allegany Garrett Titles & Settlements (AGTS) guides Western Maryland homebuyers through every phase — from making your initial offer to receiving the keys to your new home.
Getting Started: Building Your Home Buying Team in Western Maryland
Before you start touring homes, you'll need to assemble your professional team.
Pick a Real Estate Agent
Find a trusted real estate agent who knows the Allegany and Garrett County markets. A local agent understands Western Maryland neighborhoods, pricing trends, and can guide you through the aspects of buying in different areas.
Choose a Lender
Select a bank or mortgage company familiar with Western Maryland real estate. Your lender will help you understand different loan options, from conventional mortgages to FHA and VA loans, and get you pre-qualified so you know your budget before house hunting.
Select Your Home
Decide on the type of home you want, how much you can afford, and your preferred location. Western Maryland offers diverse options: historic homes in Cumberland's neighborhoods, newer developments in Frostburg, rural properties throughout Garrett County, and everything in between.
Making Your Offer and Starting the Process
Make an Offer
When you find a home you love, your real estate agent helps you write a competitive offer. They'll advise on pricing based on comparable sales in your specific Western Maryland area and negotiate terms with the seller.
Start Escrow
After the seller accepts your offer, you'll provide a good-faith deposit to an escrow agent who holds funds securely until closing. At AGTS, our escrow services protect all parties throughout your home purchase.
Apply for a Mortgage
Complete your formal mortgage application with your lender. They'll request documentation about your income, assets, and credit history to process your loan for your home purchase.
Title Search and Property Due Diligence in Western Maryland
Check the Title
The title report is reviewed to ensure the property can be legally sold without issues. We conduct thorough title searches on all properties, examining public records to verify clear ownership and identify any liens, easements, or claims that could affect your purchase.
Home Inspections and Disclosures
Hire a professional inspector to examine the property's condition. Review all disclosures the seller provides about the home. Western Maryland properties may have unique considerations your inspector can identify.
Home Appraisal
Your lender orders an appraisal to verify the home's market value matches your loan amount. The appraiser will assess the property based on comparable sales in your specific Western Maryland area.
Finalizing Your Mortgage and Title Insurance
Loan Approval
Once the lender completes their underwriting review, they'll issue final loan approval and notify the escrow agent. This clears the way for your closing.
Choose Title Insurance
Select a title insurance company to protect your ownership rights. AGTS provides comprehensive title insurance for Western Maryland homebuyers, protecting you from potential title defects that could threaten your ownership of your property. While owner's title insurance is optional in Maryland, it's highly recommended by real estate professionals to protect your purchase.
Meet All Conditions
Your title company ensures all contract conditions are satisfied before closing. We coordinate with all parties—your lender, real estate agent, the seller's agent, and any other stakeholders—to make sure your home purchase stays on track.
Closing Day: Becoming a Western Maryland Homeowner
Final Walkthrough
Conduct a final walkthrough of your new home with your agent. Verify that any agreed-upon repairs are complete and the property is in the expected condition before you sign documents.
Sign Closing Documents
Meet with us at our Cumberland or Frostburg office to sign your loan documents and provide your down payment and closing costs. Our settlement team walks you through each document, explaining what you're signing and answering any questions about your Western Maryland home purchase.
Return Documents to Lender
We sends your signed loan documents back to your lender for final review and funding approval.
Transfer of Funds
Your lender wires the loan funds to us. We coordinate all financial aspects of your closing, ensuring proper distribution to the seller, payoff of existing liens, and payment of all settlement costs.
Close the Deal
All accounts are finalized and your closing is completed. We record your deed with the Allegany County or Garrett County land records office, officially transferring ownership. You receive the keys to your new Western Maryland home!
Note: Some steps may happen simultaneously or in a slightly different order depending on your specific situation.
Why Choose AGTS for Your Allegany or Garrett County Home Purchase
As Western Maryland's trusted title and settlement company, AGTS brings local expertise to every closing:
Two convenient locations: Cumberland and Frostburg offices serving all of Allegany and Garrett Counties
Deep local knowledge: We understand Western Maryland real estate and county-specific requirements
Comprehensive services: From title searches to escrow management to settlement
Relationships that matter: We work closely with regional lenders and real estate agents throughout the area
Commitment to community: Proud partners with Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, Frostburg First, and other local organizations