Please walk me through buying a home in Montgomery County

[Anonymous]

We might make an offer on a house in Montgomery County. We are not using a buyer's agent.

How does the offer/contract/closing process work here? Anything to look out for? How long does it take?

We have owned real estate in another state so are pretty aware of the settlement statement and general process - just wondering what's specific here.

[Anonymous]

I wish I could help you. Are you moving from VA or DC? I can't imagine it is any different as it would be a state thing, not a county difference. Have you asked your realtor these questions?

[Anonymous]

Are you purchasing from a owner or builder directly? Why are you not using a buyer's agent? In MD, for the most part, buyer's agents are paid by the seller, so there is no cost for you to be represented.

[Anonymous]

I am a Realtor, and i am also wondering why you are not using a buyers agent? commission is paid through the sellers side so shouldn't be a cost to you. Also, particularly if the seller is being represented by an agent, it is good to have someone looking out for you. If neither side is using an agent - different story.
Timewise, right now, it is taking about 45 days to get from loan application to closing in Montgomery County.

[Anonymous]

Why aren't you using a buyer's agent? You won't have to pay them a dime --- the seller pays the buyer's agent fees.

[Anonymous]

I also would say why aren't you using an agent? I don't think things are so depressed in MoCo that a seller's agent is going to cut a deal based on the fact that you don't ahve an agent taking 2-2.5%.