Sell your house for cash in Maryland

How to sell a house for cash in Maryland, step by step

1. Get your numbers first. Call your lender for a payoff statement and check your county tax bill. Run a quick estimate with our cash offer calculator so you know what a fair offer looks like.
2. Request several offers. One offer tells you nothing. Get at least two, from local investors, iBuyers that serve your area, or Cash Offer Desk where we buy, and check each one with the calculator.
3. Compare more than price. Look at the closing date, who pays closing costs and the transfer tax, the inspection period, earnest money, and whether the buyer will assign the contract.
4. Close with a professional. Title companies and settlement attorneys handle closings. Deeds must be prepared or certified by an attorney.
5. Get paid at closing. Your mortgage and any liens are paid from the sale proceeds, and the rest is wired to you or paid by check.

Wholesalers in Maryland

HB 124 and SB 160 (2025 chapters 508 and 509, effective October 1, 2025) require anyone who plans to assign or sell their equitable interest in a home contract to disclose that intent in writing to the seller and the buyer. If they don't, the contract can be cancelled before settlement without penalty.

Wherever you live, ask every buyer one question: “Are you buying this house yourself, or will you assign the contract?” A wholesaler can still be a fine option if they are upfront about it. Read our guide to wholesaling for sellers before you sign.

Closing costs and taxes

The state transfer tax is 0.5%, or 0.25% for first-time Maryland buyers, and in that case the seller pays it. Counties add their own transfer and recordation taxes, which can make the total 1.5% to over 3% (Baltimore City is among the highest). Payment is negotiated and often split.

Many cash buyers offer to pay closing costs. Get that in the contract, and ask which costs it covers. Capital gains rules are federal and state; a tax professional can tell you what you will owe.

Do you have to disclose problems?

Under Real Property 10-702, sellers must give either a property condition disclosure statement or a disclaimer selling the home as is. Even with the disclaimer they must disclose known latent defects. Sales by a fiduciary administering an estate, trust, or guardianship are exempt.

If you are behind on payments

Most foreclosures use a power of sale filed with the circuit court, a quasi-judicial process with a 45-day notice of intent and a mediation option for owner-occupants. There is no right to redeem after the sale is ratified.

Selling before a foreclosure sale can protect your equity and your credit, but watch for foreclosure rescue scams. Never sign your deed over to anyone outside of a formal closing. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through every option. More in our foreclosure guide.