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THE HOMEBUYER’S CORNER

Insights, updates, and tips for homebuyers and homeowners for all things home life. Learn more about design trends, Smart home tech, new communities, and more.

Picture of Justin McCurdy of Customize Your Home.

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A small model on a table with a blue book that says mortgage pre-approval and a calculator, keys on the table.

How to get pre approved mortgage in Maryland: A quick guide

Learn how to get pre approved mortgage steps, documents, and tips to strengthen your offer and close faster.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Nov 413 min read

A picture of the outside of a single family home and an apartment building with words on the image rent vs. buy.

Is Renting or Buying Better in Maryland

Is renting or buying better? This guide compares the costs, lifestyle factors, and personalization options in Maryland to help you make the right choice.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 3113 min read

Closing cost estimate sheets laying on the grass in front of a house on a sunny day next to a calculator.

Closing Costs on New Home: Your Friendly Guide to Smart Homebuying

Your guide to closing costs on new home basics, budgeting tips, and money-saving strategies for Maryland homebuyers.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 3016 min read

A deed to a home in a blue clip board laying on a wood table with keys laying on top and a calculator and pen next to it in front of a model home sitting on top of grass.

What is a deed of trust? A Quick Guide to Home Financing

Wondering what is a deed of trust? This clear guide explains how it works, how it differs from a mortgage, and what it means for your home purchase.

Home Buying and Selling

Justin McCurdy

Oct 2910 min read

A residential street lined with single family homes with green lush grassy front yards and a sidewalk along the street in front of the homes.

Renting vs Buying a House in Maryland

Stuck deciding on renting vs buying a house in Maryland? This guide breaks down costs, lifestyle, and customization to help you make the right choice.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Sep 2413 min read

A small cream colored model house sitting on a wood table with blueprints , a yellow hard hat, a laptop and a pen with a black cap with words over the image that says Buy with Confidence.

How to Buy New Home With Confidence

Learn how to buy new home in Maryland with expert tips on financing, builder selection, design, inspections, and closing for a smooth journey.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Sep 2215 min read

Blueprints on a table with a small model house with a tablet that says customize your home.

Your Guide to Customizing Your Home

Ready to customize your home? Explore our guide to personalizing your new space, from choosing flooring and paint to using design tools with confidence.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Sep 1115 min read

Coins on top of a home blueprint next to a calculator on a table with a small house model and pen and a blue sign that say down payment tips.

First Time Buyer Down Payment Tips – Get Started Today

Learn how to cover your first time buyer down payment with expert tips, savings strategies, and assistance programs to buy your first home.

Financial Tips to Buying a Home

Justin McCurdy

Sep 616 min read

Blueprints on a table in front of a house outside with a ruler and a pencil and tape measure.

How to Read House Blueprints: A Homebuyer's Guide

Feeling lost looking at floor plans? Learn how to read house blueprints with our simple guide on scales, symbols, and layouts to envision your dream space.

Home Design and DIY

Justin McCurdy

Sep 113 min read