Choosing How to Take Title to Real Property in Maryland.

 

Your choice should match your intention for (1) control while you own the property, (2) what happens at sale, and (3) what happens at death. Maryland recognizes several common ways to hold title.

1) Sole ownership (one person or one entity)

Who uses it: An individual, or a legal entity (LLC, corporation, or trust).

At death: Passes according to your will or Maryland intestacy (i.e., it goes through probate unless you’ve planned otherwise).

Notes: You can deed a home into a revocable living trust to avoid probate; that requires a new deed to the trust.

Maryland People's Law Library

2) Tenants by the Entirety (TBE) — married couples only

Who uses it: Legally married spouses (same-sex marriages included).

Survivorship: Yes. If one spouse dies, the survivor owns the whole property automatically.

Creditor protection: Strong protection from one spouse’s separate creditors (exceptions include federal tax liens and joint debts).

Presumptions: In Maryland, a deed to a married couple is presumed to create TBE unless it says otherwise; divorce converts TBE into tenants in common.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Why choose it: Survivorship + asset-protection benefits for married couples.

Franke Beckett LLC

3) Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS)

Who uses it: Any two or more people (spouses, partners, family, friends).

Survivorship: Yes—shares pass to surviving co-owners outside probate.

Maryland drafting rule: The deed must clearly state joint tenancy with survivorship; otherwise, Maryland presumes a different form (see “Tenants in Common” below).

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Why choose it: Simple probate-avoidance between co-owners who want the survivor(s) to get 100%.

4) Tenants in Common (TIC)

Who uses it: Any two or more people or entities.

 

Shares: Can be equal or unequal (e.g., 75%/25%). Everyone still has the right to use the whole property.

 

Survivorship: No. Each owner’s share passes by will or intestacy and may go through probate.

 

Maryland default: If a deed to multiple owners doesn’t clearly create JTWROS or TBE, it’s presumed to be TIC.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Why choose it: Flexibility (different ownership percentages; estate-plan control for each owner’s share).

5) Life estate deeds (including “enhanced” / “Lady Bird” style)

 

Standard life estate: The “life tenant” keeps the right to use the property for life; the “remainderman” automatically takes full ownership at the life tenant’s death (avoids probate for that property).

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Enhanced life estate (often called “Lady Bird”): A life estate with powers—the life tenant keeps the right to sell, mortgage, or change beneficiaries during life. Maryland practitioners use life-estate deeds with powers to similar effect. Suitability is highly fact specific.

Stouffer Legal

Jeff Rogyom, Attorney at Law

 

6) Title in a trust or business entity

 

Revocable living trust: You (as trustee) hold title for your benefit; upon death, a successor trustee transfers or manages the property without probate. Requires deeding the property into the trust.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

LLC or corporation: Common for rentals/investments to separate liability and clarify ownership among investors. (Ask counsel about transfer/recordation taxes, due-on-sale, insurance, and financing implications.)

 

Quick Comparison

 

Probate-avoidance: TBE ✅ • JTWROS ✅ • Life estate ✅ • Trust ✅ • TIC ❌ (unless separately planned).

Maryland People's Law Library

+2

Maryland People's Law Library

+2

 

Creditor protection (one spouse’s separate debts): Strongest with TBE (not absolute—federal tax liens and joint debts can reach it). JTWROS/TIC don’t offer the same protection.

Franke Beckett LLC

 

Flexibility to leave your share to someone else: TIC ✅ • JTWROS ❌ (survivorship controls) • TBE ❌ (survivorship controls) • Trust ✅ • Life estate varies by deed terms.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Maryland-specific notes to know

 

Clear deed language matters. Maryland presumes TIC unless the deed expressly creates JTWROS, and it presumes TBE when a deed is to a married couple.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Divorce changes TBE. A TBE becomes a TIC upon divorce unless retitled.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Transfer-on-Death (TOD) deeds: Not recognized in Maryland as of August 2025 (though legislation has been proposed). Plan with trusts, life-estate deeds, or survivorship instead.

Maryland People's Law Library

RKW Law Group

 

How to choose (rule-of-thumb—not legal advice)

 

Married couple who wants survivorship + creditor protection: Consider TBE.

Franke Beckett LLC

 

Partners/family who want the survivor to get 100%: Consider JTWROS with clear deed wording.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Co-owners who want control over who inherits their share (children, trusts, etc.): Consider TIC with a written co-owner agreement.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Estate-planning to avoid probate while keeping control: Consider a revocable living trust or an enhanced life-estate deed (case-by-case).

Maryland People's Law Library

+1

 

Investors/landlords: Consider LLC ownership for liability separation; coordinate with lender, insurer, and CPA.

 

Practical drafting tips

 

Put the exact vesting language you intend in the deed (e.g., “as joint tenants with right of survivorship” or “as tenants by the entirety”). Without that clarity, Maryland law may default you into a different form than you expect.

Maryland People's Law Library

 

Confirm names/marital status and how you want the property to pass at death before closing documents are prepared.

 

Revisit title if your life changes (marriage, divorce, new beneficiaries, new entity/trust).

 

Important disclaimer & next step

 

This is general information about Maryland law, not legal advice for your situation. For personalized guidance—especially on taxes, creditor issues,

Medicaid, or blended-family planning—consult a Maryland real estate/estate-planning attorney.

 

Getting to Know the Baltimore Metro Area

Where Urban Charm Meets Suburban Comfort

The Baltimore Metro Area blends historic character, modern convenience, and a diversity of communities to suit every lifestyle. From walkable waterfront neighborhoods to tree-lined suburbs, this region offers access to world-class medical institutions like Johns Hopkins, a thriving arts and food scene, and proximity to major job centers like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. Whether you're searching for culture, career opportunities, or a peaceful retreat, Baltimore delivers exceptional value and variety in the Mid-Atlantic housing market.

📍 BALTIMORE COUNTY

A Mix of Historic Charm, Suburban Ease, and Waterfront Living

🏡 Suburban & Family-Friendly

  • Towson: College town with walkable streets, shopping, and a youthful energy from Towson University.
  • Catonsville: Known as “Music City, Maryland”—artsy, historic, and close to Patapsco Valley State Park.
  • Perry Hall: Community parks, top-rated schools, and family-friendly vibes.

🌲 Scenic & Upscale

  • Ruxton: Historic estates, nature trails, and top-tier schools near Lake Roland.
  • Hampton: Secluded elegance surrounded by woodlands and parks in Lutherville.
  • Falls Road Corridor: Rural escape with large lots, privacy, and quick access to I-83.

🌊 Waterfront & Outdoor Living

  • Bowley’s Quarters: Boating life, waterfront dining, and seasonal boat parades.
  • Edgemere: Bay views, piers, and a peaceful, close-knit community.
  • Evergreen Park/Holly Beach: Shoreline charm with nearby Rocky Point Park.

🚉 Transit-Accessible & Growing

  • Owings Mills: Metro access, new developments, and retail centers like Foundry Row.
  • Randallstown: Liberty Reservoir, diverse housing, and strong community programs.
  • Cockeysville: Suburban hub with light rail access and outdoor parks.

🌿 Rural & Retreat-Like

  • Kingsville: Quiet beauty near Gunpowder Falls State Park.
  • Jacksonville: Peaceful countryside with Sweet Air Park nearby.
  • Woodstock: Green space meets comfort near Patapsco Valley trails.

🏙️ BALTIMORE CITY

250+ Neighborhoods. Infinite Personality.

🏛️ Historic & Cultural Hubs

  • Mount Vernon: Grand architecture, rich arts, and cultural institutions.
  • Fell’s Point: Cobblestone streets, harbor views, pubs, and history.
  • Federal Hill: Skyline views, Cross Street Market, and Inner Harbor proximity.

🎨 Arts & Entertainment

  • Station North: Creative zone with murals, galleries, and live music.
  • Highlandtown: Arts District meets diverse food culture and green space.
  • Pennsylvania Avenue: Historic Black arts legacy and cultural rebirth.

🌿 Residential & Green Spaces

  • Roland Park: Early planned suburb with greenery and stately homes.
  • Hampden: Quirky charm, vintage shops, and famous holiday lights.
  • Guilford & Homeland: Elegant, landscaped, and access to Sherwood Gardens.

🌊 Waterfront Living

  • Canton: Trendy and walkable, perfect for dining and dog walking.
  • Locust Point: Historic, family-friendly, and home to Fort McHenry.
  • Harbor East: Luxury condos, fine dining, and waterfront views.

🏘️ Up-and-Coming & Community-Focused

  • Remington: Revitalized with new eats, housing, and Hopkins proximity.
  • Pigtown: Local pride, quirky events, and community spirit.
  • Charles Village: Diverse and walkable near university campuses.

🌳 HOWARD COUNTY

Planned, Polished, and Full of Green Space

🌆 Columbia – A City of Villages

  • Kings Contrivance: Home to Merriweather Post Pavilion and natural trails.
  • Hickory Ridge: Pool, gym, and suburban calm.
  • Wilde Lake: Oldest village with walkable lakefront charm.
  • Town Center: Urban core with shopping, dining, and Lake Kittamaqundi.
  • Owen Brown: Balanced with green space and community amenities.
  • River Hill: Largest village with upscale housing and Clarksville Commons.

🏡 Ellicott City – Historic Meets Suburban

  • Dunloggin: Quiet with large lots and mature trees.
  • Font Hill: Rich in character with a strong neighborhood feel.
  • Gray Rock Farm: Modern homes with a historic origin.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly & Active

  • Valley Mede: Colonial homes and community events.
  • Oak Hill Estates: Luxury and modest homes with charm.
  • Montgomery Meadows: Pool, events, and commuter-friendly location.

🚶 Mixed-Use & Walkable

  • Dorsey Search: Columbia-adjacent with built-in amenities.
  • Waverly Woods: Golf course community with shopping close by.

🏡 CARROLL COUNTY

Rural Beauty with Small-Town Warmth

🧡 Small-Town & Community-Oriented

  • Sykesville: America’s “Coolest Small Town” with Main Street magic.
  • Eldersburg: Suburban feel with shopping and top schools.
  • Hampstead: Quiet charm and local traditions.

🌄 Scenic & Spacious

  • Finksburg: Wooded privacy and upscale homes.
  • Manchester: Farmland views and newer developments.
  • Union Bridge: Classic small-town Americana.

🎨 Historic & Artsy

  • Westminster: County seat with vibrant culture and festivals.
  • Mount Airy: Historic charm, commuter-friendly location.
  • New Windsor: Quaint and quiet with deep-rooted heritage.

🌿 Rural Retreats

  • Woodbine: Agricultural lifestyle with river trails.
  • Taneytown: History, affordability, and a slower pace.
  • Uniontown/Keymar: Hamlets with heritage and peace.

🌊 HARFORD COUNTY

Nature, Community, and Waterfront Bliss

🏘️ Suburban & Family-Friendly

  • Bel Air: Top schools, parks, and great retail.
  • Abingdon: Family events, townhomes, and rec spaces.
  • Fallston: Rural charm meets suburban lifestyle.

🌳 Rural & Scenic

  • Jarrettsville: Wooded estates and serenity.
  • Pylesville: Remote beauty for country living.

🌊 Waterfront & Laid-Back

  • Havre de Grace: Waterfront festivals, history, and boating.
  • Long Bar Harbor: Marinas and the best crab pots on the river.

💲 Affordable & Accessible

  • Edgewood: Budget-friendly with road access.
  • Aberdeen: Military community and small-town charm.

💎 Upscale & Exclusive

  • Glen Angus: Luxury near country clubs and fairways.
  • Stone Ridge: Elegant living with scenic views.

🛥️ ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

Historic Shorelines and Family-Friendly Suburbs

🌊 Nautical & Historic

  • Annapolis: The capital city—boaters, historians, and foodies rejoice.
  • Edgewater: Nature-loving, river-side tranquility.
  • Riva/Mayo Peninsula: Low-key, coastal lifestyles.

🏡 Suburban & Convenient

  • Severna Park: Family-first, top schools, and water access.
  • Crofton: Well-planned, ideal for professionals and families.
  • Arnold: Water-adjacent and peaceful with Magothy River charm.

🛍️ Accessible & Urban-Suburban

  • Glen Burnie: Affordable, central, and connected.
  • Pasadena: Budget-friendly waterfront communities.
  • Davidsonville: Equestrian properties and estate living.

🌇 MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Polished, Prestigious, and Packed with Amenities

🌆 Urban & Walkable

  • Bethesda/Chevy Chase: Upscale, cultural, and Metro-connected.
  • Silver Spring: Diverse, artsy, and commuter-friendly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suburban & Family-Friendly

  • North Potomac: Top schools and suburban comfort.
  • Rockville: Bustling town center and strong public schools.
  • Kensington: Quaint, charming, and close to D.C.

🌿 Quiet & Residential

  • Olney: Green, relaxed, and highly livable.
  • Forest Glen: Hidden gem with Metro access.

💼 Upscale & Exclusive

  • Potomac: Prestigious, private, and close to nature.
  • North Bethesda: Luxury living with urban convenience.

💼 Let’s Find the Right Fit for You

Whether you're seeking waterfront views, commuter-friendly locations, or quiet charm, there’s a perfect match for your lifestyle across the Baltimore Metro Area and beyond.

🔑 I’m the key to helping you find your perfect home.
Start your search today — there’s something here for everyone.

👉 Start searching now: https://homeasap.com/800380/

Home Prices, Forecasts

There are plenty of headlines these days calling for a housing market crash. But the truth is, they’re not telling the full story. Here’s what’s happening, and what the experts project for home prices over the next 5 years. And spoiler alert – it’s not a crash.

 

Yes, in some local markets, prices are flattening or even dipping slightly this year as more homes hit the market. That’s normal with rising inventory. But the bigger picture is what really matters, and it’s far less dramatic than what the doom-and-gloom headlines suggest. Here’s why.

 

Over 100 leading housing market experts were surveyed in the latest Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. Their collective forecast shows prices are projected to keep rising over the next 5 years, just at a slower, healthier pace than what we’ve seen more recently. And that kind of steady, sustainable growth should be one factor to help ease your fears about the years ahead (see graph below):

 

a graph with green bars and if you take a look at how the various experts responded within the survey, they fall into three main categories: those that were most optimistic about the forecast, most pessimistic, and the overall average outlook.

 

Here’s what the breakdown shows:

 

 

 

The average projection is about 3.3% price growth per year, through 2029.

The optimists see growth closer to 5.0% per year.

The pessimists still forecast about 1.3% growth per year.

Do they all agree on the same number? Of course not. But here’s the key takeaway: not one expert group is calling for a major national decline or a crash. Instead, they expect home prices to rise at a steady, more sustainable pace.

 

That’s much healthier for the market – and for you. Yes, some areas may see prices hold relatively flat or dip a bit in the short term, especially where inventory is on the rise. Others may appreciate it faster than the national average because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers trying to purchase them. But overall, more moderate price growth is cooling the rapid spikes we saw during the frenzy of the past few years.

 

And remember, even the most conservative experts still project prices will rise over the course of the next 5 years. That’s also because foreclosures are low, lending standards are in check, and homeowners have near record equity to boost the stability of the market. Together, those factors help prevent a wave of forced sales, like the kind that could drag prices down. So, if you’re waiting for a significant crash before you buy, you might be waiting quite a long time.

 

 

Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the fence about your plans, now’s the time to get clarity. The market isn’t heading for a crash. It’s on track for steady, slow, long-term growth overall, with some regional ups and downs along the way.

 

Want to know what that means for our neighborhood? Because national trends set the tone, but what really matters is what’s happening in your zip code. Let’s have a quick conversation so you can see exactly what our local data means for you.

Why you will want a home inspection

22 Jun 2025 11:38

Once your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more. That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step. An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Let’s connect to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out.

Read more »