A Maryland real estate agency is the best place to start when you're buying or selling a property. Look for an agent with experience with the type of property you're selling or buying, whether it is a home, business or land. Look for Md real estate brokers that have offices close to you, but extend your search for an agent beyond the local area if you need help with a specific property in a different area or an expert in commercial or other dealings.

All real estate brokers in Maryland must have a license, and the best way to make sure they're up-to-date with all the real estate training and licensing procedures is to check with the state's licensing office. Another great sign of a qualified realtor is an affiliation with the Maryland Association of Realtors. When dealing with real estate in Maryland, you should:

1. Find a realtor in Maryland that is experienced in the type of property you are interested in buying or selling.

2. Use references to find a well-qualified realtor with the help of friends, family and other property sellers and buyers.

3. Search for the best realtors using online directories for the state.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find local options for real estate agents in Maryland

Start your search as close to the property you are selling or where you're looking to buy as possible. The best realtor will be one who already has experience buying and selling in the area. He'll know the market values, be able to help with pricing much more easily and remain objective based on past transactions.

I recommend: Start your search for a Maryland realtor using ToePath. It's a directory of realtors in each county of Maryland and Virginia. One good realtor in the state is Champion Realty Inc., well known for their experience in the sales of business and personal properties. Another, Creig Northrop & The Northrop Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., has experience in Maryland that'll great benefit you. In Baltimore, consider hiring Darren McShane from Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. She specializes in the city properties as well as the surrounding counties.

Use online directories for your Maryland real estate agent search

Find a Maryland realtor for both commercial and personal property by widening your search using an online directory. There are many national realtor directories from which to choose. Find a directory that narrows your options down by state, county or even city. Most contact information should be listed without having to pay a fee, so don't waste your money paying to find a realtor if a site requires you to pay in order to proceed with your search.

I recommend: Real Estate Directory is a national directory of real estate agents ready to help you buy or sell a property. Find realtors from Maryland on the IQ RealEstate.com directory as well. Several agents are listed in both directories with contact information for easy access.

Check licensing and affiliations for realty companies in Maryland

Once you've narrowed your search down to a few good realtors, check to make sure they are as qualified as they tell you they are. Use state licensing information and local organizations to decide which realtors are more qualified for your transaction needs.

I recommend: Check the credentials of your realtor in Maryland through the Maryland Real Estate Commission license directory, or see if your potential agent is affiliated with either the Maryland Association of Realtors, the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors, the Coastal Association of Realtors or the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Maryland real estate agents should be licensed by the Maryland Real Estate Commission. Even if a realtor tells you he is licensed, check with the Commission to make sure his licensing is up-to-date.