📝 What Do You Actually Have to Sign When Working With an Agent in Maryland?
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Let’s face it: paperwork is not the glamorous part of buying or selling a home. Nobody ever said, “I can’t wait to sit down and sign disclosures all night!” But Maryland has some rules to make sure everyone knows who’s representing whom—and when. Here’s what that looks like on the road from first meeting to closing.
📌 Before the Home Search (or Listing Your Home)
Understanding Whom Real Estate Agents Represent (Disclosure Form):
Maryland requires this form right at the start. It’s basically the “intro form”—like speed dating, but for agency relationships. It explains the roles: listing agent, buyer’s agent, dual agency, or no representation. It’s not a contract, just a heads-up.
Buyer Agency Agreement (if you’re a buyer):
This is when we make it official. It spells out how long I represent you, what I’ll do for you, and how compensation works. Without it, I can’t legally negotiate or write offers for you. Think of it as our “teammate contract.”
Listing Agreement (if you’re a seller):
This one makes me your official listing agent. It covers the list price, commission, MLS exposure, and how long your home will be on the market. Basically: this is our game plan for getting your home sold.
📌 During the Home Search (or While Marketing Your Home)
Showing Instructions & Access Forms:
For sellers: you’ll sign off on how showings should be handled—lockbox? appointment only? cookie bribes? (kidding… kind of).For buyers: you usually won’t sign here, but you may initial acknowledgement forms when we view homes with restrictions.
Possible Dual Agency Consent:
If the home you love is listed by the same brokerage I’m with, Maryland law says we need written consent for dual agency. The broker will then appoint one agent for the buyer and one for the seller. Transparency is the key word here.
📌 Before Closing (Offer → Contract Phase)
Sales Contract (Offer to Purchase):
Buyers sign the offer, sellers sign acceptance (or counteroffers). This contract is the big one—it lays out the purchase price, contingencies, timelines, and what happens if someone backs out.
Disclosures:
Sellers: Maryland requires a Property Disclosure or Disclaimer Statement (plus HOA/condo docs if applicable, and lead paint disclosure if the house was built before 1978).
Buyers: You’ll sign off on having received these disclosures.
Inspection Agreements / Addenda:
If you choose inspections, you’ll sign addenda outlining rights, timelines, and next steps.
📌 At Closing (Settlement Day 🎉)
Final Settlement Statement (ALTA or Closing Disclosure):
This shows the exact numbers: purchase price, credits, fees, commissions, and what you’ll need to bring (or walk away with 💰).
Loan Documents (for buyers with financing):
A mountain of signatures for the lender—mortgage, note, disclosures. Don’t worry, your hand will cramp, but I’ll be there cheering you on.
Deed & Transfer Documents:
Sellers sign the deed to transfer ownership, buyers sign to accept it. This is the moment keys officially change hands.
✨ The Bottom Line
Yes, it’s a lot of signatures. Yes, it sometimes feels like signing your life away. But every form has a purpose: protecting you, keeping the process legal, and making sure everyone knows who’s on whose team. And don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it all so you never feel lost in the fine print.
Kat Moore | Realtor | Advisor
Samson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
The Kat Walk To Homeownership
📚 Resources & References
For those who like to dig a little deeper (or just really enjoy fine print), here are some helpful sources:
Maryland Real Estate Commission – Understanding Whom Real Estate Agents Represent (Disclosure of Representation Form) PDF
Maryland REALTORS® – Consumer Guide to Written Buyer Agreements in Maryland (marylandhomeownership.com)
Maryland Department of State – Residential Property Disclosure & Disclaimer Statement (dsd.maryland.gov)
Nolo – What Home Sellers Must Disclose in Maryland (nolo.com)
Maryland Code – Disclosure of Representation (Section 17-530) (law.justia.com)
Maryland REALTORS® – Important Update on Touring Agreements and Maryland Law (mdrealtor.org)
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects my perspective as a licensed real estate agent. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a licensed tax professional, attorney, or other qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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