Renting in Maryland and DC: questions before you buy

Many renters start three to six months before their lease ends. That gives time to talk with a lender, find a home and plan around your move-out date. Michael can map your timeline to your lease.

Yes, many people do. Your lease terms matter, so read it for notice and early-termination rules, and plan your settlement date around them. Michael can walk through the timing with you.

Start with your monthly budget, your savings for down payment and settlement costs, and a conversation with a lender about what you could qualify for. Michael can introduce you to lenders, and you are free to choose your own.

It is a starting point, but a mortgage payment also includes taxes, insurance and sometimes HOA fees. A lender can show you real numbers for your situation.

If you buy a home through Michael Wade at Samson Properties, you receive 50% of one month's rent toward your settlement costs. A $5,000 rent could mean $2,500. The details are on the Rent Wise page.

Yes. Keep a copy of your current lease showing your monthly rent so the credit can be confirmed.

Check the notice period in your lease, usually in writing. Michael can help you line up your settlement and move dates so you are not paying two housing costs longer than needed.

Your landlord handles the deposit under Maryland or DC rules and your lease. Document the unit's condition when you move out and keep your records.