Most delays in homebuying don’t start at the closing table. They start long before an offer is written. In Maryland, price alone doesn’t win homes. The way the contract is structured, how timelines are protected, and how your lender and agent coordinate behind the scenes matter just as much, sometimes more. This is why preparation comes before touring. Educated buyers move with clarity. Prepared buyers close with confidence. I spend a lot of time upfront making sure my buyers understand the proc