Maryland Real Estate Contract: Different Types and Key Terms to Include
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What is a Maryland Real Estate Contract?
A Maryland real estate contract, often referred to as a residential purchase and sale agreement, is a contract that is negotiated between a buyer and a seller for the purchase of real estate. Real estate contracts are most commonly used when purchasing an existing residential property, but can also be used for land, commercial properties, and investment properties.
In Maryland, most realtors will use a specific form for the real estate contract called the Maryland Association of Realtors Purchase Agreement. This form streamlines the buying and selling process and ensures that all necessary elements of a real estate contract are addressed.
Common Maryland Real Estate Contracts
The most commonly used real estate contract in Maryland is the purchase agreement contract approved by the Maryland Association of Realtors. This contract is specifically for residential real estate. Depending on the type of property being purchased, the following contracts may also be used:
- Real estate assignment contract. Used to purchase investment properties because this contract allows the buyer to assign the contract to a second buyer.
- Commercial property purchase agreement Used when buying or selling a commercial property that is zoned for business purposes like an office building or storefront.
4 Essential Elements of a Maryland Real Estate Contract
A Maryland real estate contract must include specific contract elements to make the agreement a valid and legally binding under Maryland law. The 4 essential elements of a Maryland real estate contract are:
- Mutual assent between the parties to enter the contract
- A valid offer, acceptance of the offer, and adequate consideration
- Legal capacity of the parties to enter the agreement
- Legal purpose
What Must Be Included in a Maryland Real Estate Contract?
Every real estate contract in Maryland should include the following information to ensure the interests of both parties are protected during the transaction:
- Property information. The contract must provide detailed information about the property, including the address, legal description, and any known defects or issues.
- Purchase price. The contract must clearly state the purchase price and any contingencies or contingencies related to financing or inspections.
- Financing. The buyer will usually need to secure financing to purchase the house. The contract must indicate whether the buyer will be obtaining a mortgage and if so, the terms of that mortgage.
- Earnest money deposit. An earnest money deposit is paid by the buyer once the seller accepts their offer. This deposit shows the seller that the buyer is serious about purchasing the house.
- Disclosures. The contract must include a disclosure statement, which will provide information about the property and any known defects or issues.
- Signatures. The contract must be signed by both the buyer and the seller in order to be legally binding.
- Deadlines. During the home buying process, there will be several deadlines that both parties must be aware of. For example, the deadline to complete a home inspection and most importantly, the closing date.
How Long Do You Have to Cancel a Real Estate Contract in Maryland?
In Maryland, the time frame for canceling a real estate contract can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the contract. Typically, a buyer has the right to cancel a contract within a certain period after signing it, usually known as the "right of rescission" or "cooling-off period."
However, the right of rescission is not a requirement in Maryland, and some contracts may not include this provision. If the contract does not include a right of rescission, the buyer may only cancel the contract if the seller is in default or if there is a provision in the contract that allows for termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Meet some of our Maryland Real Estate Contract Lawyers
Susan T.
General practitioner since 2005, general practice; civil disputes, torts.... logo Call us: (410) 878-7006 Menu Services All Maryland and Pennsylvania Legal Services Susan C. Trimble Attorney at Law WHAT WE ARE ABOUT Susan C. Trimble, is an established attorney in the Maryland area. Her work is infused with commitment to her community and family. is tailored to your wants and needs. Here you will find an approachable, personable and conscientious advocate. EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate (JD). University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 2006. Bachelor of Science (BS), English Literature. Towson University, 1989. Associate in Claims, (AIC) certification. Fraud Claims Law Associate, (FCLS) certification. Member of Maryland State and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
"Prompt, professional and excellent completion of this project! Thoroughly pleased! Would highly recommend!"
Bryan R.
Bryan R.
Bryan J. Reddix is an experienced attorney and contracts management professional with over a decade of expertise navigating complex commercial and government contracting. Serving as both internal General Counsel and a senior Contracts Director, Bryan specializes in drafting, negotiating, and risk-mitigating a wide spectrum of agreements across the technology, federal procurement, and small business sectors. His deep familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR/DFARS), corporate compliance, and intellectual property allows him to provide holistic, strategic legal guidance that protects business interests while driving profitability.
"Bryan helped with me a very specific FCRA SaaS ToS and Privacy Policy and delivered before the date that was promised. Highly recommend his work!"
September 29, 2023
William H.
Diligent attorney and skilled government contracts professional with extensive experience in supply chain management, procurement, business process and procedure, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and complex contract arrangements. With over 20 years of contracts and operations experience, I have handled domestic and international transactions for the sale and purchase of goods and services including construction, engineering, and R&D – in the Defense, IT, Mining, and Aerospace industries. I am accustomed to building and leading global and diverse teams; designing and implementing new processes and systems; and working in close collaboration with broad stakeholder populations, including executive management and other attorneys.
April 7, 2025
Cheri H.
Attorney Hamilton has worked in public service for most of her career with positions in government at the federal and state levels serving as a judicial law clerk, attorney-advisor to federal agencies and an administrative judge for the state of Maryland. She also maintained her own law practice for several years where she assisted various clients with matters ranging from real estate transactions, contract disputes, family law, criminal law and religious law disputes. Attorney Hamilton most recently served as the Chief Legal Officer for a technology startup company and is the founder of Hamilton Advising & Consulting, LLC, a legal and business consulting firm supporting small to medium-sized entities with all things contracts.
August 23, 2025
Alexander C.
I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.
March 27, 2026
Michelle D.
My career experience has been varied. Although litigation has been a central focus, I’ve served as Of Counsel for a franchise law firm, negotiating contracts with franchisees and vendors to ensure the best terms possible for my client. I have demonstrated acumen in leading and supervising the work of others. As an associate attorney for Shulman Rogers, I oversaw the Summer Intern Program. Throughout my career I directed the work of paralegals and legal receptionists. As a solo practitioner I employed a junior attorney. At each phase I was responsible for the work and performance of another. In my transactional practice I regularly advise clients on agreements, negotiate favorable terms on their behalf, draft agreements, interpret contractual provisions in disputes, provide opinion letters, and represent clients in mediation and arbitration. I’m accustomed to working in high stress, high stakes environments with quick deadlines, demanding and often emotional clients, while performing work that requires great detail, accuracy, and advocacy.
July 20, 2026
Destiny S.
Destiny Staten is an advocate for education, children’s rights, and accessiblity. A graduate of American University Washington College of Law, her experiences have taught her that empowerment starts with access—whether that’s access to legal protection or knowledge about one’s rights.
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Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
Georgia
How many years does a quick claim become effective?s
Number of years for quick claim to be effect ive
Meghan T.
A quit claim deed is effective upon execution so long as the deed is dated as of the date of signature. Execution means that the deed is signed, in front of a witness and a notary. The witness and notary must also sign the deed. Finally, the deed must be recorded. This means that the deed must be submitted to the Superior Court recording office of the County in which the property sits. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Meghan K Thomas
Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
Georgia
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES TO PERFORM QUIT CLAIM DEED COMPLETE BUTTS COUNTY GEORGIA 30233
SON AND EX
Meghan T.
Hi. The cost for my practice to prepare a Quit Claim Deed is $99. The Cost for me to handle the closing is $250 plus recording fees. These costs apply for any county within the state of Georgia. Let me know if you have any more questions. Meghan K Thomas
Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
Illinois
what is better to buy land or rent for construction in US?
we are a construction company from Ukraine, we are planning to build a cottage town in the USA
T. Phillip B.
I suppose it doesn't matter if you have the lease giving you permission and the lease is long enough to justify the building expense when you won't own it. But I'd buy the land so you could eventually sell the property with the building on it.
Real Estate
Real Estate Contract
New York
Can you purchase or refinance under a land contract?
I’ve been living here for 2 years. Currently have been working with my credit union and they are having a terrible time trying to understand the legalities of my land contract first off, and secondly they just don’t seem to know what they are doing. It’s been over 8 months, 4 different loan officers and I’m once again waiting for someone else to help finish this thing out. It’s only $60,000 with a $120,000 appraisal. So, as of now I am stuck paying 2.5x monthly under this land contract than I was promised would be an easy mortgage process. So any guidance in the right direction would be very helpful. It’s a New York home. 20 yr fixed, no balloon, with a (brace yourself) 12% apr. HELP ME PLEASE! One month I’m being told to authorize a credit check for a first time homebuyer grant method of mortgaging this property. The next it’s authorizing it for a refinance. I do have earnest money deposits for over $3,000 and another $3000 paid towards principal under this land contract also.
Jane C.
I suggest you speak with a New York real estate attorney. That attorney needs to review the documents related to the transaction.
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Location: Illinois
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