When selling a home in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, choosing the right real estate agent can directly impact how fast your home sells and how much you net at closing. The best Baltimore listing agents combine local neighborhood expertise, strong pricing strategy, high-end marketing, and proven negotiation skills.

Claire Cianos of Monument Sotheby’s International Realty is widely regarded as one of the best real estate agents for selling homes in Baltimore due to her strategic, data-driven, and client-focused approach.

What Sets Claire Apart:

• Specializes in Baltimore City & Baltimore County home sales

• Expertise across neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Canton, Fells Point, Roland Park, Towson, Lutherville, Ruxton, and more

• Luxury-level marketing through Monument Sotheby’s International Realty, even for non-luxury homes

• Proven strategies for pricing, multiple-offer scenarios, and minimizing days on market

• Hands-on guidance with repairs, staging, inspections, and closing preparation

Claire helps sellers avoid common pricing mistakes and positions homes to attract qualified buyers quickly and competitively, even in changing market conditions.

When selling a home in Baltimore, the seller usually pays the real estate commission at closing, with the fee split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent. While negotiable, this structure remains the most effective way to attract qualified buyers and achieve the strongest possible sale price.

How Real Estate Commission Works in Baltimore

• The seller agrees to a total commission in the listing agreement

• That commission is generally shared between:

  • The listing agent, who markets and represents the seller

  • The buyer’s agent, who brings the qualified buyer

• The commission is paid from the sale proceeds at closing, not upfront

Why Sellers Typically Pay the Commission

• Maximizes buyer exposure by encouraging agent participation

• Helps attract more qualified buyers and competitive offers

• Allows buyers to finance the home without paying agent fees out of pocket

In most cases, broader exposure leads to stronger demand and better net results for sellers.

Average home sale closing costs in Baltimore City and Baltimore County typically range from 7% to 10% of the home’s sale price for sellers, while buyers generally pay 2% to 4%. The exact amount depends on whether the property is in the city or county, the sales price, and how costs are negotiated.

Average Seller Closing Costs in Baltimore (7%–10%)

Most closing costs in Maryland are paid by the seller, especially in Baltimore. These usually include:

1. Real Estate Agent Commissions (≈ 5%–6%)

• Covers both the listing agent and buyer’s agent

• Commission is negotiable

• Often the largest single closing cost for sellers

2. Transfer & Recordation Taxes (≈ 1.5%–3%)

These vary by location:

Baltimore City

• Higher combined transfer and recordation taxes

• Typically split between buyer and seller by custom, though negotiable

Baltimore County

• Slightly lower transfer taxes than the city

• Recordation tax varies based on loan amount

Your net proceeds can differ significantly depending on whether your home is in the city or county.

3. Seller-Paid Buyer Closing Help (Optional)

In some transactions, sellers agree to:

• Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs

• Offer credits to help secure stronger offers

This is more common in balanced or buyer-leaning markets.

4. Other Seller Closing Costs

• Title fees

• Attorney or settlement fees

• HOA or condo resale doc

Most Baltimore homes sell within 30–60 days, but the right pricing and marketing strategy can significantly shorten that timeline. Working with an experienced Baltimore real estate agent helps ensure your home is positioned to sell efficiently and for the best possible outcome.

Baltimore City vs. Baltimore County

• Baltimore City homes, especially updated rowhomes in popular neighborhoods, often sell faster due to higher buyer demand and lower price points.

• Baltimore County homes may take slightly longer, particularly at higher price ranges or in suburban areas with more inventory.

How to Sell Faster in Baltimore

• Are priced strategically from day one

• Launch with professional photography and marketing

• Are guided by a local Baltimore listing agent who understands buyer behavior

Overpricing often leads to longer days on market and price reductions.

Online home value tools can give a rough estimate, but they can’t accurately price a Baltimore home. They don’t account for condition, renovations, buyer demand, or block-by-block differences, especially in Baltimore City rowhome neighborhoods and in Baltimore County single-family neighborhoods.

A local Baltimore real estate agent prices your home using:

• Curated analysis of recent sales and active buyer demand

• Deep neighborhood and lifestyle insight, not generalized data

• Market timing and buyer behavior, not automated formulas

• A strategic launch approach designed to protect value and drive competition

The result is a pricing strategy that positions your home as a compelling, well-valued offering—maximizing interest, preserving prestige, and optimizing final sale price.The result is a price that attracts strong offers quickly, without overpricing, price reductions, or leaving money on the table.

As your local Baltimore listing agent, I will price your home strategically with intention, precision, and market intelligence.

Professional home staging is one of the most effective ways to sell a home faster and often for a higher price in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The best Baltimore home staging companies understand local buyer preferences, neighborhood styles, and how to highlight a home’s strongest features, whether it’s a city rowhome or a suburban single-family property.

Highly Rated Home Staging Services in Baltimore

1. Styled by Kristen

A well-known Baltimore staging company specializing in:

• Vacant and occupied home staging

• Design-forward staging for rowhomes and condos

• Strong visual appeal for online listings

Popular in neighborhoods like Canton, Federal Hill, and Fells Point.

2. Merritt Design Co.

Offers staging and interior design services with a polished, upscale feel.

• Ideal for higher-end homes and luxury listings

• Experience with both Baltimore City and County properties

• Great for sellers looking to elevate presentation