Tabitha Richardson Maryland Living Realtor

09/20/2026

Step into your primary suite, where comfort meets convenience. This space is designed for relaxation, with a layout that flows seamlessly into your daily routine.

💎 Enjoy the luxury of having laundry just steps away, making chores feel less like a task and more like part of the rhythm of home life.
💎 Picture quiet mornings with coffee, as natural light pours through the windows, setting the tone for a peaceful start to your day.
💎 The room offers enough space to unwind after busy days, creating a personal sanctuary you’ll cherish.

This primary suite isn’t just a room; it’s where your most cherished moments unfold. Come see it for yourself and feel the warmth that makes this house a home.

Tabitha Richardson
(443) 415-4215
[email protected]
NextHome Leaders

09/20/2026

Everything is already expensive. So WHY would the Fed raise interest rates? 🤔

Groceries are expensive. Housing costs are high. And many families are already feeling the financial pressure.

So why would the Federal Reserve make borrowing money even MORE expensive?

The answer comes down to inflation.

When the Fed raises interest rates, the goal is to slow spending and bring inflation under control. But here's what many people don't realize: slowing inflation doesn't necessarily mean prices will go back down. It means prices may stop increasing as quickly.

🏡 **So what does this mean for the real estate market?**

Higher interest rates can affect housing affordability, but the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates.

For homebuyers, purchasing power is influenced by home prices, mortgage rates, and monthly payments. For sellers, understanding what today's buyers can afford is an important part of pricing your home competitively.

**Watch my video for a simple breakdown of why the Fed raises interest rates and what it could mean for the housing market.**

Thinking about buying a home in Maryland, D.C., or Northern Virginia?

I can connect you with a trusted lender to determine your purchasing power in today's market. From there, we can build a home search around your needs and budget.

📩 Send me a message to get started!

Read more about the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and what it means for the housing market:

The Fed raised rates by 25 basis points. Learn what that means for mortgage rates, home buyers, sellers, and the Southern Maryland housing market.

09/03/2026

LISTED & SOLD in Accokeek, MD

This one definitely took a few unexpected turns before we made it to the closing table.

Want the full behind-the-scenes story? Comment WHITE HALL and I’ll send you the case study.

This White Hall home went under contract within days of hitting the market. Then the buyer’s financing fell through, putting my seller back on the market while also trying to coordinate the purchase of their next home.

The plan changed more than once, but we kept moving.

We secured another buyer, got back under contract, and found my seller another home to purchase. Today, they’re closing on the home they sold, and tomorrow, they close on their new home.

Selling and buying at the same time can get complicated quickly. Having a strategy and knowing how to pivot when things don’t go according to plan matters.

Thinking about selling your current home while buying your next one? Let’s talk.

Click the link below to read the full case study on how I got this transaction to closing!

https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/selling-buying-home-same-time-accokeek-md/



Tabitha Richardson, REALTOR
NextHome Leaders
marylandliving .co

09/02/2026

MY FALL 2026 MARKET PREDICTIONS 🤔

Is the Southern Maryland housing market starting to favor buyers?

As we move into fall 2026, I’m seeing more signs of a shift.

Homes are staying on the market longer, price reductions are becoming more common, sellers are showing more flexibility, and buyers have more choices than they did earlier this year.

At the same time, homes that are priced right and show well are still selling faster.

I’d describe the market right now as balanced, but leaning closer to buyers.

In my latest article, I break down what I expect through the end of the year, including inventory, mortgage rates, sales activity, price reductions, and what buyers and sellers should be watching.

👉 Click to read the full article:
https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/fall-2026-southern-maryland-housing-market-prediction/?caa=true

08/28/2026

House not selling? It may be time to look at the price.

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for when to reduce your asking price. What matters more is how buyers are responding to your home. 🏡

Watch for signs like:

• Very few showings 👀
• Plenty of showings, but no offers
• Similar homes going under contract while yours stays active 📉
• Repeated buyer feedback that the price feels high

In a buyer’s market, pricing becomes even more important because buyers usually have more choices and more room to compare.

I break down what sellers should watch for, when a price reduction may make sense, and why the right adjustment should reposition your home in the market instead of simply changing the number.

If your home is already listed and not getting the response you expected, this article is worth a read. 🔍

Read the full article here:
https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/house-not-selling-when-to-lower-price/?caa=true

08/27/2026

🏡 JUST SOLD in Columbia, MD! 🎉

This one definitely earned the celebration.

I had the pleasure of representing the buyer on 5363 Chase Lions Way, and while financing was not the challenge, the transaction itself kept things interesting.

A few reminders from this closing:

• The Realtor you choose really does matter
• Negotiation does not stop once your offer is accepted
• Knowing the process can make a huge difference when things get complicated

We stayed focused, worked through the challenges, and made it to the closing table. 🔑

That is always the goal.

Thinking about buying a home in Maryland? You want someone in your corner who can help you navigate more than just the home search.

👉🏼 Read the full article:
https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/just-sold-5363-chase-lions-way-columbia-md/?caa=true

08/26/2026

Buying a home in Maryland? Your down payment is only part of what you need to budget for.

Closing costs can add up quickly, and they may include:

✅ Lender fees
✅ Title and settlement charges
✅ Appraisal costs
✅ Recording fees
✅ Prepaid taxes and homeowners insurance
✅ Transfer and recordation taxes

As a general guideline, buyers may see closing costs around **2% to 5% of the purchase price**, although the actual amount can vary based on the loan, property, lender, and county. 💰

Maryland buyers should also know:

✅ Transfer and recordation taxes can vary by jurisdiction
✅ First-time buyers may have different considerations
✅ Seller contributions may help in some transactions
✅ Your Loan Estimate can help you understand what you may need to bring to closing

The more you know before you start making offers, the fewer surprises you are likely to face at settlement. 🏡

If you are considering buying a home in Maryland this year, read the full article here:

https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/closing-costs-buying-home-maryland/

And if you have questions about buying a home this year, feel free to reach out. 🔑

08/24/2026

What happens to your Earnest Money Deposit if the deal falls apart?

If you're buying a home, your Earnest Money Deposit is one of the first financial commitments you make after your offer is accepted.

Many buyers are not completely clear on:

✅ How much they should put down
✅ Whether they get that money back
✅ When the deposit could be at risk
✅ What happens if they default on the contract
✅ Why contingencies and deadlines matter

In Southern Maryland, buyers often put down around 1% of the purchase price, although that is not a requirement. Your deposit can be higher or lower depending on the property, the market, and your offer strategy.

Your Earnest Money Deposit is tied to the terms of your contract, and what happens to it depends on how the transaction ends.

I break it all down in my latest article so you can better understand what you're agreeing to before you write an offer. 🏡

Read the full article here:
https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/earnest-money-deposit-do-you-get-it-back/

If you're planning to buy a home in Maryland and want to understand the process before making an offer, contact me to schedule a buyer consultation. 📞

08/19/2026

Your house is listed. Buyers are looking. So why isn’t it selling?

🏡 Sometimes the issue is price.
📸 Sometimes it is presentation or weak listing photos.
🛠️ Sometimes buyers are seeing condition issues that make them hesitate.
📉 And sometimes the market has changed, but the pricing strategy has not.

Before assuming you just need to wait longer, take a closer look at a few things:

✅ Is the home priced for today’s market?
✅ Does it compare well with competing listings?
✅ Are buyers seeing enough value for the price?
✅ Does the home show well online and in person?
✅ Is the marketing strong enough to get attention?
✅ Have market conditions changed since you listed?

If your home has been sitting longer than expected, there is usually a reason.

I break down 6 of the most common reasons a house may not be selling and what sellers should look at before making their next move.

👉 Read the full article:
https://www.marylandliving.co/blog/why-is-my-house-not-selling/

If your home is on the market and not getting the response you expected, contact me to talk through what may be holding it back.

08/17/2026

Still searching for a home in Waldorf, MD? This one deserves another look. 🏡

10980 Oswestry St is a newer 3-level townhome in Westchester Square offering the space, layout, and convenience buyers are looking for.

📍 10980 Oswestry St, Waldorf, MD 20603

💰 $450,000
🛏 3 Bedrooms
🛁 2.5 Bathrooms
🚗 2-Car Garage
📐 Approximately 2,280 Sq. Ft.

Inside, you'll find an open main level that works well for everyday living and entertaining, plus an upper-level laundry room and a primary suite with its own private bath.

And if outdoor space matters, the home backs to a wooded buffer, giving you a little extra separation behind the property.

Westchester Square also includes community amenities such as an outdoor pool, parks, lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal.
If you've been looking for a townhome for sale in Waldorf, MD with newer construction, a 2-car garage, and plenty of living space, this may be the one you've been waiting for.

📩 Message me for more information or to schedule a private showing.

Tabitha Richardson, REALTOR
NextHome Leaders
marylandliving .co