The Jen Holden Group of Compass: Your Annapolis, Severna Park, and Anne Arundel County Realtor Experts

As local real estate experts, we leverage exclusive tools like Compass Private Exclusives to grant our buyers access to off-market properties before they hit the MLS. For sellers, we utilize data-driven pricing, professional staging strategy, and cutting-edge digital marketing to maximize exposure and secure top-dollar offers.

Buying waterfront property along the Severn River, Magothy River, or South River requires specialized knowledge. Key factors include understanding Chesapeake Bay Critical Area regulations (which govern building and land use within 1,000 feet of the shoreline), verifying riparian rights, checking water depth for boat drafts, and assessing bulkhead or shoreline stabilization conditions. Our team specializes in navigating these local environmental and zoning complexities to protect your investment.

Both communities offer a suburban retreat with premier access to major employment hubs. Situated along the I-97 corridor and Route 2, neighborhoods like Bay Hills in Arnold, Shipley’s Choice in Millersville, or Chartwell in Severna Park allow for an easy 30-minute commute to downtown Baltimore and roughly 45 minutes to Washington, D.C. They are also highly sought after due to their proximity to BWI Airport, Fort Meade, and the Odenton MARC train station.

Living in the Severna Park, Annapolis, and Broadneck areas offers an unparalleled community lifestyle defined by a distinct maritime heritage and a love for the outdoors. Situated on the peninsulas between the Severn and Magothy Rivers, this region perfectly balances a relaxed coastal atmosphere with convenient access to the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Outdoor recreation is a massive part of daily life here. Residents enjoy extensive trail systems, including the 13-mile Baltimore & Annapolis (B&A) Trail, as well as active recreational sports leagues and swim clubs for all ages. The true highlight of the area is its water-privileged residential design; local neighborhoods frequently feature community-maintained beaches, private boat launches, kayak racks, and crabbing piers. Combined with a rich local dining scene, historic waterfront charm in downtown Annapolis, and an active, welcoming community culture, it is a truly exceptional region to call home.

The Annapolis real estate market is highly seasonal and deeply driven by lifestyle amenities. Waterfront and water-privileged homes see a massive surge in demand ahead of the spring and summer boating seasons, meaning early winter preparation is key. Because buyers in this market expect a premium presentation, we leverage Compass Concierge to fund upfront home updates—such as painting, landscaping, and professional staging—at zero interest, ensuring our local listings stand out and command top dollar.

While putting 20% down is an excellent goal to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), it is absolutely not required to purchase a home in Maryland. Many buyers successfully utilize conventional financing programs requiring as little as 3% to 5% down.

Additionally, because of our close proximity to the United States Naval Academy, Fort Meade, and Coast Guard stations, we specialize in helping eligible active-duty service members and veterans secure VA Loans, which offer excellent 0% down payment options. There are also localized state-backed programs, such as the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), which can provide down payment assistance for eligible buyers. We can easily connect you with premier local lenders to find the right loan structure for your budget.

A standard monthly residential mortgage payment is typically broken down into four core components, collectively known as PITI:

Principal: The portion of the payment that goes directly toward paying down the remaining balance of your loan.

Interest: The cost of borrowing the money from your lender, determined by your specific mortgage rate.

Taxes: Real estate property taxes, which vary depending on whether your home is located within Annapolis city limits or broader Anne Arundel County.

Insurance: This includes standard homeowner's hazard insurance. It's important to note that if you are purchasing a waterfront or water-privileged home along the Severn or Magothy Rivers, a separate flood insurance policy may also be required and factored into your monthly escrow.

If your down payment is less than 20% on a conventional loan, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) will also be included in this monthly total until you reach sufficient equity.

Closing costs are the processing fees paid to lenders, title companies, and local governments to officially transfer homeownership. In Maryland, buyers should generally expect closing costs to range between 2% and 5% of the purchase price.

Unlike many states, Maryland imposes specific state and local transfer taxes and recordation fees. In Anne Arundel County, the standard real estate custom is for these transfer taxes and recordation fees to be split evenly (50/50) between the buyer and the seller. However, if you qualify as a first-time Maryland homebuyer, you are legally exempt from the state’s portion of the transfer tax (0.25%), and by law, the seller must pay their half, resulting in significant savings at the closing table.

Your credit score is one of the most critical factors lenders use to determine your risk profile and interest rate. Higher credit scores signal lower risk, allowing lenders to offer you their most competitive, lowest interest rates, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of a 30-year loan.

A lower credit score doesn't necessarily mean you cannot buy a home in the Annapolis area, but it may result in a slightly higher interest rate or require specific loan products, such as an FHA loan. Because mortgage guidelines change frequently, we recommend speaking with a local loan expert at least a few months before starting your home search to review your credit profile and optimize your borrowing power.