Europe to Maryland (Baltimore, Ellicott City, Annapolis: mortgage, credit, houses)

[lynnylo]

Hello

My husband is from the states and we'll go back soon, cause he got a good job offer in MD (Fort Meade Area).

We plan to stay there for at least 8-10 years, so we want to build/buy a house not too far away from work. Our kids are 1,5 years old and I'll be a "sahm" for the next few years.

We were thinking about building with Toll Brothers at Marlboro Ridge, or maybe with NV Homes in Upper Marlboro, the Anapolis Area or somewhere else close by. (450k-800k)

Do you have any advises for us? Other safe and nice places, different builders? We would prefer a community with clubhouse, pool, shopping opportunities... So I won't be isolated in the middle of nowhere. Especially with the kids.

Oh! And good schools are also very important!

Thank you.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by lynnylo

We plan to stay there for at least 8-10 years, so we want to build/buy a house not too far away from work. Our kids are 1,5 years old and I'll be a "sahm" for the next few years.

For the best schools, you should look in Howard County, instead of Prince George. Anne Arundel County schools are not bad, but Howard are better. Correspondingly, the home prices are higher in Howard County within the same builder's line.

Otherwise, I think you should narrow down your price range: $450-800K is a big difference. I'd suggest getting approval at the husband's new salary before you go shopping. You might find the mortgage lender's policies are more difficult than you anticipated. That is, I have heard that you need a 20% down payment unless you have superb credit.

Both NVHomes and Toll Brothers are top-of-the-market production builders. If you can afford the mortgage, either would be good.

[lynnylo]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Otherwise, I think you should narrow down your price range: $450-800K is a big difference. I'd suggest getting approval at the husband's new salary before you go shopping. You might find the mortgage lender's policies are more difficult than you anticipated. That is, I have heard that you need a 20% down payment unless you have superb credit.
.

Thanks for the answer. We already have the approval for more than 800k + the 20% down payment, but we were told we don't need it because he is government. We don't want to go too high, but if the house, area and schools are worth it, we would...

[goldenage1]

I still think you should consider Howard County first. Thinking long term, your oldest child will be 15 and in high school if you stay 10 years in the same house. Centennial High School in Ellicott City is among the best in the state, and it is within a reasonable commute of Fort Meade.

Please do some research on the high schools before you look at Upper Marlboro houses.

[lynnylo]

I've just read the "rough edge" thread and I'm a little bit concerned now, to be honest. Is it really that big of a difference in mentality through MD? And is PG even rougher than other parts of the Region? Maybe Anapolis would be better?

All our friends (and my husband) are from the South and I really like their warm hearted, polite and humorous character. So will it be a cultural shock to meet the people over there?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by lynnylo

All our friends (and my husband) are from the South and I really like their warm hearted, polite and humorous character. So will it be a cultural shock to meet the people over there?

Marylanders do not have the Southern manners or charm. People tend to stick with their own ethnic groups or the people they went to school with. Baltimore is more "clannish" than other parts. Montgomery and Howard are also filled with people with high-pressure careers. There are fewer stay-at-home mothers than in other parts of the country, because they are working to support those expensive houses.

I can't say that Annapolis is any better or whether PG is any worse. However, I am sure you will be able to find friends among the people your husband works with, or if you share common interests like boating.

[Noble Savage]

Clarskville, Dayton, Highland area of Howard County is very nice with excellent schools. Severna Park in Anne Arundel. Don't stay to close to Ft. Meade. (10 Miles) I think Maryland lost it's Southern hospitality with the killing of Lincoln.

[kimba888]

Originally Posted by lynnylo

Hello

[...]

We were thinking about building with Toll Brothers at Marlboro Ridge, or maybe with NV Homes in Upper Marlboro, the Anapolis Area or somewhere else close by. (450k-800k)

Do you have any advises for us? Other safe and nice places, different builders? We would prefer a community with clubhouse, pool, shopping opportunities... So I won't be isolated in the middle of nowhere. Especially with the kids.

Oh! And good schools are also very important!

Thank you.

Toll Brothers & NV Homes R good /high end builders. It may be in the $1M range in Ellicott city or Clarksville where schools R good. The price depends on the size of the house/lot as well. You may want to talk directly to the builders or visiting the place first to get a feel about the community before putting down a huge investment. Check school rating as well.

Nearby the Fort is worth to check for school is Severna.

[lynnylo]

Thanks again for your answers! I'll do another school check.

[terpgirl34]

You might also want to consider Carroll County. It's a bit further away from your target area but it's safe and family friendly. Many people who live here, especially in the Eldersburg/Sykesville area have a very similar situation to you with at least 1 spouse commuting to Ft. Meade. The schools here are #3 in the state- very good and there's no need for the security guards and/or metal detectors you'll find in other areas. Another option is Private school. Anne Arundel County public schools are hit or miss, but you'd have great access to good private schools and a nice environment.