Welcome to my blog — a place where real estate meets real life.

I’ve spent more than 20 years helping homeowners and families through some of the toughest property situations you can imagine: falling behind on mortgage payments, facing foreclosure, owing more than a home is worth, short sales, reverse mortgage problems, probate and estate properties, inherited homes, and every version of “I don’t know what to do next.”

This blog is where I break down complicated real estate situations in plain English, answer the questions people are actually searching for, and share practical information based on more than two decades of experience—including handling more than 150 short sales.

Here you’ll find weekly posts covering mortgage distress, foreclosure alternatives, Maryland short sales, reverse mortgage property sales, probate and inherited homes, distressed and as-is properties, along with market insights and real stories from the field.

Whether you’re behind on your mortgage, worried about foreclosure, dealing with an inherited property, helping a family member, or simply trying to understand your options, my goal is to give you clear information and a trusted place to start.

 

If the property situation isn’t simple, that’s where I come in.

 

Sept. 18, 2026

2604 Roselawn Avenue Baltimore MD 21214 | Renovated Hamilton Home for Sale

If you've been looking for a completely renovated home in Hamilton where the work went well beyond paint, flooring and a new kitchen, take a look at 2604 Roselawn Avenue.

This home has been extensively renovated from top to bottom, with major improvements including a new roof, siding, windows, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, water heater and insulation, along with a new kitchen, renovated bathrooms, flooring, fixtures and finishes throughout.

And there's a lot more space here than you might expect from looking at the house from the street.

Today's professional floor-plan measurements show approximately 2,144 square feet of finished space across three levels, including approximately 1,342 square feet above grade and 802 finished square feet on the lower level.

2604 Roselawn Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21214
4 Bedrooms | 2 Full Bathrooms | 2,144 Finished Sq. Ft.

Take a 3D Walk Through 2604 Roselawn Avenue

You don't have to wait for a showing to start exploring the house.

We've created a complete Matterport 3D walkthrough, so you can virtually walk through 2604 Roselawn Avenue from your phone, tablet or computer.

👉 TAKE THE 3D VIRTUAL TOUR On Homes.com 

Like What You See? Schedule a Private Showing

This Was Much More Than a Cosmetic Renovation

One of the biggest things I want buyers to understand about this house is how much work went into the things you don't necessarily see in the photographs.

The renovation included a new roof, siding, windows, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, water heater and professionally installed insulation throughout the home.

That's important because there's a big difference between renovating a house and simply making an older house look new.

The kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and fixtures are the fun things you immediately notice. The mechanical systems and work behind the walls are what make this renovation different from a basic cosmetic update.

A Brand-New Kitchen at the Center of the Home

The kitchen turned out beautifully, with new cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, gas cooking and a large center island providing additional prep space, storage and seating.

The kitchen flows naturally into the dining and living areas, giving the main level a comfortable, open feel.

There's also a gas fireplace in the living room, which gives the house some character that you don't always find after a complete renovation.

More Than 2,100 Square Feet of Finished Space

This is one of the easiest things to miss if you're only looking at basic public-record information online.

The professional floor plan measured approximately:

1,037 sq. ft. — Main Level
305 sq. ft. — Finished Upper Level
802 sq. ft. — Finished Lower Level

That's approximately 2,144 square feet of finished space across three levels.

The main level includes two bedrooms and a completely renovated full bathroom.

The finished upper level provides another large, private bedroom with its own dedicated heating and cooling system.

And then there's the lower level.

A Finished Lower Level That Adds Real Space

With approximately 802 finished square feet, the lower level isn't an afterthought.

There's a large finished recreation/family room, additional bedroom space, a second completely renovated full bathroom with tiled shower, dedicated laundry area, storage and separate mechanical space.

Two sump pumps have also been installed as part of the improvements to the lower level.

Whether you need additional sleeping space, room to spread out, a second living area or simply more flexibility, the lower level adds a lot to this house.

One of My Favorite Spaces Is Right Up Front

The enclosed front room gets a ton of natural light and gives you a little extra space you might not expect.

It works really well as a home office, sitting room, reading room or flex space.

If you work from home, this is especially useful because you can create a dedicated workspace without sacrificing one of the bedrooms.

Deck, Fenced Yard, Driveway & Detached Garage

The improvements aren't limited to the inside.

Out back you'll find a rebuilt rear deck overlooking the fenced backyard, giving you plenty of room for a grill, table or outdoor seating.

You've also got something that's always nice to have in Baltimore: off-street driveway parking and a detached one-car garage.

What's It Like Living in Hamilton?

This is where I'd make the blog different from Zillow and the other property portals.

Hamilton is part of the larger Hamilton-Lauraville area of Northeast Baltimore, centered around the Harford Road corridor. Visit Baltimore specifically highlights the area for its independent shopping and food scene while still maintaining the feel of an established residential neighborhood.

If you're a coffee person, local Baltimore roaster Zeke's Coffee has its café at 4719 Harford Road. Zeke's actually got its start in Northeast Baltimore and has been part of the area since 2006.

For restaurants, Silver Queen Cafe is right on Harford Road in Hamilton and focuses on Maryland-influenced, locally sourced food, including brunch on the weekends. Another neighborhood option is Maggie's Farm, which also emphasizes locally sourced ingredients.

The Harford Road corridor also gives residents access to locally owned shops, cafés and neighborhood businesses. Visit Baltimore highlights everything from books and records to locally made goods along the Hamilton-Lauraville corridor.

And when you want some green space, Herring Run Park is one of Northeast Baltimore's major outdoor resources. Visit Baltimore describes it as a 375-acre woodland oasis, while Baltimore City's park materials document Herring Run as part of the city's park system.

That's part of what I like about this section of Northeast Baltimore: you're buying a detached home in an established residential neighborhood while still having the restaurants, coffee shops, local businesses and green space of the Hamilton-Lauraville area nearby.

→ EXPLORE HOMES FOR SALE IN HAMILTON

Want to See 2604 Roselawn Avenue in Person?

The pictures and 3D tour will give you a really good feel for the house, but there's still nothing like walking through it yourself.

If you'd like to schedule a private showing of 2604 Roselawn Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21214, reach out and I'll get you through it.

SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING

Dan McDevitt
RealVolution Homes Group
Cummings & Company Realtors

Own a Home in Hamilton?

If you own a home in Hamilton, Hamilton Hills, Lauraville or elsewhere in Northeast Baltimore and you're wondering what it could sell for, I'm happy to take a look.

One thing this property illustrates really well is why an online estimate can't see the entire picture.

Condition matters. Renovations matter. Finished lower-level space matters. Garages, lots and location matter. And what buyers are actually paying for comparable homes right now matters.

FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME COULD SELL FOR

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Maryland and Delaware Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and Team Lead of RealVolution Homes Group. With more than 20 years in real estate, Dan specializes in helping homeowners navigate complicated property situations, including pre-foreclosure and foreclosure, short sales, probate and inherited properties, reverse mortgages, estate sales, and homes that need to be sold as-is.

Dan also works with traditional buyers and sellers throughout Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland markets.

Have a real estate question or dealing with a difficult property situation?
Contact Dan | → Schedule a 15-Minute Call

 

Posted in Dans Listings
Sept. 17, 2026

Behind on Your Mortgage in Maryland? 1.9 Million U.S. Homeowners Are 30+ Days Late

Being 30 days behind on your mortgage is a warning sign—not a foreclosure sentence.

If you’ve missed a mortgage payment, the temptation is to panic—or worse, avoid dealing with it altogether.

Neither helps.

New national mortgage data caught my attention because approximately 1.932 million properties were at least 30 days past due on their mortgage but not yet in foreclosure as of May 31, 2026. That was 188,000 more than a year earlier.

Those are big numbers.

But if you're a homeowner in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland struggling with your mortgage, there's something much more important than the headline:

Being behind doesn't necessarily mean you're losing your house.

What it does mean is that it's time to understand your options.

1.9 Million Delinquent Mortgages Doesn't Mean 1.9 Million Foreclosures

Let's get something straight because scary housing headlines travel fast.

ICE reported a national mortgage delinquency rate of 3.50% in May. The monthly increase was influenced significantly by May ending on a Sunday, which pushed some payment processing into the following business day. Overall mortgage performance remained below January 2020 delinquency levels.

So no, I'm not telling you 1.9 million homes are about to be foreclosed on.

But there's another part of the report I am watching.

There were 577,000 properties at least 90 days delinquent but not yet in foreclosure, up 111,000 from a year earlier. Active foreclosure inventory reached approximately 280,000 loans—34% higher than a year earlier and the highest level in six years, although the foreclosure rate remained below pre-pandemic levels.

That's worth paying attention to.

30 Days Late Is When You Should Start Asking Questions

If you're behind, don't wait until you're staring at a foreclosure sale date to figure out what you're going to do.

Federal mortgage-servicing rules generally prevent a servicer from making the first foreclosure notice or filing until a mortgage is more than 120 days delinquent, with limited exceptions. Servicers also generally have early-intervention responsibilities when borrowers become delinquent.

Maryland has additional foreclosure procedures and notices. The Maryland Office of Financial Regulation says a Notice of Intent to Foreclose is a warning that a foreclosure action could be filed and generally must be mailed at least 45 days before the foreclosure action may be filed.

That's why 30 days late and 120 days late are two very different situations.

Time creates options.

Waiting takes them away.

If you want a deeper explanation, I've also written a guide on What Happens After You Miss Mortgage Payments in Maryland?

 

Before Selling, Find Out Whether You Can Save the Home

I'm a Realtor, but I'm going to tell you something that might sound strange coming from one:

Selling shouldn't automatically be your first move.

If you want to keep the house, start by contacting your mortgage servicer and finding out what loss-mitigation options may be available.

Depending on the loan and circumstances, those options can include a repayment plan, forbearance or loan modification. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also recommends contacting a HUD-approved housing counselor, who can provide foreclosure-avoidance assistance at little or no cost.

The goal isn't to sell everybody's house.

The goal is to figure out the solution that makes sense.

Sometimes Selling Is Actually the Best Foreclosure-Avoidance Strategy

Here's something else homeowners sometimes miss:

Being behind on the mortgage and being underwater are not the same thing.

You could owe $250,000 on a property worth $375,000 and be three months behind.

That's a problem—but potentially a very solvable one.

If there's enough equity to pay the mortgage, liens and selling expenses, a traditional sale may allow you to pay everything off and preserve the remaining equity rather than letting the situation progress toward foreclosure.

That's why one of the first things I want to know is:

What is the property realistically worth, and what do you actually owe?

Those two numbers can completely change the conversation.

And What If You Owe More Than the House Is Worth?

That's where a short sale may become part of the conversation.

A short sale involves selling the property when the proceeds aren't enough to satisfy the mortgage and obtaining the lender or servicer's required approval for the transaction. The CFPB includes short sales among the loss-mitigation possibilities that may be available to some borrowers.

I've been working with short sales for many years, and one lesson keeps repeating itself:

Earlier is better.

Waiting until you're deep into foreclosure makes an already complicated transaction harder.

I've put together two additional resources if this describes your situation:

What Is a Short Sale and How Does It Work in Maryland?

and

Can You Sell Your House If You Owe More Than It's Worth?

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

 

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore-area Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. With more than 20 years in real estate, Dan specializes in complicated property situations including short sales, pre-foreclosure and distressed properties, probate and estate sales, inherited homes, and reverse mortgage properties throughout the Baltimore area and Maryland.

If you or someone you know is facing a difficult property situation and doesn't know where to start, Dan can help evaluate the real estate side of the situation and explain the available paths forward.

Posted in Short Sales
June 1, 2026

Can You Sell a Home With a Reverse Mortgage in Maryland? (Baltimore Guide)

If you—or a family member—have a reverse mortgage on a property in the Baltimore, Maryland area, you may be wondering:

“Can we even sell the house?”

The answer is yes.

And honestly, a lot of people are surprised by that.

There’s a ton of confusion around reverse mortgages, especially when it comes to selling the home, paying off the balance, or understanding what happens if the loan amount has grown over time.

As a Baltimore real estate agent who works with reverse mortgage and estate-related properties, I’m going to break this down simply so you understand how the process actually works—and what your options are.

Yes, You Can Sell a Home With a Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage does not prevent you from selling the property.

In fact, homeowners sell reverse mortgage properties all the time.

When the home sells:

  • The reverse mortgage balance gets paid off first
  • Any remaining equity belongs to the homeowner (or estate)

👉 That’s the key thing many people misunderstand.

What If the Loan Balance Is Higher Than the Home Value?

This is where reverse mortgages get confusing.

Many reverse mortgages are FHA-insured, which means:

👉 You (or your heirs) typically won’t owe more than the home’s market value.

In many cases:

  • The lender accepts the sale proceeds
  • FHA insurance covers the difference

That protection can be a huge relief for families.

Why Do People Sell Reverse Mortgage Homes?

There are a lot of reasons:

  • Downsizing
  • Moving into assisted living
  • Medical expenses
  • Inherited property situations
  • The homeowner passed away

And sometimes?

👉 Maintaining the property simply became too much.

How Does the Sale Process Work?

The process is similar to a traditional home sale, but with a few added steps:

  1. Determine the reverse mortgage payoff
  2. Evaluate the home’s market value
  3. List the property for sale
  4. Coordinate payoff approval with the lender
  5. Close the sale and satisfy the loan balance

👉 The important part is understanding the numbers before making decisions.

If you’re dealing with a reverse mortgage after a loved one has passed away, I also put together a guide explaining exactly what happens next: what happens to a house with a reverse mortgage after death.

Can You Sell the Property As-Is?

Absolutely.

Many reverse mortgage homes in the Baltimore real estate market:

  • Need updates
  • Have deferred maintenance
  • Haven’t been renovated in years

And that’s okay.

As a Baltimore Realtor experienced with reverse mortgage and estate sales, I help families determine:

  • Whether selling as-is makes sense
  • Or whether improvements could create a better outcome

What I’m Seeing Right Now in Baltimore

Here in the Baltimore area, I’m seeing more families dealing with reverse mortgage situations than ever before.

A lot of adult children inherit these homes and suddenly have to navigate:

  • The lender
  • The timeline
  • The property condition
  • Probate issues

👉 Most people feel overwhelmed at first because nobody ever explained how this stuff works.

👉 Key Takeaway

Having a reverse mortgage doesn’t mean you can’t sell the house—it just means you need a clear plan and accurate numbers.

Dan’s Take

Reverse mortgage situations scare people because they sound more complicated than they actually are.

And honestly?

Most families wait too long to ask questions because they’re worried there’s no good solution.

But what I’ve learned over the years is this:

👉 The earlier you understand the process, the easier the decisions become.

Most of the stress comes from uncertainty—not the actual options available.

If you’re dealing with a reverse mortgage property in Maryland, the most important thing to know is that you still have options.

Whether you’re planning to sell now, helping a parent transition, or handling an inherited property after a loss, understanding the numbers and timeline early can make a huge difference.

Every situation is different, and the best path depends on the condition of the home, the loan balance, and your long-term goals.

If you’re in the Baltimore area and trying to figure out your next step, I’m here to help walk you through it—no pressure, just honest guidance and real solutions.

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in reverse mortgage properties, probate sales, short sales, foreclosure prevention, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

 

May 12, 2026

Can You Sell Your House If You Owe More Than It’s Worth? (Baltimore Guide)

A lot of homeowners think they’re trapped once they owe more than their house is worth. Most of the time, that’s not true.

If you’ve looked at your mortgage balance lately and thought:

“There’s no way I could sell this house…”

—you’re not alone.

I talk to homeowners across the Baltimore, Maryland area all the time who are dealing with this exact situation.

Maybe the market shifted.
Maybe repairs are needed.
Maybe life changed unexpectedly.

Whatever the reason, owing more than your home is worth can feel overwhelming fast.

But here’s the important part:

👉 You still have options.

As a Baltimore real estate agent specializing in short sales and distressed properties, I’m going to break down how selling an underwater home actually works—and what homeowners need to know before making a decision.

What Does “Underwater” Mean?

Being “underwater” simply means:

👉 You owe more on the mortgage than the home would sell for today.

Example:

  • Mortgage payoff: $425,000
  • Home value: $375,000

That means you’re roughly $50,000 underwater before closing costs.

And yes… it happens more often than people think.

Can You Still Sell the House?

Yes.

But the process depends on your financial situation and the amount owed.

In many cases, homeowners may be able to:

  • Bring money to closing
  • Negotiate with the lender
  • Pursue a short sale
  • Explore alternatives before foreclosure becomes an issue

👉 The biggest mistake is assuming there’s no solution.

What Is a Short Sale?

A short sale happens when:

👉 The lender agrees to accept less than what’s owed on the mortgage.

Instead of going through foreclosure, the homeowner works with the lender to sell the property and settle the debt.

That’s why short sales are often considered a proactive solution—not a last resort.

If you want a deeper breakdown of how short sales work in Maryland, I also put together a full guide here: what is a short sale and how does it work in Maryland.

What Causes Homeowners to Become Underwater?

There are a lot of reasons this happens:

  • Market changes
  • High-interest loans
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Divorce
  • Job loss or income changes
  • Taking cash out of equity previously

And sometimes?

👉 Life just happens.

What I’m Seeing Right Now in Baltimore

Here in the Baltimore real estate market, I’m starting to see more situations where:

  • Homeowners stretched financially during the market peak
  • Repairs and updates got expensive
  • Higher monthly payments created pressure

As a Baltimore Realtor working with distressed property situations, I can tell you:

👉 Most people wait too long before asking questions.

And that delay usually makes the situation harder—not easier.

👉 Key Takeaway

Owing more than your home is worth doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you need a strategy.

Dan’s Take

This is one of those situations where people feel embarrassed… and they shouldn’t.

The market changes.
Life changes.
Situations change.

I’ve worked with homeowners dealing with everything from divorce to medical issues to inherited properties with unexpected debt attached.

And what I’ve learned is:

👉 The earlier people face the situation, the more options they usually have.

Ignoring it rarely improves it.

If you owe more than your home is worth, don’t assume foreclosure is your only option.

There are often solutions available—from short sales to negotiated exits—that can help you move forward with less stress and more control.

Every situation is different, and the right strategy depends on your goals, your finances, and the condition of the property.

The important thing is getting accurate information early before the situation gets more complicated.

If you’re in the Baltimore area and trying to figure out your options, I’m here to help you walk through it—no pressure, just real guidance and honest answers.

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in short sales, foreclosure prevention, probate properties, reverse mortgage homes, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

 

Posted in Short Sales
May 11, 2026

Can You Sell a House Before Probate Is Finished in Baltimore?

One of the biggest probate myths I hear is: “We can’t do anything with the house until probate is completely over.” That’s usually not true.

If you’re dealing with an inherited property in the Baltimore area, chances are someone in the family has already asked:

“Can we sell the house now… or do we have to wait?”

And honestly, the confusion makes sense.

Between probate paperwork, family decisions, and everything that comes with losing a loved one, most people aren’t exactly experts on Maryland estate law.

The good news?

In many situations, you can move forward with selling the home before probate is fully completed.

As a Baltimore real estate agent who works with probate and estate properties regularly, I’m going to break down how that works—and what families need to know.

What Is Probate, Exactly?

Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they pass away.

That usually includes:

  • Validating the will
  • Appointing a Personal Representative (executor)
  • Paying debts and taxes
  • Distributing assets

If there’s a house involved, that property becomes part of the estate.

So… Can You Sell the House Before Probate Ends?

👉 In many cases, yes.

Once the court appoints a Personal Representative, that person may have the authority to sell the property before the entire probate process is finished.

That’s the part people don’t realize.

You usually don’t have to wait until every single detail of probate is wrapped up before taking action on the home.

Why Families Choose to Sell Early

There are a lot of practical reasons families decide to move forward sooner rather than later:

  • The property is vacant
  • The house needs repairs
  • Mortgage payments or taxes are piling up
  • Family members live out of state
  • Nobody wants to maintain the property long-term

👉 And honestly?

Sometimes the emotional weight alone is enough.

A vacant inherited house can quickly turn into stress, conflict, and expense if nobody has a clear plan.

What Needs to Happen First?

Before selling, the estate typically needs:

  • A court-appointed Personal Representative
  • Authority to act on behalf of the estate
  • Proper documentation for the title company and buyer

Every probate situation is different, which is why it’s important to understand exactly where you are in the process before listing the home.

If you’re still trying to understand the probate process itself, I also put together a simple breakdown here: what happens to a house during probate in Maryland.

Can You Sell the Property As-Is?

Absolutely.

In fact, many probate homes in the Baltimore real estate market are sold as-is.

That means:

  • No major cleanout first
  • No expensive renovations
  • No pressure to make everything perfect

As a Baltimore Realtor experienced with estate sales, I help families understand whether:

  • Selling as-is makes the most sense
  • Or whether small improvements could increase value significantly

What I’m Seeing Right Now in Baltimore

Right now, I’m seeing more inherited properties hit the market across Baltimore and Baltimore County.

A lot of families are:

  • Overwhelmed by the process
  • Unsure about timelines
  • Trying to balance emotions with practical decisions

👉 The families who do best are usually the ones who get guidance early and make a plan before the property becomes a bigger burden.

👉 Key Takeaway

In many Maryland probate situations, you can sell the home before probate is fully finished—you just need the right authority and plan in place.

If you’re dealing with an inherited property in Baltimore and wondering whether you can sell before probate is finished, the answer is often yes—but every estate situation is unique.

The key is understanding where you are in the process and making sure the proper steps are handled correctly from the beginning.

Whether the home needs repairs, is sitting vacant, or you’re simply trying to figure out the next move, having the right guidance early can make the entire process smoother.

 

If you’re in the Baltimore area and need help understanding your options, I’m here to help—no pressure, just real guidance.

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in estate sales, reverse mortgage properties, short sales, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

April 23, 2026

What Happens to a House With a Reverse Mortgage After Death? (Baltimore Guide)

Reverse mortgages sound simple—until someone passes away. Then everything gets confusing fast.

If a loved one had a reverse mortgage and recently passed away, you’re probably dealing with a lot of questions—and not many clear answers.

I hear this all the time from families in the Baltimore, Maryland area:

“What happens to the house now?”

Between the lender, the timeline, and figuring out whether to keep or sell the property, it can feel overwhelming.

As a Baltimore real estate agent who works with estate sales, probate, and reverse mortgage situations, I’m going to break this down in simple terms so you understand exactly what happens next—and what your options are.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage (Quick Breakdown)?

A reverse mortgage (often called a HECM loan) allows a homeowner—typically 62 or older—to borrow against their home equity.

Instead of making monthly payments, the loan balance increases over time.

👉 The loan becomes due when:

  • The homeowner passes away
  • The home is sold
  • The owner no longer lives in the property

What Happens After the Homeowner Passes Away?

When the homeowner passes, the reverse mortgage becomes due.

At that point, the heirs (family or estate) typically have a few options:

  • Pay off the loan and keep the home
  • Sell the home and use the proceeds to pay the loan
  • Walk away if the home isn’t worth keeping

👉 This is where timing and decisions become critical.

How Much Do You Have to Pay Back?

Here’s something most people don’t know:

👉 You don’t necessarily have to pay the full loan balance.

In many cases, heirs can:

  • Pay the lesser of the loan balance OR 95% of the home’s current value

This is because most reverse mortgages are FHA-insured.

👉 That protection can be a big advantage.

What’s the Timeline to Decide?

The lender will typically give heirs:

  • About 30 days to respond initially
  • Then up to 6 months (sometimes longer with extensions) to resolve the situation

That might sound like a lot of time…

👉 But it goes FAST.

Especially if you’re also dealing with probate, family decisions, or clearing out the property.

Can You Sell a Reverse Mortgage Property?

Yes—and in many cases, that’s the most practical option.

You can:

  • Sell the home as-is
  • List it traditionally
  • Work through the lender approval process

👉 The key is understanding the numbers and timeline early.

In a lot of situations, reverse mortgage properties also go through probate at the same time. If you’re dealing with both, here’s a simple breakdown of how probate works in Maryland: what happens to a house during probate in Maryland.

What I’m Seeing Right Now in Baltimore

Here in the Baltimore real estate market, I’m seeing more families dealing with:

  • Reverse mortgage properties after a loved one passes
  • Confusion about timelines and options
  • Homes that need work before selling

As a Baltimore Realtor experienced in estate and reverse mortgage sales, I can tell you:

👉 Most families don’t realize how many options they actually have.

👉 Key Takeaway

A reverse mortgage doesn’t mean you lose the house—it means you need a plan.

Dan’s Take

This is one of those situations where families are already dealing with loss… and then get hit with a complicated financial situation on top of it.

What I’ve seen over the years is this:

👉 The families who get clear guidance early make much better decisions.

They don’t rush.
They don’t panic.
They understand their options and move forward with a plan.

That’s the difference between a stressful situation… and a manageable one.

If you’re dealing with a home that has a reverse mortgage after someone passes away, take a step back—you don’t have to figure everything out overnight.

There are clear options available, and the right path depends on your goals, the condition of the home, and the financial situation.

Whether you’re planning to sell, keep, or just understand your next step, the most important thing is getting accurate information early.

If you’re in the Baltimore area and dealing with this situation, I’m here to help you walk through it—no pressure, just real guidance when you need it.

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in estate sales, reverse mortgage properties, short sales, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

April 22, 2026

Maryland Housing Market Update: March 2026 Stats (What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know Right Now)

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably heard everything from “the market is slowing” to “the crash is coming.” And honestly? I get why people are confused. The headlines don’t match what people are actually experiencing in real life.

I’m in this market every single day—talking to buyers, sellers, and agents and what I’m seeing is very different from the fear-based narratives floating around. The March 2026 housing stats for Maryland just came out, and while the numbers matter, the story behind the numbers matters more. So let’s break it down in plain English, the way I’d explain it if we were grabbing coffee.

📉 Sales Are Down… But That’s Not the Problem

  • Units Sold: 4,874 (down 4.4% year-over-year)

This is where most people panic.

Fewer homes sold = “the market must be slowing,” right?

Not exactly.

We simply don’t have enough homes to sell.

Inventory is tight, and that naturally limits how many transactions can happen. It’s not that buyers disappeared—it’s that they don’t have enough good options.

💰 Prices Are Still Climbing (Yes, Really)

  • Average Price: $513,997 (up 4.9%)
  • Median Price: $430,000 (up 1.6%)

Let me simplify this:

👉 If demand was weak, prices would be dropping.

They’re not.

Prices are still rising—just not at the insane pace we saw a few years ago. That tells you buyers are still out there, still competing, and still willing to pay for the right home.

📦 Inventory Is Low… But Not All Inventory Is Equal

  • Active Listings: 12,762 (down significantly from last year)
  • Months of Supply: 2.3 months

👉 A balanced market is 5–6 months of inventory.

We’re nowhere near that.

But here’s what I’m seeing every day:

There’s low inventory… and then there’s even lower desirable inventory.

  • Clean, updated homes → selling quickly
  • Dated homes → sitting
  • Overpriced homes → sitting or getting pulled

This is not a “sell anything” market anymore.

⏳ Homes Are Taking Longer… But Let’s Be Real

  • Median Days on Market: 18 days (up from 12)

People hear that and think: “Uh oh…”

Let’s relax for a second.

👉 18 days is still FAST.

What’s actually happening:

  • Buyers are being more selective
  • Pricing matters again
  • Presentation matters again

This is a shift toward a healthier, more balanced dynamic—not a collapse.

📉 New Listings Dropped (And That’s a Big Deal)

  • New Listings: 7,145 (down from 9,482 last year)

This is the quiet problem in the market.

A lot of homeowners are locked into low interest rates and simply don’t want to move.

So what happens?

👉 Fewer homes hit the market
👉 Inventory stays tight
👉 Prices stay supported

It’s a cycle—and it’s not breaking anytime soon.

⚠️ What This Market Means for Homeowners Under Pressure

Here’s something I’m starting to see more of—and it’s not being talked about enough.

As interest rates have gone up and affordability has tightened, there are some homeowners quietly feeling pressure.

Not everyone… but it’s there.

  • Adjustable payments resetting
  • Job or income changes
  • People who bought at peak prices with minimal equity

👉 And in some cases…
the numbers just aren’t working anymore

Now here’s the part most people don’t realize:

They think their only options are:

  • Keep struggling to make payments
  • Or go into foreclosure

That’s not true.

There’s a third option that more homeowners should at least understand…
👉 a short sale

🧩 A Short Sale Isn’t a Failure—It’s a Strategy

In simple terms, a short sale is when you sell your home for less than what you owe—and the bank agrees to it.

And before you think “that sounds bad,” let me be clear:

👉 Banks often prefer short sales over foreclosure

Why?

Because foreclosure is expensive, slow, and unpredictable for them.

A short sale gives:

  • More control
  • Less credit damage
  • A cleaner exit 

👀 What I’m Seeing Right Now in Maryland

I’m not saying we’re in some wave of foreclosures—because we’re not.

But I am seeing early signs of what I’d call:

👉 “quiet distress”

  • People stretched thin
  • People unsure what their options are
  • People waiting too long to ask questions

And here’s the truth:

👉 Most homeowners don’t realize they qualify for a short sale until it’s almost too late

🔗 If You Want a Full Breakdown of Short Sales

I put together a full guide that walks through exactly how short sales work here in Maryland:

👉 What Is a Short Sale and How Does It Work in Maryland? (Baltimore Guide)

🔥 Buyers Haven’t Gone Anywhere

  • Pending Sales: 6,870 (up from 6,319)

This is one of the most important stats in the entire report.

👉 More homes are going under contract right now than last year.

That means buyers are still active. They’re just being smarter about what they choose.

💡 Dan’s Take

Here’s the real talk.

The market didn’t get weaker—it got more disciplined.

For a while, you could throw a house on the market and it would sell no matter what. That’s over.

Now?

Buyers are doing the math. Higher interest rates mean higher payments, so expectations are higher too.

What I’m seeing right now is a split market:

👉 The right homes still sell fast and for strong prices
👉 The wrong homes sit… or disappear

Inventory is still low, but a lot of what’s out there just isn’t great—and buyers are calling it out by not moving on it.

This isn’t a hot market or a cold market—it’s a smart market.

So where does that leave you?

If you’re a seller, you still have the advantage—but you need to be realistic about pricing and presentation. The days of testing the market and hoping for a bidding war are mostly behind us.

If you’re a buyer, you’ve got more breathing room than you did a couple of years ago—but when the right home comes along, you still need to move decisively.

The Maryland housing market in 2026 isn’t broken—it’s just more thoughtful. And honestly? That’s a good thing. It rewards preparation, strategy, and working with someone who actually understands what’s happening.

If you’re dealing with a situation where the numbers aren’t working anymore, or you just want to understand your options before things get stressful… reach out. There are more solutions than most people realize.

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

 

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in short sales, foreclosure prevention, estate sales, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

Posted in Dan's Updates
April 21, 2026

What Is a Short Sale and How Does It Work in Maryland? (Baltimore Guide)

A short sale isn’t a failure—it’s a strategy. The problem is, most people don’t know that until it’s too late.

If you owe more on your house than it’s worth, you might feel stuck.

I talk to homeowners in the Baltimore, Maryland area all the time who are in this exact situation, and most of them think they only have two options:

Keep paying… or lose the house to foreclosure.

That’s not true.

There’s a third option that a lot of people don’t fully understand—a short sale.

As a Baltimore real estate agent who has helped homeowners navigate short sales for years, I’m going to break down what a short sale actually is, how it works in Maryland, and when it might make sense for you.

What Is a Short Sale?

A short sale is when you sell your home for less than what you owe on the mortgage—and the bank agrees to accept that lower amount.

👉 In simple terms:
You’re “short” on the payoff… and the lender approves it.

Example:

  • You owe: $400,000
  • Home value: $350,000
  • Bank agrees to accept: $350,000

That’s a short sale.

Why Would a Bank Agree to This?

Because foreclosure is expensive.

When a bank takes a home through foreclosure, they often lose:

  • Legal fees
  • Holding costs
  • Property condition issues
  • Time

👉 In many cases, a short sale is the lesser loss

And that’s why lenders are often open to it—if it’s handled correctly.

How Does a Short Sale Work in Maryland?

Here’s the basic process:

  1. List the property for sale
  2. Receive an offer from a buyer
  3. Submit the offer to the lender
  4. Lender reviews financial hardship + property value
  5. Bank approves, denies, or negotiates
  6. Sale closes once approved

👉 The key difference from a normal sale:

The bank is involved in approving the deal.

Who Qualifies for a Short Sale?

Typically, you need to show a financial hardship, such as:

  • Job loss or reduced income
  • Medical issues
  • Divorce
  • Unexpected financial strain

👉 And most importantly:

The home is worth less than what you owe

Short Sale vs Foreclosure: What’s the Difference?

This is where things get real.

Short Sale:

  • More control
  • Less impact on credit
  • Ability to plan your next move

Foreclosure:

  • Forced process
  • More damage to credit
  • Less control over outcome

👉 Big takeaway:
A short sale is usually the cleaner exit.

What I’m Seeing Right Now in Baltimore

Here in the Baltimore real estate market, we’re starting to see:

  • More homeowners feeling pressure from higher payments
  • Some situations where values haven’t kept up with what people owe
  • Early-stage distress that hasn’t turned into foreclosure yet

As a Baltimore Realtor specializing in short sales and distressed properties, I can tell you:

👉 Most people don’t realize they qualify for a short sale until it’s almost too late.

👉 Key Takeaway

A short sale isn’t giving up—it’s taking control before things get worse.

Dan’s Take

I’ve handled short sales since 2007, and I can tell you this:

Most people wait way too long to even look at the option.

They hope the market rebounds.

They try to hang on.

They avoid the conversation.

And I get it—it’s not an easy thing to face.

But the reality is:

👉 The earlier you explore a short sale, the more leverage you have.

The people who treat it like a strategy—not a last resort—almost always come out in a better position.

If you’re in a situation where you owe more than your home is worth, you’re not stuck—you just need to understand your options.

A short sale can be a powerful way to move forward without going through foreclosure, but it needs to be handled the right way from the beginning.

Every situation is different, and the best solution depends on your goals, your timeline, and your financial picture.

If you’re in the Baltimore area and want to understand whether a short sale makes sense for you, I’m here to walk you through it—no pressure, just real guidance.

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

 

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in short sales, foreclosure prevention, estate sales, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

 

Posted in Short Sales
April 10, 2026

What Happens After You Miss Mortgage Payments in Maryland? (Baltimore Guide)

Missing one mortgage payment doesn’t mean you’re losing your house—but ignoring it might.

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage—or you’re worried you might—you’re not alone.

I talk to homeowners in the Baltimore, Maryland area every week who are dealing with this exact situation, and most of them have the same fear:

“Am I going to lose my house?”

The good news is—you usually have more time and more options than you think.

The bad news? Waiting too long can limit those options.

As a Baltimore real estate agent who works with pre-foreclosure and short sale situations, I’m going to walk you through what actually happens next—and what you can do about it.

What Happens After You Miss a Mortgage Payment?

Here’s how the timeline typically works:

  • 30 days late: You’ll get hit with late fees and reminder notices
  • 60 days late: Lender contact increases—calls, letters, urgency
  • 90 days late: You’re officially in default
  • 120+ days late: The foreclosure process may begin

👉 Important:
Foreclosure doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s a process—and that means you still have time to act.

When Does Foreclosure Start in Maryland?

Maryland is a judicial foreclosure state, which means:

  • The lender has to file a legal case
  • You’ll receive formal notices
  • There’s a timeline before anything is finalized

This isn’t instant.

👉 But the clock is ticking.

The sooner you understand your situation, the more options you have.

Can You Sell Your House Before Foreclosure?

Yes—and in many cases, that’s the smartest move.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

  • Sell traditionally if you have equity
  • Do a short sale if you owe more than the home is worth
  • Work out a repayment or modification plan

👉 The key is acting early.

The longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have.

In some cases, the situation gets even more complicated when the property was inherited and tied up in an estate. If you’re dealing with that, I broke down exactly how it works here: What happens to a house during probate in Maryland.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

I see the same patterns over and over:

  • Ignoring calls and letters from the lender
  • Hoping the situation fixes itself
  • Waiting until the last minute to ask for help
  • Assuming foreclosure is inevitable

👉 It’s usually not.

There’s almost always a path forward—you just have to find it early enough.

What I’m Seeing Right Now in Baltimore

Here in the Baltimore housing market, I’m starting to see:

  • More homeowners feeling pressure from higher payments
  • Some early-stage pre-foreclosure situations
  • People unsure what their options actually are

As a Baltimore Realtor who works with distressed properties, I can tell you this:

👉 Most people wait longer than they should—and it costs them.

👉 Key Takeaway

Missing payments doesn’t mean you’re out of options—but waiting too long might.

If you’re behind on your mortgage—or even just worried you might fall behind—the worst thing you can do is nothing.

There are options available, and in many cases, we can create a plan that protects your credit, your equity, and your future.

Every situation is different, and the right solution depends on your goals—but the first step is understanding where you stand.

If you’re in the Baltimore area and dealing with this, I’m here to help you sort through it—no pressure, just real guidance so you can make the right move.

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text Me: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

 

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in short sales, foreclosure prevention, estate sales, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.

Posted in Short Sales
April 9, 2026

What Happens to a House During Probate in Maryland? (Baltimore Guide)

 

Most people don’t realize how complicated probate is… until they’re in it.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one and now find yourself responsible for a house, you’re probably asking the same question I hear all the time:

“What do I even do with the property?”

Between legal paperwork, family decisions, and the emotional weight of it all, probate can feel overwhelming—especially here in Maryland, where the process has its own rules and timelines.

As a Baltimore real estate agent who works with estate and probate properties, I’ve helped a lot of families through this exact situation. Let me break it down for you in plain English—no legal jargon, no confusion—just what you actually need to know.

What Is Probate and Why Does It Matter?

Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they pass away.

That includes:

  • Validating the will
  • Appointing a Personal Representative (executor)
  • Paying off debts
  • Distributing assets

And if there’s a house involved?

👉 That property becomes part of the probate process.

What Happens to the House During Probate?

Here’s the simple version:

The home doesn’t automatically transfer to heirs right away.

Instead:

  • The court gives authority to the Personal Representative
  • That person is responsible for managing the property
  • The home may need to be maintained, insured, and secured

In many cases, the house just… sits there for a while.

And that’s where problems start.

Can You Sell a House During Probate in Maryland?

Yes—and this is where a lot of people get confused.

In Maryland, you can sell a property during probate, but:

  • You need court approval (in many cases)
  • The sale must be handled properly through the estate
  • Timing and documentation matter

The biggest mistake I see?
Families waiting too long because they think they can’t sell yet.

Common Mistakes Families Make With Probate Homes

I see the same issues over and over:

  • Letting the property sit vacant too long
  • Not maintaining insurance
  • Waiting on family decisions that never get made
  • Thinking they have to clean everything out before selling

👉 You don’t need to do all that first.

There are ways to sell these homes as-is, without taking on unnecessary stress.

What This Looks Like in Baltimore

Here in the Baltimore real estate market, probate homes are more common than people realize.

And depending on the situation, you may have options like:

  • Selling the home as-is
  • Cleaning it out first and maximizing value
  • Exploring investor offers vs traditional listing

As a Baltimore Realtor experienced with estate sales, my job is to help you understand those options—not push you into one.

👉 Key Takeaway

You don’t have to figure this out alone—and you don’t have to do everything before selling.

Dan’s Take

Probate isn’t just a legal process—it’s an emotional one.

Most families I work with aren’t just dealing with a house… they’re dealing with memories, stress, and sometimes complicated family dynamics.

What I’ve learned over the years is this:

👉 The smoother the process, the better the outcome.

And that usually comes down to having the right plan early—not waiting until things get overwhelming.

If you’re dealing with a probate property in Baltimore, take a breath—you’ve got options.

The process can feel confusing at first, but once you understand the steps and your role, it becomes a lot more manageable.

Whether you’re ready to sell now or just trying to figure out what comes next, the most important thing is having the right information and guidance.

I’ve helped a lot of families through this, and every situation is different—but the goal is always the same: make it as simple and stress-free as possible.

 

Dan McDevitt

President | Realvolution Homes Group

Realtor® | Cummings & Company Realtors

📱 Call or Text: 410-670-4762

📧 Email: dan@realvolutionhomes.com

🌐 Website: https://www.realvolutionhomes.com

🏢 Office:

Cummings & Company Realtors

9607 Belair Road

Baltimore, MD 21236

🔗 Helpful Resources & Links:

👉 https://linktr.ee/realvolutionhomes

 

About Dan McDevitt

Dan McDevitt is a Baltimore, Maryland Realtor with Cummings & Company Realtors and President of Realvolution Homes Group. He specializes in estate sales, probate properties, short sales, and helping homeowners navigate complex real estate situations.