Smart Moves
Video Knowledgebase
What is "Earnest Money" and How Much Do You Need? #shorts
Earnest money is simply a good‑faith deposit that shows you’re committed. Plan for 1%–2%, know your market, make sure your contract protects you with the right contingencies, and ultimately stay receptive to your agents’ expert guidance.
Understanding this piece ahead of time makes the offer stage feel a whole lot less stressful — and a whole lot more strategic.
This week, I break it down so you know exactly what it is, how it works, and what to expect.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/what-is-earnest-money-and-how-much-do-you-need/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
What is "Earnest Money" and How Much Do You Need? #shorts
When you make an offer on a home, there’s one piece that tells the seller you’re serious: earnest money deposit. (or EMD). It’s simple, but buyers hear about it so ...late in the process that it feels confusing or intimidating.
Earnest money is simply a good‑faith deposit that shows you’re committed. Plan for 1%–2%, know your market, make sure your contract protects you with the right contingencies, and ultimately stay receptive to your agents’ expert guidance.
Understanding this piece ahead of time makes the offer stage feel a whole lot less stressful — and a whole lot more strategic.
This week, I break it down so you know exactly what it is, how it works, and what to expect.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/what-is-earnest-money-and-how-much-do-you-need/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
Earnest money is simply a good‑faith deposit that shows you’re committed. Plan for 1%–2%, know your market, make sure your contract protects you with the right contingencies, and ultimately stay receptive to your agents’ expert guidance.
Understanding this piece ahead of time makes the offer stage feel a whole lot less stressful — and a whole lot more strategic.
This week, I break it down so you know exactly what it is, how it works, and what to expect.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/what-is-earnest-money-and-how-much-do-you-need/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
Is Paying Off Your Mortgage Actually a Smart Move? #shorts
I might be a little bias because I write these blogs personally, but this week's is one of my favorite in a long time!
I have a true passion for Financial ...Literacy and a strong belief that my generation, especially, was not properly educated about money. And many people face problems they believe just to be the way things are when really better money habits could solve their problems entirely.
This week I continue my FinLit Blog Series with "Is Paying Off Your Mortgage Early Actually a Smart Move?" I get asked this question a lot so here is my take!
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/is-paying-off-your-mortgage-actually-a-smart-move/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
I have a true passion for Financial ...Literacy and a strong belief that my generation, especially, was not properly educated about money. And many people face problems they believe just to be the way things are when really better money habits could solve their problems entirely.
This week I continue my FinLit Blog Series with "Is Paying Off Your Mortgage Early Actually a Smart Move?" I get asked this question a lot so here is my take!
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/is-paying-off-your-mortgage-actually-a-smart-move/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
What Happens After Accepting an Offer: Sellers Timeline #shorts
So you’ve accepted an offer? Time to celebrate! You’ve hit a major milestone that’s worth celebrating in today’s market BUT just remember there's a lot of work to still be ...done. Because now the real timeline begins.
Let's go over a typical 30 day closing, or escrow, period.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/seller-timeline/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
Let's go over a typical 30 day closing, or escrow, period.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/seller-timeline/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
How Transfer Taxes Work in Maryland #shorts
Transfer taxes are not small — but they are predictable. Understanding how Maryland and Pennsylvania calculate these fees helps buyers and sellers plan ahead, avoid surprises, and make confident financial ...decisions.
Make sure you select an agent who helps you understand your full cost structure upfront — not at the closing table when it’s too late. I break down this cost for clients using a net sheet well before we ever get to the closing table.
Check out more details including the exact rates charged in the County you may be buying or selling in, all in my latest video and blog!
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/how-do-transfer-taxes-work-in-maryland/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
Make sure you select an agent who helps you understand your full cost structure upfront — not at the closing table when it’s too late. I break down this cost for clients using a net sheet well before we ever get to the closing table.
Check out more details including the exact rates charged in the County you may be buying or selling in, all in my latest video and blog!
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/how-do-transfer-taxes-work-in-maryland/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
Unspoken Rules for Showings: Do's and Don'ts of Touring Homes #shorts
Here’s the truth: Showings aren’t just “walking through a house.” It’s your first impression, your chance to gather real information, and sometimes even your first moment of leverage.
Great homes attract ...multiple buyers. How you move through a showing can protect your comfort, your strategy, and your negotiating position — and most buyers have never been taught the unspoken rules.
This guide fixes that. Check out 7 rules for touring homes in my latest blog.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/unspoken-rules-for-showings/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
Great homes attract ...multiple buyers. How you move through a showing can protect your comfort, your strategy, and your negotiating position — and most buyers have never been taught the unspoken rules.
This guide fixes that. Check out 7 rules for touring homes in my latest blog.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/unspoken-rules-for-showings/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
How Should I Do to Get My House Ready to Sell? #shorts
I’ve shown countless houses, and here’s the truth, buyers aren’t judging your lifestyle.
They are, though, comparing your home to the perfect version of it they imagined before they walked in, ...the one they pictured their life in, not yours.
And lets be real, our imaginations are always cleaner, brighter, and more perfect than reality ever could be. So, closing that gap between imagination and reality is how you make buyers leave remembering and loving your house.
In my latest blog, I go over 8 tips that you should consider when prepping your house for market and showings.
These tips come from putting yourself in the mind of buyers. When you start to see your house as if you were looking at it through buyers' eyes, you can prep your house to make them feel like it's already theirs and attract strong offers.
Check out all 8 tips here: https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/what-should-i-do-to-get-my-house-ready-to-sell/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
They are, though, comparing your home to the perfect version of it they imagined before they walked in, ...the one they pictured their life in, not yours.
And lets be real, our imaginations are always cleaner, brighter, and more perfect than reality ever could be. So, closing that gap between imagination and reality is how you make buyers leave remembering and loving your house.
In my latest blog, I go over 8 tips that you should consider when prepping your house for market and showings.
These tips come from putting yourself in the mind of buyers. When you start to see your house as if you were looking at it through buyers' eyes, you can prep your house to make them feel like it's already theirs and attract strong offers.
Check out all 8 tips here: https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/what-should-i-do-to-get-my-house-ready-to-sell/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
Top 10 Budget Leaks (FinLit Series) #shorts
Feel like every dollar you make gets spent before it even hits your bank account?
Or even worse like you’re credit card balance is going up faster than your bank account ...balance?
In this weeks video, I go over 3 of the 10 biggest budget leaks draining Maryland families — and the exact steps to plug each one starting today.
With these fixes you could enjoy having money to spend again and the relief of no debt payments sucking every hard-earned dollar you work for.
Check out the 7 other budget leaks and fixes to all 10 of these in my full blog at https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/the-10-biggest-budget-leaks-and-how-to-plug-them-today/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
Or even worse like you’re credit card balance is going up faster than your bank account ...balance?
In this weeks video, I go over 3 of the 10 biggest budget leaks draining Maryland families — and the exact steps to plug each one starting today.
With these fixes you could enjoy having money to spend again and the relief of no debt payments sucking every hard-earned dollar you work for.
Check out the 7 other budget leaks and fixes to all 10 of these in my full blog at https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/the-10-biggest-budget-leaks-and-how-to-plug-them-today/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
The Perfect House DOESN'T Exist - How to Compromise Without Settling #shorts
The perfect house doesn’t exist — but the right house absolutely does. And buyers who understand the difference end up happier, less stressed, and more financially secure.
Most buyers start their ...search with a picture in their mind: the moment they walk in, they’ll “just know.” The light will hit just right, the kitchen will sparkle, the layout will flow, and everything will feel like it was built just for them.
But here’s the truth: that expectation sets you up for disappointment, indecision, or worse — overpaying for features that don’t actually improve your life.
After years of helping buyers in Harford County, I’ve seen people fall in love with homes that weren’t perfect on paper… and walk away from homes that would’ve been incredible fits. Perfection is a moving target. Fit is what lasts.
Tune in to my latest blog and video to learn how to compromise without settling!
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/the-perfect-house-doesnt-exist-how-to-compromise-without-settling/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
Most buyers start their ...search with a picture in their mind: the moment they walk in, they’ll “just know.” The light will hit just right, the kitchen will sparkle, the layout will flow, and everything will feel like it was built just for them.
But here’s the truth: that expectation sets you up for disappointment, indecision, or worse — overpaying for features that don’t actually improve your life.
After years of helping buyers in Harford County, I’ve seen people fall in love with homes that weren’t perfect on paper… and walk away from homes that would’ve been incredible fits. Perfection is a moving target. Fit is what lasts.
Tune in to my latest blog and video to learn how to compromise without settling!
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/the-perfect-house-doesnt-exist-how-to-compromise-without-settling/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More

Now Playing
Why DOM Matters #shorts
Real estate is full of stats that feel… honestly, pretty useless. Absorption rate. Months of inventory. Median sale‑to‑original‑list‑price ratio. Blah blah blah...
If your eyes glaze over when agents start rattling ...off numbers, you’re in good company.
But there is one stat you should absolutely pay attention to — even if you ignore every other metric in the entire MLS...
It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it quietly controls how buyers think, how they behave, and how much money a seller ultimately walks away with.
Watch the video or read the blog to find out the #1 STAT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LISTING.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/why-dom-matters/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More
If your eyes glaze over when agents start rattling ...off numbers, you’re in good company.
But there is one stat you should absolutely pay attention to — even if you ignore every other metric in the entire MLS...
It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it quietly controls how buyers think, how they behave, and how much money a seller ultimately walks away with.
Watch the video or read the blog to find out the #1 STAT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LISTING.
https://zachburnhamrealtor.com/why-dom-matters/
Zach Burnham, GRI, ABR, PSA
#RealValueRealtor
Homeowners Real Estate
C: 410-652-4304
O: 410-967-5995
zach@zachburnhamrealtor.com
https://www.zachburnhamrealtor.com
Socials: @zachburnhamrealtorShow More