The checklist
- 01
Flood zone and storm surgeauto
Zones that start with A or V are FEMA's high-risk areas. With a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required there, and most homeowners policies don't cover flooding. Maryland's new flood disclosure form doesn't start until July 2027. More in the flood zone guide.
- 02
Chesapeake Bay Critical Areaauto
Land within 1,000 feet of tidal water. Rules can limit tree clearing, lot coverage, additions, decks and pools, especially near the shoreline buffer. More in the Critical Area guide.
Where: Critical Area Commission
- 03
Military noise zonesauto
Near Andrews, Pax River, Aberdeen or Indian Head? Look at the base's published noise contours, and visit at different times of day. More in the military noise guide.
Where: The base's AICUZ or Joint Land Use Study
- 04
Sale, assessment and tax historyauto
When did it last sell, and for how much? SDAT shows the three most recent transfers. Curbnote flags quick resales and sharp assessment or tax jumps. After a quick resale, ask what work was done and whether it was permitted.
Where: SDAT Real Property search
- 05
Mailing town vs. countyauto
Some Maryland mailing towns, like Charlotte Hall and Mechanicsville, cross county lines. The county, not the mailing address, sets the tax rate, the schools and the permit office.
Where: The county on the SDAT record
- 06
Easements and preservation landauto
Agricultural preservation, Rural Legacy and Forest Conservation easements run with the land and can limit building, subdividing and tree removal, no matter who owns it.
Where: The deed and your title search
- 07
Contamination and industry nearbyauto
State cleanup sites, leaking underground storage tanks, landfills, coal ash sites and other industrial neighbors within a short distance of the house.
- 08
Your tax bill, not the seller's
The seller's Homestead Tax Credit ends when the house sells, so your tax is based on the full assessment and can be higher than the seller's bill. If you'll live there, apply for your own credit.
Where: SDAT Homestead Tax Credit
- 09
Septic, well and permits
Not on public sewer and water? Ask the county health department for the septic and well file. In the Critical Area, a replacement septic system must be a nitrogen-reducing type. Look the address up on the county's permit site for open permits, or an addition with no permit at all.
Where: County health department and permit office
- 10
Disclosure or disclaimer?
Maryland sellers may give a disclaimer (selling as is) instead of a disclosure; even then they must disclose known hidden defects that threaten health or safety. Buying in an HOA or condo? Read the resale package the day it arrives: you generally have 5 days (HOA) or 7 days (condo) after receiving it to cancel.
Where: Ask your agent which form you received
What records can't tell you
Public records don't show the roof, the furnace, the foundation or the plumbing. Hire a licensed home inspector, and ask your attorney or title company about anything on this list that worries you.
Print it or pass it on
There's a one-page printable version (PDF). Housing counselors, inspectors and relocation offices are welcome to hand it out. For copies with your own link, write to help@curbnote.net.