Smart Moves
Start with Michael
Michael A. Saunders, REALTOR® — The Tri-State Negotiator
Your Tri-State Negotiator across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Deep local roots, cross-state expertise, and a decade of results.
Meet Michael — On Camera
A quick hello from the Tri-State Negotiator himself. Real footage, real areas, no scripts.
Awarded. Verified. Repeated.
Hall of Fame
Platinum Club
Multi-Year Honoree
& Trulia
in the Nation
5-Star Top Agent
Favorite Realtor
Voted by Cecil Whig Readers
on Zillow
2026
Top Agent
Perryville · Chesapeake City · Elkton
Cecil County Board of REALTORS® · 2021
Award recognition from RE/MAX, Zillow, Trulia, Homesnap, FastExpert, the Cecil County Board of REALTORS®, and Cecil Whig Readers across multiple years.
Find It. Price It. Track It.
Live MLS search, an instant home value report, and new-listing alerts — powered by my Bright MLS site.
Free Tri-State Seller's Guide
The 2026 guide to selling your home — prep, pricing, and closing.
Download the GuideFree Tri-State Buyer's Guide
Buying in MD, DE & PA — the 10-step roadmap, buyer agreements, and what changes at every state line.
Download the GuideFree Tri-State Tax & Moving Guide
Taxes, closing costs & moving rules across MD, DE & PA — plus a library of official links.
Download the GuideFree 2026 Community Events Guides
County-by-county calendars of festivals, fairs, parades & holiday events across MD, DE & PA.
Specializing Across Maryland, Delaware & Pennsylvania
Based in Fair Hill at the crossroads of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, I bring firsthand knowledge of the real estate practices, market trends, and neighborhoods across the region.
Also Serving
Moving Out of the Area?
Leaving town and don't know where to start? Call me. Through the RE/MAX global referral network — over 140,000 agents in 110+ countries — I'll connect you with a personally vetted agent wherever you're headed.
Put the power of the Tri-State Negotiator and RE/MAX's global referral system to work for you.
Call Mike — Cell: 410-920-8267Get to Know Your New Home Before You Move
Moving across town — or across state lines? Look up any neighborhood in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania: home values, schools, cost of living, commute times, and more, all in one free report.
Opens my Bright MLS community reports — search by city or ZIP, anywhere in the tri-state area.
One Region. Three States. Three Sets of Rules.
Around here, a 20-minute drive can change your taxes, your closing costs, and your DMV deadline. Here's the quick lay of the land — and the official links to verify everything.
Maryland
- Closing: 0.5% state transfer tax (0.25% for qualifying first-time MD buyers, paid by the seller) plus county transfer & recordation taxes.
- Property tax: middle of the pack — the Homestead Credit caps assessment jumps on your primary home.
- Income tax: graduated state tax PLUS a county income tax — the heaviest combined of the three.
- Sales tax: 6%.
- New residents: MD license & vehicle registration within 60 days.
Delaware
- Closing: the expensive one — 3–4% combined realty transfer tax, customarily split buyer/seller; a first-time buyer credit can trim the buyer's share.
- Property tax: generally the lowest of the three.
- Income tax: graduated up to 6.6%; retiree-friendly exclusions.
- Sales tax: 0% — none.
- New residents: license & vehicle within 60 days; vehicle document fee applies.
Pennsylvania
- Closing: 1% state transfer tax + local transfer tax (commonly ~1% more; some cities much higher).
- Property tax: generally the highest — and the school district can swing the bill dramatically.
- Income tax: flat 3.07% + local earned income tax in most places.
- Sales tax: 6% (higher in Philadelphia & Allegheny County).
- New residents: tightest deadline — vehicle title/registration within 20 days.
Live in one state, work in another?
Maryland and Pennsylvania have a wage reciprocity agreement — generally only your home state taxes your paycheck. Delaware has no such deal with either, so expect nonresident returns and credits. Set up payroll withholding with HR before the move, and confirm the details with a tax professional.
The Address-Change Checklist
USPS mail forwarding does not update these — each one is separate:
- Driver's license, vehicle title & registration, inspection/emissions
- Auto & homeowners insurance — re-quote at the new address, rates shift by state and ZIP
- Voter registration & E-ZPass (one E-ZPass account works across all three states)
- Utilities — electric, gas, water, trash; MD, DE & PA all let you shop your energy supplier
- Payroll withholding, banks, and school enrollment through your new district
Get to know your new home before you commit — explore any MD, DE or PA neighborhood, grab the free Tri-State Buyer's Guide, or download the full Tri-State Tax & Moving Guide.
Moving Across State Lines? Call Mike — 410-920-8267
This section is general information provided as a courtesy — not legal, tax, accounting, lending, insurance, or settlement advice, and I am not an attorney, accountant, or tax advisor. Rates, laws, fees, deadlines, and programs change frequently and vary by state, county, municipality, school district, and individual circumstances. Information is believed reliable but is not guaranteed. Verify everything directly with the official sources linked above and consult licensed professionals before making decisions. Michael A. Saunders, The Tri-State Negotiator, and RE/MAX Vision are not responsible for third-party content or for decisions made in reliance on this information.
My sign posts work 24/7 — just like me.
Every Tri-State Negotiator sign carries a solar light, so your home gets seen day and night. Same goes for the service behind it — questions don't keep business hours, and neither do I.
Call or Text Mike — 410-920-8267Your Realtor® Since 2013
Born and raised in Cecil County and now living in the Fair Hill area of Elkton, I bring deep local roots and firsthand insight into the cross-state movement that defines the region.
My clients benefit from a unique advantage: a Realtor who understands the real estate practices, market trends, and neighborhood dynamics across all three states. Whether guiding a first-time buyer, advising a relocating family, or representing a seller in a competitive market, I bring a calm, strategic mindset built on more than a decade of hands-on experience.
I provide full-service support for every client — professional photography for every listing, strategic pricing, targeted digital marketing, appraisals when needed, and step-by-step guidance from contract to closing.
As a rental property owner and manager, I also bring real-world expertise in investment strategy, maintenance, tenant management, and long-term property value — giving investors and first-time landlords practical insight they can trust.
"Real estate doesn't run on a schedule — and neither do I. When you're ready to make your next move, I'm ready to make sure it's a Smart Move."
The Tri-State Market, Explained
Regular video updates on what's moving across Maryland, Delaware & Pennsylvania — prices, inventory, and what it means for your move.
Every past update stays here — download any report, any time.
Want a heads-up when a new update drops? Call or text Mike and say "add me to the list."
County Numbers, Updated Automatically
Live stats straight from the MLS — always current, no waiting on a report. Serving all of Maryland, Delaware & Pennsylvania; spotlight counties below.
Cecil County, MD
New Castle County, DE
Chester County, PA
Harford County, MD
Data by SmartCharts via Bright MLS — refreshes automatically.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment — principal & interest, taxes, and insurance.
Estimates only — not a loan offer or quote. Actual rates, taxes, insurance, and any HOA or PMI costs vary. Talk to a licensed lender for exact figures.
Find Your Next Home
Browse every active listing across Maryland, Delaware & Pennsylvania — two ways to search, both free, both live.
Search the MLS
My Bright MLS home search — the source the big websites pull from, with every active listing in the tri-state area, updated live.
Search on Bright MLSBrowse on HomeASAP
My HomeASAP home search — an easy way to browse homes, save favorites, and see what's on the market right now.
Search on HomeASAPWant new listings sent to you the moment they hit the market? Set up free listing alerts or call me and I'll do it for you.
Reviews From Real Moves
“I first worked with Mike Saunders nearly 10 years ago when he helped my wife and me sell our home and purchase our second house. ... Mike handled every aspect of the process with patience, compassion, and understanding. ... His expertise, integrity, and ability to navigate both the business and personal sides of real estate are second to none.”
— Wentz Wood Floors & More · Google
“Michael Saunders provided exactly the service you want from a realtor. He helped us decide how to prepare the property for sale to minimize the hassle and expense for us and maximize the sales potential. He read the market accurately to help us get a good price. ... He was very personable and a pleasure to work with.”
— Mardi T. · Google
“This is my second time working with Mike and I have nothing but good things to say. He was responsive and sold my house in a weekend. I was nervous about selling my house because it would have to be done remotely as I’m traveling for work but the process was quick and easy. Wish I would have done it sooner!”
— Shannon Z. · Google
“No doubt the best realtor. We used him to purchase our home initially & then to sell it. He had it sold in 12 hours. We wouldn’t have considered using anyone else!”
— Pat S. · Google
“I can not say enough GREAT! things about Mike Saunders as a Real Estate Agent. ... He was not our only agent, but, he was our last. He made the difference. Talk about going over and beyond the call of duty. A true hero in our book.”
— Jacobs Travel Inc · Google
“I was a first time buyer and had no idea what I was doing. Michael made everything very easy and super understated. His line was basically open 24/7 to answer any of my questions. I highly recommended him, especially to first time home buyers.”
— Ethan W. · Google
“I couldn’t have had a better experience purchasing my first home, especially with all the difficulties COVID has thrown at us. Mike took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for, he was honest, and always available. I couldn’t have asked for a better realtor, thanks Mike!!!”
— Jennifer E. · Google
“Mike was very informative and insightful on the VA loan process. He helped to make our home buying a smooth success.”
— Dennell G. · Google
“We worked with Mike on 2 occasions buying houses in this challenging market. One was for my mother who loves what we found for her and the other was for our own home. ... I know he must have had many clients but he makes you feel like you’re the only ones he has.”
— Fred B. · Google
“Big Mike is hands down the BEST realtor that I have ever dealt with. This boy eats, sleeps, and breathes real estate. He also knows Cecil County like the back of his hand.”
— Randy B. · Google
“Michael did a great job and was a true asset in our search for a home on the bay. With the low inventory and high demand in the current market, he was very quick to let us know about new homes that became available and ultimately found the perfect second home for us with everything on our wish list.”
— Todd G. · Google
“Mike was my realtor when I was selling my home and purchasing a new one. He sold my home in one day! ... I originally was working with a different realtor but happened to meet Mike in the early stages and quickly switched realtors because he was much more knowledgeable ... I highly recommend him to anyone!”
— Sarah T. · Google
A Smart Move Should Come With a Few Wins
Every month there's a new giveaway running on my HomeASAP page — free to enter, no strings. This month's prize is live right now.
Enter This Month's GiveawayGiveaway hosted on HomeASAP — official rules, eligibility, and entry details on their page.
Full-Service Real Estate
Every client gets the full package. No shortcuts, no handoffs.
Buying
From first-time buyers to relocating families, I guide you through every step — finding the right home, navigating inspections, negotiating the best price, and closing with confidence.
Selling
Professional photography, strategic pricing, targeted digital marketing, and aggressive negotiation. Every listing gets the full treatment to sell fast and sell high.
Investment
As a rental property owner myself, I bring real-world expertise in investment strategy, tenant management, and long-term property value. Practical insight you can trust.
Cross-State Moves
Moving across the MD-DE-PA border? I handle the complexity — different real estate practices and market dynamics — so your move is seamless from state to state.
Ready to Make a Smart Move?
Whether you're buying, selling, or investing across the tri-state area, the conversation starts with a call.
What's the market really like right now? How do home inspections work? What does it actually cost to sell? Send your question and your email — we'll let you know when Mike answers it in an upcoming video.
We'll email you when Mike answers your question. No spam, no mailing list — just your answer.
Questions may be answered in public videos and edited for length and clarity — your name and contact info are never shared. Answers are general information only, not legal, tax, or financial advice, and submitting a question does not create a client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, contact Michael directly.
State-Required Disclosures
These documents are required to be provided at first contact. Click to view or download.