Christine Kelley with RE/MAX Results in Baltimore: Buyer's Agent Focused on First-Time Homebuyers

Christine Kelley operates as a buyer's agent under the RE/MAX Results franchise in Baltimore, earning commission only when a purchase closes and working exclusively on behalf of buyers rather than sellers. This specialization shapes how she structures consultations and what insights she offers clients navigating Baltimore's market, where median home prices in popular neighborhoods like Canton and Fells Point now exceed $500,000, making agent selection a material decision for buyers with limited budgets.

What a buyer's agent does and how Kelley positions herself

A buyer's agent represents you during the entire purchase process, from neighborhood research through closing. Unlike listing agents, who work for the seller and receive 5 to 6 percent of the sale price split between both sides, a buyer's agent is paid from that same pool only after your offer closes. The practical difference: Kelley's incentive is to help you find a property you can afford and that fits your goals, not to push you toward a higher price.

Kelley's public materials emphasize first-time buyers, which is relevant in Baltimore where price ceilings vary sharply by neighborhood. A first-time buyer budget of $300,000 opens options in Highlandtown, Remington, and Hampden but excludes most of Canton, Inner Harbor, and Federal Hill. An experienced agent who knows which neighborhoods have schools, walkability, or proximity to employment hubs can narrow that search significantly.

How buyer's agents are compensated and what that means for cost

The buyer's agent commission comes from the listing agent's portion of the overall sale price commission. If a home sells for $400,000 with a 6 percent total commission, that is $24,000; it is typically split 3 percent to the listing agent and 3 percent to the buyer's agent. You do not pay Kelley separately, but the commission is baked into the sale price.

This structure creates an incentive alignment problem worth understanding: because the buyer's agent earns more on a $450,000 purchase than a $400,000 one, some agents subtly encourage clients to bid higher. Kelley's track record with repeat clients and referrals is the only real test of whether she resists that pressure.

Comparing buyer's agents in Baltimore: when to use Kelley versus alternatives

Baltimore has hundreds of licensed agents, but buyer's agent specialists are less common. Most agents in the region handle both buyers and sellers, which splits their attention and creates a conflict when they represent both sides of a transaction. A few brokerages like Compass and Coldwell Banker have buyer-specialist teams; independent agents at smaller firms sometimes specialize similarly.

Choose Kelley if you want an agent who has chosen to focus entirely on buyer representation and has built a client base in that niche. Choose a multi-sided agent if you want someone who can list your current home and help you buy simultaneously, accepting that their legal duty is split. Choose a buyer's agent at a larger firm if you want institutional support for financing or title issues alongside individual attention.

Who Kelley suits and who should look elsewhere

Kelley's focus on first-time buyers makes her most useful if you are buying your first home, are unfamiliar with Baltimore neighborhoods, or have a limited budget. If you are buying a second property, relocating to a specific neighborhood you already know, or purchasing a commercial property or investment unit, a general agent or a commercial specialist will likely serve you better.

If you are selling a home while buying, a dual-representation agent or a brokerage that handles both sides efficiently may coordinate more smoothly than a buyer-only agent; you will lose focus on your sale.

What a first meeting with a buyer's agent involves

A first consultation typically covers your budget, timeline, financing status, and neighborhood preferences. Kelley will likely ask whether you are pre-approved for a mortgage (a necessary step in competitive Baltimore markets) and what you want from a home: commute time, walkability, school districts, lot size. She will then show you comparable listings and explain how prices have moved in your target neighborhoods over the past three to six months.

Bring your pre-approval letter or proof of cash if you have it, a list of non-negotiables, and a realistic sense of your upper budget limit. Kelley cannot close a loan or give tax advice, so if you lack a lender or accountant, ask for referrals.

Contact, hours, and logistics

RE/MAX Results operates during standard business hours and can schedule showings on weekends; confirm availability by phone or email. Parking and meeting location depend on whether you meet at an office, at a property, or via video call.

Christine Kelley's buyer-focused model fits Baltimore's fragmented neighborhood markets, where choosing the right neighborhood often matters more than choosing the right home.