Jessica Clausen with RE/MAX New Beginnings in Baltimore: Agent for First-Time Buyers and Sellers Navigating Competitive Markets

Jessica Clausen operates as a real estate agent with RE/MAX New Beginnings, a locally rooted franchise serving Baltimore's residential market primarily through the buyer's agent and listing agent model, with a documented focus on supporting clients making their first move in the city's competitive neighborhoods.

How RE/MAX New Beginnings and agent representation work in Baltimore

RE/MAX agents, including Clausen, operate on commission rather than salary. The buyer's agent typically earns 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price (paid by the seller's proceeds); a listing agent earns the same. Neither model requires upfront payment from clients. Baltimore's market in 2024 includes median home prices ranging from $280,000 in outer neighborhoods to $450,000 and above in Canton, Fells Point, and Federal Hill, making agent guidance especially valuable for first-time buyers navigating down payments, contingencies, and competing offers.

RE/MAX operates as a franchise system where individual agents hold their own broker licenses in many cases, distinguishing it from traditional brokerage employment. Clausen's affiliation with the New Beginnings office places her within a Baltimore-area team rather than a single-location boutique. This structure typically offers agents access to broader training and lead-generation systems in exchange for higher desk fees, but it does not inherently change how a buyer or seller interacts with their individual agent.

Services, fees, and what to expect in the buying and selling process

Clausen's primary service is representation in either capacity. For buyers, she identifies listings, arranges showings, negotiates offers, and coordinates inspections and closing. For sellers, she lists the property on the MLS, conducts market analysis to set price, stages and markets the home, and negotiates with buyer's agents. Listing prices in Baltimore range widely: a rowhouse in Hampden might list at $380,000 to $420,000, while a townhouse in Harbor East could ask $550,000 to $700,000.

Commission is negotiated at the time of listing or buyer representation. Standard splits run 2.5 to 3 percent to the buyer's agent and 2.5 to 3 percent to the listing agent, totaling 5 to 6 percent of the sale price. On a $350,000 sale, that means $17,500 to $21,000 shared between agents. Buyers pay nothing directly; sellers cover both commissions from proceeds. Some agents offer reduced commissions for cash sales or new construction, though this is not universal.

The buying process typically spans 30 to 60 days from offer to closing. Sellers should expect 4 to 8 weeks of listing before accepting an offer in Baltimore's current market, though this varies by neighborhood and price point. Closing costs for buyers (appraisal, inspection, title, homeowner's insurance, property taxes, and lender fees) typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price and are separate from the agent commission.

Comparing agent representation in Baltimore

Baltimore's real estate market includes both large firms like Coldwell Banker and Keller Williams, with multiple offices across the city, and smaller independent brokerages. Coldwell Banker agents typically benefit from higher name recognition and global resources, making them competitive for relocating buyers unfamiliar with Baltimore. Keller Williams emphasizes in-house financing and tech tools. RE/MAX New Beginnings occupies middle ground: less ubiquitous than the national franchises but more systematized than a solo boutique agent.

The meaningful distinction is not the brokerage brand but the individual agent's knowledge of specific neighborhoods. An agent strong in Canton's buyer's market may be less effective in Fells Point's competitive environment. Clausen's focus on first-time buyers suggests suitability for clients navigating financing contingencies and inspection negotiations rather than cash offers or investment properties. For a seller with a property in Waverly or Roland Park, comparing market analyses from two or three agents (regardless of brokerage) will reveal price-setting rigor more reliably than franchise choice.

Who should and should not work with this agent

Clausen suits first-time buyers in Baltimore who need explanation of the offer process, financing options, and neighborhood differences. Sellers listing for the first time, particularly in mid-market neighborhoods like Hampden or Canton, align with her stated focus. Repeat buyers or sellers with prior Baltimore experience may derive less marginal benefit from a first-time-focused agent.

Investors seeking multiple properties, developers, or clients with highly specialized contingencies (rent-back clauses, bridge financing) should seek agents experienced in those transaction types. Cash buyers in competitive bidding situations do not require an agent's financing guidance, though representation still adds negotiating leverage.

What the first consultation involves

An initial meeting with Clausen typically includes a market analysis (comparable sales in the past 90 days for your property or neighborhood), discussion of timeline and price expectations, and clarification of your role as buyer or seller. If selling, bring recent utility bills, mortgage statements, and knowledge of any renovations. If buying, come prepared with financing pre-approval and a sense of neighborhood preferences. The conversation should address contingencies upfront: will you require an inspection, appraisal, or sale of your current home?

Hours, contact, and logistics

RE/MAX New Beginnings operates during standard business hours, though individual agents often accommodate evening or weekend showings by appointment. Confirm Clausen's direct phone number and preferred contact method (many agents respond faster to text or email than voicemail). Baltimore neighborhoods span from industrial South Baltimore to leafy Roland Park; expect 15 to 40 minutes of travel between showings depending on where you are looking.

Jessica Clausen's place in Baltimore's residential real estate landscape reflects the city's need for patient, education-focused representation in a market where first-time buyers and sellers make up a substantial portion of transactions.