Sequoia Garrard at Northrop Realty in Baltimore: Agent for First-Time and Repeat Buyers in the City

Sequoia Garrard is a buyer's agent at Northrop Realty, a locally rooted firm operating across Baltimore's neighborhoods. She focuses on first-time and repeat buyers navigating the city's primary residential market, where median home prices and inventory vary sharply by neighborhood.

What Sequoia Garrard actually does

Garrard represents buyers rather than sellers. In Maryland, buyer's agents work on commission, typically 2.5 to 3 percent of the final sale price, paid by the seller's agent out of the listing commission. This structure means a buyer pays nothing upfront to work with an agent; the cost is embedded in the sale. Garrard's role is to help clients identify properties, understand neighborhoods, negotiate offers, and manage the inspection and appraisal process through closing. She does not list properties, appraise homes, or provide legal advice (that requires a Maryland-licensed attorney).

Services and how commission works

Garrard provides standard buyer's agent services: property search matching client criteria, MLS access, neighborhood research, comparative market analysis before making an offer, and negotiation support. She attends inspections, coordinates with lenders, and flags title or inspection issues before closing.

Commission is paid from the listing side. If a property lists at $400,000 with a 6 percent total commission (split evenly), the buyer's agent earns 3 percent, or $12,000. If a property lists with a 5 percent commission, the buyer's agent receives 2.5 percent. Baltimore's listing commissions typically range from 5 to 6 percent, though this varies by agent and property price. Buyers should ask upfront what commission structure their agent operates under, though payment comes from seller proceeds, not from the buyer's pocket.

How Garrard compares to other Baltimore buyer's agents

Baltimore has hundreds of agents affiliated with firms like Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, Century 21, and independent brokerages. Northrop Realty is a smaller, Baltimore-based independent firm with agents focused on city neighborhoods rather than county suburbs. This differs from national franchises like Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker, which have broader reach but less neighborhood depth.

A buyer choosing between agents should consider whether the agent works primarily in the neighborhoods where you plan to buy (Fells Point, Canton, Federal Hill, Roland Park, and so on carry different buyer profiles and market dynamics). Garrard works in Baltimore city proper; if you're looking in Howard or Baltimore counties, a different agent may have sharper data. Ask any agent how many closings they completed in your target neighborhood in the past year.

Who Garrard suits and who she does not

Garrard is well-suited for first-time buyers in Baltimore city who want neighborhood-level guidance and someone familiar with the quirks of older homes (lead, roof age, foundation issues common in rowhomes). She also works with repeat buyers trading up within the city.

Garrard is not the right fit if you are buying a new construction in a suburban development (agents at builder-affiliated firms often provide that service), if you need Spanish-language representation, or if you are a commercial buyer. If you're relocating to Baltimore from out of state and need extensive neighborhood comparison, confirm whether Garrard offers that depth or pairs you with another team member.

What the first conversation involves

Garrard will ask about your budget, timeline, and neighborhood preferences. She may request a pre-approval letter from a lender to understand your borrowing capacity. Some agents use intake forms; others work informally. Clarify upfront whether she works exclusively with you (a buyer's agency agreement) or if you can explore agents at other firms. Maryland law allows buyers to work with multiple agents unless a written agreement says otherwise, but an exclusive agreement focuses the agent's effort on your search.

If you're ready to make offers, Garrard will walk you through the Maryland purchase agreement, earnest money deposit (typically 1 to 2 percent of offer price), contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing), and closing timeline. She does not handle the actual legal closing, but coordinates with the title company and attorney who do.

How to reach Garrard and verify availability

Contact Northrop Realty to confirm Sequoia Garrard is active and taking new buyers. Her availability and focus areas may shift; call or visit the firm's website to verify her current client load and service territory. Northrop Realty operates during standard business hours; expect a response within one business day for initial inquiries.

Garrard represents the buyer's interests in a city where neighborhood choice and home condition vary dramatically block to block. In Baltimore's market, a knowledgeable local buyer's agent who understands tax sale histories, property taxes, and block-by-block price trends is an asset that justifies the commission structure already built into most sales.