By Adam Chubbuck
Navy Veteran | #18 Ranked Maryland Realtor (54 Sales, $28M+ Volume in 2025) Team Leader – Team Alpha Charlie at Douglas Realty
The 2026 Maryland real estate market has officially “rebalanced.” With inventory up nearly 22% year-over-year and mortgage rates stabilizing in the low 6s, we’ve moved away from the “panic buying” of 2023–2025.
But for many, the big question remains: Is real estate still the best path to long-term wealth in Maryland? The short answer is yes. While the “easy money” era of 3% rates is over, the fundamentals of the “Maryland Moat”—the recession-resistant employment hubs of Fort Meade, NSA, and Johns Hopkins—make Maryland one of the most stable wealth-building environments in the nation.
The Four Pillars of Maryland Real Estate Wealth
1. The “Forced Savings” Effect
Every mortgage payment is a transfer of wealth from your debt column to your equity column. In Maryland, where median home prices range from $280,000 in Baltimore City to $550,000+ in Anne Arundel County, homeowners are building six-figure equity positions simply through principal paydown.
2. Strategic Appreciation in Employment Corridors
Maryland is projected for a sustainable 2–4% statewide appreciation in 2026. However, high-demand pockets like Severna Park, Odenton, and Pasadena often outperform the average.
The Math: A 4% gain on a $550,000 home adds $22,000 to your net worth per year. Compounded over 20 years, that’s generational wealth.
3. Reliable Cash Flow & The Fort Meade Factor
Investors in the Severn/Odenton/Glen Burnie corridors benefit from a permanent renter class: military personnel on PCS orders and federal contractors.
- Average Net Cash Flow: $500–$1,500/month (neighborhood dependent).
- Inflation Hedge: As consumer prices rise, your fixed mortgage payment stays the same, but your rental income increases.
4. Elite Tax Advantages (2026 Updates)
The current tax landscape for Maryland investors is highly favorable:
- 1031 Exchanges: Defer capital gains tax indefinitely by rolling equity into larger assets.
- Depreciation & 199A Deductions: Significant write-offs that lower your taxable income.
- Homestead Tax Credit: Protects primary residents from the recent 12% statewide assessment increases by capping taxable growth at 10%.
2026 Wealth-Building Scenarios: Maryland Real Estate
ScenarioLocationPurchase PriceMonthly Rent10-Year Equity ProjectionStarter RentalGlen Burnie$350,000$2,400~$200,000+
Why Adam Chubbuck is the Realtor for Investors
Building wealth requires a tactician, not just a salesman. As a retired Navy Chief, I view real estate through the lens of mission success. My team specializes in:
- ROI Modeling: We don’t just show houses; we show spreadsheets.
- VA Loan Mastery: Helping Veterans buy up to 4 units with $0 down to jumpstart their portfolio.
- Off-Market Sourcing: Finding the deals that never hit the MLS.
“Adam helped us buy our first rental in Glen Burnie. It cash-flows nearly $900 a month and has already appreciated significantly. Best real estate decision we’ve made.” — First-Time Investor, 2025
Ready to Start Your Wealth-Building Mission?
Don’t wait for rates to drop further—the most successful investors buy when the market is balanced and they have the power to negotiate.
Text “WEALTH” to 443-347-6692 to schedule your no-obligation 2026 Strategy Session.
Adam Chubbuck Team Alpha Charlie | Douglas Realty #18 Ranked in Maryland | Serving Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, & PG County
