Strategic Mortgage Solutions for DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Navigating the DMV market shouldn't be confusing. Get clear, expert advice and a personalized strategy from a nationally ranked Loan Officer.

Nationally Ranked Since 2004

Top 1% Loan Officer Nationwide

25+ Years Serving the DMV

Certified Mortgage Advisors

Tailored Strategies for Your Goals

Buying a Home

The DMV market is competitive and complex. Discover what you should do, not just what you can qualify for.

Learn More About Buying

Refinancing

Don't just chase a rate. We analyze your equity, market timing (using our 18-Month Rule), and long-term goals to optimize your financial position.

Explore Refinance Options

Market Insights

Get hyper-local analysis on DMV rate trends, micro-market movements, and expert forecasts from John Downs.

Read the Latest Updates

Realtor Partners

Reliability meets expertise. We educate your clients to write stronger contracts and close effortlessly, on time, every time.

Learn More About Our Loans

A Mortgage is an Investment, Not Just a Transaction

In an industry focused on closing deals, we focus on building your future. We blend the strategic insight of a financial advisor with the analytical approach of a CPA—all focused on your mortgage. The result is an effortless process that breathes financial confidence into your decisions.

Mortgages Under Management” (MUM)

Our commitment doesn't end at the closing table. We use proprietary tech to constantly monitor your equity and the market, proactively identifying opportunities to build wealth and advising when not to refinance.

Deep DMV Localization

We understand the nuances of local taxes, specific programs (like DC grants or VA benefits), and the distinct micro-markets across DC, Maryland, and Virginia that transactional lenders miss.

Effortless Execution

Anyone can close a loan. We do it faster, easier, and without the last-minute surprises. Our attention to detail means you are often cleared to close in days, not weeks.

Meet With One Of Our Professionals

Calculate Your Estimated Payment & Closing Costs

Use the sliders to instantly explore your options.

Generic Estimate
I Have A Property
Maryland
Virginia
D.C.
Yes
No
Conv.
FHA
VA
Yes
No
Yes
No
15 Year
20 Year
30 Year
Est. Monthly Payment $0
Est. Cash to Close $0
Payment Breakdown
Principal & Interest $0
Property Taxes $0
Home Insurance $0
Mortgage Insurance $0
HOA Dues $0
Cash Needed at Closing
Amount Financed $0
Down Payment $0
Closing Costs & Prepaids $0
Est. Monthly Payment $0
Est. Cash to Close $0

Proven Results for DMV Homeowners and Realtors

Allie Tran
2 weeks ago via Google
As a first time home buyer, I compared several lenders before choosing Josh and the Vellum team - they stood out by securing the best...
Nicholas Albanese
2 weeks ago via Google
John Downs and his team are outstanding. After speaking with five other lenders, John was the clear choice – he's remarkably responsive, patient, and knowledgeable...
Mathew Collins
a week ago via Google
Josh at Vellum Mortgage was amazing! He was great to work with through the entire process! Josh was always available to answer questions and...

Stop Researching. Start Strategizing.

In just 15-30 minutes, we can define a budget, analyze the market, and provide a comprehensive presentation of your options. It's fast, free, and focused entirely on your goals.

John Downs, trusted mortgage advisor at Vellum Mortgage helping homebuyers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia

About John Downs

John Downs is a seasoned mortgage expert and Certified Mortgage Planner serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over 25 years of experience and a track record of securing more than $1.5 billion in mortgages, he empowers families to leverage smart financing strategies for purchasing their dream homes—eliminating unnecessary stress and expense while building long-term wealth. As a Senior Vice President at Vellum Mortgage, John blends deep local market knowledge with comprehensive financial planning to streamline every step of the process, treating clients as trusted partners. A passionate ambassador for FirstHome IQ, he champions homeownership education, inspiration, and resources for the next generation, working to reverse troubling trends in financial literacy, stress, and wealth inequality.

Not the Same Old Spammy Newsletter

We hate dumb newsletters, which is why we refuse to send one to you. Instead, how about getting a tasty financial snack in your email? Smart, useful, funny, and mercifully short, our monthly tidbits help you become financially independent.