Posts by John Downs - Certified Mortgage Advisor
Should I Sell My House or Rent It Out?
Should I Sell My House or Rent It Out? The Math of Trapped Equity By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Start Your Pre-Approval Start Pre-Approval Schedule a Consultation Schedule a Consultation Deciding whether to keep your departing residence as a rental or sell it is a major financial crossroads. Most homeowners do not know…
Read MoreDMV Housing Market Update May 2026: Real Turn or Head Fake?
DMV Housing in 2026: Real Turn or Another Head Fake? DC and Montgomery County pendings just posted their first positive year-over-year numbers since 2022. Here is what the data is actually saying in this DC housing market update about whether this spring is different. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Key Takeaways DC pending…
Read MoreWaiving the Appraisal Contingency in the DMV: Exact Math & Real Risk
Waiving the Appraisal Contingency Exact Math, Real Risk & When It Actually Makes Sense By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Start Your Pre-Approval Start Pre-Approval Schedule a Consultation Schedule a Consultation Buying in today’s DMV market can feel like a sprint. Multiple offers are still common in desirable neighborhoods from Arlington to Bethesda to…
Read MoreWhy Home Insurance Costs Are Rising (And Who We Recommend)
Navigating Home Insurance in 2026 Insights from Downs Mortgage Group By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Congratulations on your progress toward homeownership. As you complete your financing with Downs Mortgage Group, we appreciate the opportunity to assist you. Our commitment is to provide efficient processes, competitive rates, and comprehensive guidance. This includes home insurance…
Read MoreAlert! 2026 Calvert County FHA Loan Limits Crash 55%
ALERT: Calvert County FHA Limits Crash 55% for 2026 (Did HUD Make a Mistake?) HUD just reclassified Calvert County out of the DC Metro zone, slashing FHA loan limits from $1.2M to $541k. Thousands of homebuyers could lose their financing overnight. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Market Update: Calvert County | December 2025…
Read MoreTwo VA Loans? The 2026 Guide to VA Bonus Entitlement in the DMV
Two VA Loans? Yes, You CAN. The 2026 Guide to VA Mortgage Bonus Entitlement in the DMV. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Start Your Pre-Approval Start Pre-Approval Run the VA Gap Calculator Run VA Calculator Key Takeaways You are not limited to one loan: There is no limit to how many active VA…
Read MoreClosing Costs Explained: How to Spot a “Fake” Loan Estimate
The Comprehensive Guide to Closing Costs Every Fee. Every Dollar. Explained. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Get Approved Now or Get a Quote Key Takeaways Transparency is Key: Don’t just check the bottom line. Every fee on your estimate has a specific purpose. Who Actually Gets Paid: Lenders control a small portion of…
Read MoreSeller Paid Closing Costs 2026: How to Get the Seller to Pay Yours (DC, MD, VA)
Should You Get the Seller to Pay Your Closing Costs in 2026? (DC, MD, VA Edition) Buy Sooner. Save Cash. Stop Renting. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Get Approved Now or Get a Quote Key Takeaways The Strategy: Seller paid closing costs let you purchase months or years sooner than planned by immediately…
Read MoreBridge Loan Success: A Retiree’s Downsizing Story from SE DC to Bowie, MD
Bridge Loan Success: A Retiree’s Downsizing Story from DC to Bowie, MD By Josh Brawer – Certified Mortgage Advisor You spot the perfect home. Single level for easier living, just blocks from your daughter and grandkids. But at 73 and freshly retired, selling your longtime DC property before you buy a new home feels impossible.…
Read MoreDC Residents Save Thousands: DC Tax Abatement Program Guide
The Ultimate Guide to the DC Tax Abatement Program (2026) By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Let’s be real: buying your first home in Washington, D.C., is a major financial undertaking. Between the down payment, closing costs that add up fast, and the prospect of ongoing property taxes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But…
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