Posts by John Downs - Certified Mortgage Advisor
The 2018 Playbook Is Back: What the Election Means for DMV Housing and Mortgage Rates
The 2018 Playbook Is Back: What the Election Means for DMV Housing and Mortgage Rates – By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Key Takeaways This fall’s setup looked a lot like 2018. After that midterm, mortgage rates fell about 30% over the next 10 months. DC housing has struggled since 2022, and mood has…
Read MoreDC HPAP Funding Is Open for FY27: $25.9 Million Available
DC HPAP Funding Is Open for FY27: $26 Million Available for Homebuyers By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor WASHINGTON, DC — October 25, 2026 DC’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) is funded again. The DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) now has a live funding dashboard for Fiscal Year 2027, which began…
Read MoreAre “Free” One-Year Lender Buydowns Worth It? The Honest Answer for DMV Buyers
Are “Free” One-Year Lender Buydowns Worth It? The Honest Answer for DMV Buyers By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Key Takeaways There Is No Free Money: A “free” lender buydown is funded with premium pricing, typically a permanent rate roughly 0.25% higher than a standard zero-point loan. Same Money, Different Timing: The lender can…
Read MoreAppraisal Waivers: How They Work and When to Trust One
Appraisal Waivers: How They Work and When to Trust One By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Key Takeaways A Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac appraisal waiver accepts the home price as the value. That saves $575 to $750 and a week or more of waiting. Waivers are available on conventional loans with at least…
Read MoreHow Far Does $25,000 Go When You’re Buying a House in DC?
How Far Does $25,000 Go When You’re Buying a House in DC? One buyer’s real ceiling went from $325,000 to $776,000 in a single email exchange. Same cash. No grant programs. Here is exactly how it happened. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor This started as an email exchange in August 2026 that is…
Read MoreNew Condo Loan Rules for 2026: What DC Area Buyers Need to Know Before August 3
New Condo Loan Rules for 2026: What DC Area Buyers Need to Know Before August 3 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac just rewrote the condo approval playbook. The Limited Review is gone, small buildings get a huge break, and the changes start hitting loan applications on August 3, 2026. Here is what actually matters for…
Read MoreShould I Sell My House or Rent It Out? The Math of Trapped Equity
Should I Sell My House or Rent It Out? The Math of Trapped Equity By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Start Your Pre-ApprovalStart Pre-Approval Schedule a ConsultationSchedule 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 how to…
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-ApprovalStart Pre-Approval Schedule a ConsultationSchedule 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 Capitol Hill,…
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…
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