Posts by John Downs - Certified Mortgage Advisor
DOGE Effect on the DC Housing Market
The Optimistic Realist For the past few years, we’ve all experienced the impact of high mortgage rates on our local housing market. Each year, analysts came out with an optimistic view—rates would improve, and transaction volume would follow. Only, it didn’t happen. To the surprise of many, rates remained elevated, but that didn’t stop housing…
Read MoreFirst-Time Homebuyers: How To Validate Your Mortgage Tax Savings
So you ran my tax savings formula from the last video, and it says you’re getting a $10,000 refund? Sounds great — but two questions probably come to mind: Is that formula actually accurate? Even if it is, how do I get that refund money back now — not just at tax time? In this…
Read MoreMD, VA, DC Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction: 2024 Guide
This page has been updated for 2026.SALT cap has increased to $40,400, PMI is now deductible, and the mortgage interest deduction has been made permanent. Visit our updated guide with an interactive calculator: [2026 Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Calculator →] 2024 Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction: What First-Time Homebuyers Need to Know By John Downs -…
Read MoreWhat should your house payment be in 2025?
Plan Smart, Live Comfortably: Setting Your Home-Buying Budget Buying a home is an exciting journey filled with dreams and aspirations. It’s a personal milestone that often comes with a mix of emotions, from exhilaration to anxiety. In the thrill of hunting for that perfect place, it’s easy to let your heart lead the way.…
Read MoreIs “Date The Rate” Dead or Just Delayed?
This time last year, Realtors and Lenders went on a social media tour singing the latest hit song, “Marry the House, Date the Rate,” while pitching seller closing incentives and 2-1 Buydowns. Inventory spiked, prices dropped, and seller credits were becoming a thing. Mortgage rates began taking a toll on homebuyer affordability, and many believed…
Read MoreRisks Of Waiving The Appraisal Contingency
Waiving the Appraisal Contingency? Read This Before You Risk Your Deposit By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor In a competitive real estate market like ours here in the Baltimore-Washington, DC area, bidding wars can be intense. Buyers are always looking for an edge, offering a faster settlement, more cash down, or waiving contingencies. One…
Read MoreA Simple Credit Hack To Improve Your Credit Score
The Credit Score Hack That Can Save You Thousands on Your Mortgage By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor One of the most frustrating moments for a homebuyer is seeing their credit score and thinking, “That can’t be right. I pay all my bills on time!” While paying on time is crucial, it’s only half…
Read MoreMortgage Secrets Podcast: Winning a Bidding War?
MORTGAGE SECRETS: EPISODE 9 Winning a Bidding War Many areas around the country are experiencing an inventory crisis where there are simply not as many houses for sale as there are buyers. As a result, it is not uncommon to see 5-10 people bidding on the same house. In this episode of Mortgage Secrets, John…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide for First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Washington, DC (2026)
The Ultimate 2026 Guide For First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Washington, DC By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Updated October 2026 Start Your Pre-ApprovalStart Pre-Approval Request a QuoteRequest a Quote Understanding First-Time Homebuyer Programs in DC With the median home price in Washington, D.C. sitting at $681,500 as of August 2026 (Source: GCAAR), the financial…
Read MoreA Rational Look at Rate Cuts and Home Prices
By now, you have probably seen headlines like this, “The Federal Reserve will cut interest rates six times in 2024” Then, as you scroll through Instagram or TikTok, you are flooded with real estate marketing posts saying, “BUY NOW before prices surge as low rates unleash a wave of buyers.” Should you believe the hype? …
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