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.

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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.

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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.

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Market Insights

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

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Realtor Partners

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

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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.

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Proven Results for DMV Homeowners and Realtors

Jessica M.

April 22, 2024

I could not speak more highly of John Downs and his team over at Vellum Mortgage. This is our third transaction with John's team (2 purchase loans and 1 refinance), and they have exceeded our expectations every time. John is responsive, hard working, transparent, strategic and highly knowledgeable. I highly recommend John Downs to anyone interested in a mortgage lender.

Shahram A.

March 6, 2025

John is hands down the most well-informed mortgage broker/lender I've ever dealt with. He approaches the process from a Financial Advisor perspective and truly has your best interests in mind. I would recommend him to anyone looking to buy a house or refinance.”

Karl S.

June 18, 2025

John and his team were very accommodating and answered all my questions accurately and promptly. I would absolutely recommend The Downs Group to anyone I know!”

Lindsey L.

July 17, 2025

We were cleared to close in 5 days. The process was so smooth we kept asking, 'Are you serious, that’s it? We’re done?' No surprises, just efficiency.

Sam Z.

August 5, 2025

John made the entire process conversational and deeply informative. We walked away feeling relieved, confident, and excited to proceed. We never felt pushed.

WHAT'S NEW?

Is it Time to Refinance? Read this First.

Real estate investment

To Debt or Not to Debt: Which Makes Sense for You?

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.

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About John Downs

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

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.

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