Posts Tagged ‘closing costs’
DC 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…
Read More5 Refinance Mistakes to Avoid | 2025 Guide
Top 5 Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid in the DMV (A 2025 Guide) By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor | Published August 8, 2025 Over my 25 years as a mortgage expert in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, I’ve helped homeowners save millions in interest. But I’ve also seen the flip side: costly mistakes that wipe…
Read MoreWhen to Refinance in DC, MD & VA | The 18-Month Rule
When to Refinance in the DMV: A Mortgage Pro’s 18-Month Rule By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor If you bought your home after 2023, you’re likely holding a mortgage with a rate of 7% or higher. With rates trending lower in the DMV as of mid-2025, the time to consider refinancing is here. You’ve…
Read MoreGet a $20K Homebuyer Grant in MD, DC & VA (FHLB 2025)
FHLB Down Payment Assistance Grants By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Unlock Free Money with FHLB Down Payment Assistance Homebuyer Grants If you’re dreaming of buying a home in Maryland, DC, or Virginia but feel stuck saving for that down payment, I’ve got some good news for you. There’s…
Read More💸 First-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 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 MoreDC Transfer Tax Reduction Program for First-Time Home Buyers
Save Up to $5,630 on Closing Costs: DC First-Time Homebuyer Transfer Tax Reduction 2025 First-time DC buyers: Qualify with incomes up to $206,640 (1-person household) and homes ≤ $777,000 by reducing your recordation tax from 1.45% to just 0.725%. Get Approved Now Schedule Strategy Session Buying Your First Home in DC? Here’s a Huge Opportunity…
Read MoreMortgage Secrets Podcast: How Much to Put Down
MORTGAGE SECRETS: EPISODE 3 How Much to Put Down One of the biggest conversations you will have about buying a home is around how much money you should or shouldn’t put down on your home loan. Putting a chunk of money down on a mortgage is a pretty impactful decision, of course. Once you sign…
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