Posts Tagged ‘first-time buyer’
10 Step Guide to Buying a Home in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in DC, Maryland, and Virginia Navigate the Homebuying Process with Confidence and Clarity By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Schedule Consultation Get Approved Now Key Takeaways Start with Clarity and Preparation: Define your reasons for buying a home in the DMV and create a realistic budget that factors…
Read MoreShould You Pay Mortgage Points? Find Your Real Break-Even
Should You Pay Mortgage Points? Find Your Real Break-Even The break-even point most lenders quote isn’t the whole story. Run both numbers in about 30 seconds. By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Points Break-Even CalculatorPoints Calculator Request a QuoteRequest a Quote Key Takeaways Points Are a Gamble on Time: One point costs 1% of…
Read MoreGet a $20K Homebuyer Grant in MD, DC & VA (FHLB 2026)
FHLB Down Payment Grants 2026: Get Up to $20,000 to Buy a Home in the DMV 2026 Funding Expired – Other Options Exist! By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor Last Updated: July 2026 | Based on 2026 FHLBank Atlanta Program Guidelines Get Funding NotificationGet Funding Notification Request a QuoteRequest a Quote FHLB Grant Status…
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 MoreSave on Closing Costs with the DC First-Time Homebuyer Transfer Tax Reduction
Save on Closing Costs with the DC First-Time Homebuyer Transfer Tax Reduction First-time DC buyers: Qualify with incomes up to $209,340 (1-person household) and homes ≤ $794,000 by reducing your recordation tax from 1.45% to 0.725%. Get Approved Now Schedule Strategy Session Why Do So Many DC First-Time Homebuyers Miss the Transfer Tax Reduction? Buying…
Read MoreMortgage Secrets Podcast: Six Mortgage Myths
MORTGAGE SECRETS: EPISODE 1 Six Mortgage Myths Think you can’t get a home loan? Think again! Even if your credit score isn’t perfect, and maybe owning a house feels like a far-off fantasy, you’ll want to tune in. In this debut episode of the Mortgage Secrets podcast, our host, John Downs of The Downs Group,…
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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