Posts Tagged ‘mortgage rates’
Conventional First-Time Homebuyer Programs (DC, MD & VA)
2026 Guide to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac First-Time Homebuyer Programs in DC, MD, and VA By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor | Updated June 19, 2026 Imagine calling one lender for a first-time homebuyer quote and getting 6.625% with one point upfront. Then you contact a knowledgeable loan officer who offers 6.25% with…
Read More5 Refinance Mistakes to Avoid | 2026 Guide
Top 5 Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid in the DMV (A 2026 Guide) By John Downs – Certified Mortgage Advisor | Updated December 31, 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 since mid-2025, the time to consider refinancing is here. You’ve probably…
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 MoreDOGE 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…
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