The CMJT Blog

Expert insights, practical guidance, and the latest mortgage and lending information to help you make confident decisions about buying, refinancing, and financing your home.

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DC4ME VA Loan Program: 100% Financing and Closing-Cost Assistance in Washington, DC

The DC4ME VA Loan Program may offer eligible military-connected homebuyers 100% financing, no monthly mortgage insurance and DCHFA assistance equal to 3% of the loan amount toward eligible closing costs…
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First Homes for First Responders and Teachers: New Maryland Mortgage Program

Maryland's new First Homes for First Responders and Teachers program combines a reduced first-mortgage rate with 5% down payment and closing-cost assistance.
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New Fannie Mae Rental Income Rules: What Buyers and Investors Should Know

Fannie Mae issued significant updates to its rental-income guidelines on September 2, 2026. Lenders may implement the changes immediately and must apply them to loan applications dated on or after…
Moving into a new home with boxes and a moving truck

Moving Checklist: What to Do Before and After Moving Day

A practical week-by-week moving checklist covering address changes, utilities, packing, important documents, moving day and the first days in your new home.
Modern condominium building with project review documents for condo financing

New Condo Financing Rules: Why Some Condos Are Harder to Finance

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have tightened condo project review and reserve requirements. Here is what buyers, owners and agents should know—and how Non-QM financing may offer another path.
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HomeAdvantage DC: A New Homebuyer Program With Down Payment Assistance

If you are looking to buy a home in Washington, D.C., a new mortgage program could make homeownership considerably more affordable. HomeAdvantage DC offers eligible homebuyers access to below-market mortgage…
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How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a House in Maryland, DC or Virginia?

One of the biggest questions homebuyers have is, “How much money do I actually need to buy a house?” The answer is not simply your down payment. Depending on the…
Homebuyers discussing how much house they can afford

How Much House Can I Afford in Maryland, DC or Virginia?

One of the first questions most homebuyers ask is, “How much house can I afford?” The answer is more complicated than multiplying your income by a certain number. Your affordable…

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