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.
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 November 1, 2026.The update addresses several situations that frequently affect real-estate investors and homeowners who…
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.
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.
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 rates, with options that also provide down payment assistance. The assistance depends on the financing…
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 mortgage program and property, you may also need money for closing costs, prepaid taxes and…
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 home price depends on your income, monthly debts, down payment, interest rate, property taxes, homeowners…
Washington DC First-Time Home Buyer Programs & Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide
DC first time home buyer programs can make buying a home in Washington, D.C. more affordable than many buyers realize. One of the biggest obstacles I hear from prospective DC homebuyers is the amount of money they believe they need for a down payment and…
Maryland Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Much Help Can You Get in 2026?
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from homebuyers considering Maryland down payment assistance is that they still need a large amount of cash saved before they can purchase a home. That isn't always the case. Maryland offers several down payment and closing cost assistance…