# Chris Jordan Mortgage Team > Your local mortgage professionals ## Posts - [DC4ME VA Loan Program: 100% Financing and Closing-Cost Assistance in Washington, DC](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/dc4me-va-loan-program/): 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 or prepaid expenses. - [First Homes for First Responders and Teachers: New Maryland Mortgage Program](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/first-homes-first-responders-teachers-maryland/): 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](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/fannie-mae-rental-income-rules-2026/): 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 plan to convert their current home into a rental […] - [Moving Checklist: What to Do Before and After Moving Day](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/moving-checklist/): 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](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/new-condo-financing-rules/): 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](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/homeadvantage-dc-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 type. Qualified buyers may receive up to 3% with a […] - [How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a House in Maryland, DC or Virginia?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/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 insurance. Other expenses may include inspections and an appraisal. The […] - [How Much House Can I Afford in Maryland, DC or Virginia?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/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 insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA or condominium fees and the mortgage […] - [Virginia First-Time Home Buyer & Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/virginia-first-time-home-buyer-down-payment-assistance-programs-2026/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Buying a home in Virginia may require considerably less cash than many buyers expect. Virginia Housing offers several mortgage and assistance programs that can help qualified buyers with down payment and closing costs, including options for both first-time and repeat homebuyers. The important part is determining which combination of mortgage financing and assistance makes the […] - [Washington DC First-Time Home Buyer Programs & Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/dc-first-time-home-buyer-programs-2026/): 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 closing costs. Fortunately, Washington, D.C. offers several homebuyer programs that […] - [Maryland Down Payment Assistance Programs: How Much Help Can You Get in 2026?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/maryland-down-payment-assistance-programs-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 options, and some counties and municipalities offer additional programs of […] - [Maryland First-Time Home Buyer Programs & Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/maryland-first-time-home-buyer-programs/): Buying your first home in Maryland may be more affordable than you think. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from first-time homebuyers is that they need a large down payment to purchase a home. In reality, there are several mortgage and down payment assistance programs available that may significantly reduce the amount of money […] - [Supporting Documentation to Qualify for a Home Loan](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/supporting-documentation-to-qualify-for-a-home-loan/): When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will need documentation to verify your income, employment, assets, debts and other parts of your financial profile. The exact documents required can vary depending on the loan program and your individual circumstances. Having the right paperwork ready can help avoid delays and make the mortgage process much […] - [5 Tips for Buying a Home in the DC Metro Area](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/5-tips-for-buying-a-home-in-the-dc-metro-area/): Buying a home in the Washington DC metro area can be different from buying in many other parts of the country. Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia each have distinct neighborhoods, price points, property types, taxes and homebuyer programs. Market conditions can also vary considerably between nearby communities. Preparation matters whether you are a first-time […] - [Montgomery County Down Payment Assistance: Current 2026 Options](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/montgomery-county-offers-up-to-25000-in-down-payment-assistance-2/): Montgomery County buyers may have access to down payment and closing-cost help through HOC and Maryland Mortgage Program options. Here is what is available as of September 2026. - [Should I refinance? ](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/should-i-refinance/): Deciding whether to refinance your mortgage involves more than simply comparing your current interest rate with today’s rates. The right refinance should accomplish a specific financial goal and make sense after considering the costs, monthly savings, loan term and how long you expect to own the home. There are many situations where refinancing may be […] - [VA Loan Limits and Funding Fees: What Veterans Should Know in 2026](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/va-loan-limits-funding-fees/): Veterans with full entitlement do not have a VA-imposed county loan limit, but qualification, appraisal and lender requirements still apply. Review the current funding fees and exemptions. - [Maryland Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): 2026 Status](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/mortgage-credit-certificate-mcc/): The Maryland HomeCredit Mortgage Credit Certificate program is closed to new reservations. Existing MCC holders may still be able to have a certificate reissued after refinancing. - [2026 Conforming Loan Limits for Maryland, DC and Virginia](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/conforming-loan-limits-2026/): FHFA increased the 2026 one-unit conforming loan limit to $832,750, with a high-cost ceiling of $1,249,125. See how county limits affect conventional and VA financing. - [Mortgage rates continue to confuse consumers](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/blog-mortgage-rates-continue-to-confuse/): Mortgage rates are one of the most closely watched parts of the homebuying process, but they are also one of the most misunderstood. Headlines may say mortgage rates moved higher or lower, an online advertisement may show an attractive rate, and a friend may tell you what rate they recently received. None of those necessarily […] - [Maryland Mortgage Program adds new Flex loan options to help more buyers](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/maryland-mortgage-program-adds-new-flex-loan-options-to-help-more-buyers/): The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) has always been geared toward helping first time home buyers in Maryland with down payment and closing cost assistance.  MMP defines a first time home buyer as a person who has not owned a home in the most recent three years. Now, MMP has come out with it’s new line […] - [When is mortgage interest tax deductible now?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/when-is-mortgage-interest-tax-deductible-now/): Mortgage interest may provide a federal tax deduction for many homeowners. However, having a mortgage does not automatically create a tax benefit. Several factors determine whether you can deduct mortgage interest. These include whether you itemize deductions, when you incurred the debt, how you used the mortgage proceeds and which IRS limits apply. Do You […] - [Don't trust your online credit score](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/dont-trust-your-online-credit-score/): One of the most common questions I hear from homebuyers is, “Why is the mortgage credit score my lender pulled different from the score I see online?” The answer is simple: there is no single universal credit score. You can have many credit scores at the same time. Lenders, credit bureaus and consumer websites may […] - [VA Home Loan Benefits for Veterans and Active-Duty Military](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/va-home-loan-benefits/): For eligible Veterans, active-duty service members and certain surviving spouses, a VA-backed home loan can offer valuable mortgage benefits. Eligible borrowers may purchase a primary residence with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. VA loans can also offer competitive terms. In addition, borrowers may use the VA home loan benefit more than once. […] - [Credit counseling & debt management](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/credit-counseling-debt-management/): Managing debt and improving your credit can be an important part of preparing for homeownership. If monthly payments are becoming difficult to manage, or credit issues are preventing you from qualifying for a mortgage, professional credit counseling may help you develop a plan. Credit Counseling Can Be a Good Starting Point A reputable nonprofit credit […] - [Purchase & Renovate In One Mortgage](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/purchase-renovate-in-one-mortgage/): Buying a home that needs repairs or improvements does not always mean you have to purchase the property first and find separate financing for the renovations later. A renovation mortgage can combine the purchase price of the home and eligible renovation costs into one mortgage and one closing. This can be especially useful when you […] - [District of Columbia HPAP & EAHP Programs](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/district-of-columbia-hpap-eahp-programs/): We are not currently participating in HPAP.  Please consult with HPAP for a participating lender list. The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) is available to qualified applicants purchasing a primary residence in the District of Columbia.  HPAP offers down payment assistance ranging from $16,000 to as high as $80,000 to qualified applicants. Applicants must qualify […] - [Prince George's County Down Payment Assistance Programs for 2026](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/prince-georges-county-down-payment-assistance/): Prince George's County introduced three homebuyer assistance programs in July 2026. Compare Pathway to Purchase, Homeownership Equity and Critical Workforce assistance. - [Mortgage Insurance Explained](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/blog-mortgage-insurance-explained/): Mortgage insurance can make it possible to purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment. But many homebuyers are understandably confused about how it works, how much it costs and whether there are different ways to structure it. For many conventional mortgages with a loan-to-value ratio above 80%, private mortgage insurance may be […] - [Thinking of becoming self-employed?  A few things to consider first…](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/thinking-of-becoming-self-employed-a-few-things-to-consider-first/): Becoming self-employed can be a great career move. However, if you expect to buy a home, refinance or apply for mortgage financing soon, it is important to understand how that change could affect your qualification. Leaving a salaried or W-2 position does not automatically mean you must wait two years for a mortgage. Lenders do […] - [MARYLAND OPPORTUNITY GRANT (DISCONTINUED)](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/maryland-opportunity-grant/): The Maryland Opportunity Grant program is one of many programs offered by the state of Maryland through the Maryland Mortgage Program. The total grant amount is equal to 6% of the sales price.  Can be structured to cover the entire down payment most if not all of the closing costs. Conventional financing only Grant funds […] - [Montgomery County Offers up to $25,000 in Down Payment Assistance (DISCONTINUED)](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/montgomery-county-offers-up-to-25000-in-down-payment-assistance/): Montgomery Homeownership Program II  —— PROGRAM CURRENTLY DISCONTINUED! The Montgomery Homeownership Program is a new initiative of the Maryland Mortgage Program in partnership with Montgomery County, which offers eligible homebuyers who purchase in Montgomery County up to $25,000 in down payment assistance. Eligible homebuyers can take advantage of this assistance by purchasing their home with […] - [Down Payment Assistance Programs](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/down-payment-assistance-programs/): Down payment assistance programs can help make purchasing a home more attainable by reducing the amount of money a buyer needs for the down payment and, in some cases, closing costs. Buyers in Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia may have access to state, local or other homebuyer assistance programs depending on where they are purchasing […] - [How to Protect Your Credit and Identity](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/protect-your-credit-and-identity/): Identity theft and credit fraud can create serious financial problems—and they can become especially disruptive when you are preparing to buy or refinance a home. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help protect your credit and personal information. Some are simple habits, while others—such as freezing your credit—can provide an additional layer […] - [Verifying your cash assets – Do’s and don’ts when buying a home](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/verifying-your-cash-assets-dos-and-donts-when-buying-a-home/): When you are preparing to buy a home, having enough money for your down payment and closing costs is only part of the equation. Your mortgage lender may also need to verify where those funds came from. This is known as asset verification or sourcing funds. It can become an unnecessary headache if money is […] - [Termite Inspections When Buying a Home: What Mortgage Borrowers Should Know](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/termite-inspection-when-buying-a-home/): A termite inspection—more accurately called a wood-destroying insect or WDI inspection—can be an important part of buying a home. But whether the inspection is actually required for the mortgage depends on the loan program, the property and sometimes what is discovered during the appraisal or inspection process. This distinction is important because a homebuyer may […] - [Budgeting for a mortgage payment](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/budgeting-for-a-mortgage-payment/): Buying a home involves more than determining how much a lender may approve you to borrow. It is equally important to determine what monthly mortgage payment comfortably fits your household budget. A mortgage payment that works on paper should also leave room for your other monthly expenses, savings goals, home maintenance and the unexpected costs […] - [How to Buy a New Home Before Selling Your Current Home](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/how-to-avoid-your-home-sale-contingency/): If you already own a home and want to purchase your next one before your current property sells, a home sale contingency can make your offer less competitive. Sellers often prefer offers that are not dependent on another property closing first. The good news is that there may be several ways to use the equity […] - [DC Tax Abatement Program: Save on Property, Recordation & Transfer Taxes](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/dc-tax-abatement-program/): Washington DC offers a valuable tax benefit that can significantly reduce both the upfront and ongoing costs of homeownership for eligible buyers. The Lower Income Home Ownership Tax Abatement, sometimes simply referred to as the DC Tax Abatement Program, can provide qualifying homeowners with an exemption from certain recordation and transfer taxes as well as […] - [Is this condo FHA / VA approved?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/is-this-condo-fha-va-approved/): If you are buying a condominium with FHA financing or a VA loan, the condo project itself may also need to meet FHA or VA requirements. The good news is that finding out whether a condo may qualify is usually something we can help determine early in the process. How Do I Know If a […] - [Mortgage Recast vs. Refinance: What’s the Difference?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/blog-recast-your-mortgage-vs-refinancing-the-basics/): A mortgage recast can be a useful way to lower your monthly mortgage payment after making a substantial payment toward your loan balance. But before requesting a recast, it can also make sense to compare it with another option: refinancing. If mortgage rates have dropped since you purchased or last refinanced your home, refinancing may […] - [How to Cancel Mortgage Insurance (PMI)](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/cancel-mortgage-insurance-pmi/): If you are currently paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), you may be wondering when you can have it removed from your monthly mortgage payment. For many conventional mortgages, federal law and investor guidelines provide several ways PMI may be cancelled or automatically terminated. The rules can vary depending on your loan, payment history, property value […] - [Can You Buy a Home or Transfer a Mortgaged Property Into an LLC?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/mortgage-property-in-an-llc/): Real estate investors and homeowners sometimes ask whether they can purchase a property in the name of a limited liability company (LLC), refinance a property already owned by an LLC, or transfer a property into an LLC after obtaining a mortgage. The answer depends heavily on the type of mortgage, how title is currently held […] - [Avoid Mortgage Sabotage: What NOT to Do Before Buying a Home](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/avoiding-mortgage-sabotage/): Some of the biggest mortgage problems happen before a homebuyer ever applies for a loan. A change that seems perfectly reasonable at the time—buying a new car, changing jobs, becoming self-employed or moving money between accounts—can sometimes make it harder to qualify for a mortgage. And the risk does not end once you are pre-approved. […] - [Closing Costs, Escrows and Prepaid Expenses Explained](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/closing-costs-escrows/): When buying or refinancing a home, borrowers often hear the terms closing costs, escrows and prepaid expenses used together. Although all three can affect the amount of money needed at settlement, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can make your Loan Estimate and final closing figures much easier to understand. What Are […] - [How Do Home Appraisers Determine a Property’s Value?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/how-appraisers-determine-home-value/): One of the most common questions homebuyers and homeowners ask is: How does an appraiser actually determine what a home is worth? An appraisal is much more than simply looking at a few recent home sales and averaging the prices. The appraiser analyzes the property itself, the surrounding market and comparable properties to develop an […] - [How a Strong Mortgage Pre-Approval Can Help Your Offer Stand Out](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/strong-mortgage-pre-approval/): A strong mortgage pre-approval can do more than show a seller that you may qualify for financing. In a competitive home purchase, the lender standing behind that pre-approval can also influence how confident a listing agent and seller feel about your offer. That is why not all pre-approval letters necessarily carry the same weight. A […] - [Mortgage Credit Do’s and Don’ts for Homebuyers](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/mortgage-credit-tips-dos-and-donts/): Your credit profile can have a significant impact on your ability to qualify for a mortgage, as well as the interest rate and loan options available to you. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to protect and potentially improve your credit before buying a home. Just as important, there […] - [WHICH MORTGAGE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/which-mortgage-is-right-for-you/): Homebuyers have more mortgage options than they sometimes realize. Choosing the right loan is not simply about finding the lowest advertised interest rate. The best mortgage depends on your credit, down payment, income, property, loan amount, future plans and overall financial goals. During the pre-approval process, we can compare the mortgage programs available to you […] - [Why Mortgage Pre-Approval Is Important Before Buying a Home](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/mortgage-pre-approval/): Getting your financing in order before you start seriously shopping for a home is one of the most important steps in the homebuying process. A mortgage pre-approval can help you understand what you may be able to afford, identify the loan programs available to you and put you in a stronger position when it is […] - [How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Rates](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/how-credit-scores-affect-mortgage-rates/): Your credit score can have a significant impact on your mortgage. It can affect whether you qualify for certain loan programs and, in many cases, the interest rate or pricing available to you. But mortgage pricing is more complicated than simply saying that one particular credit score receives the best rate. Your credit score is […] - [Do Mortgage Credit Checks Hurt Your Credit Score?](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/credit-checks-inquiries/): Many homebuyers worry that having their credit checked for a mortgage will cause a major drop in their credit score. In reality, a mortgage credit inquiry typically has a relatively small impact on your score, and rate-shopping inquiries are treated differently from repeatedly applying for new credit cards or other types of debt. Understanding the […] - [Down Payment Options](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/down-payment-options/): How much you need for a down payment depends on the loan program, property type, occupancy, credit profile and other qualification requirements. Many homebuyers are surprised to learn that buying a home does not necessarily require a 20% down payment. Depending on your circumstances, mortgage options may be available with no down payment or with […] - [Seller Credits vs. Lender Credits: What Homebuyers Should Know](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/seller-credits-lender-credits/): Seller credits and lender credits can both reduce the amount of money a homebuyer needs at closing, but they work in very different ways. Understanding the difference can be especially important when comparing mortgage options or negotiating a purchase contract. A properly structured credit can sometimes make a significant difference in the amount of cash […] - [How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Competitive Market](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/get-your-contract-accepted-beat-the-competition/): Knowing how to get your offer accepted is not always about offering the highest price. A well-prepared buyer with strong financing, a responsive lending team and a clean, well-structured offer can have a meaningful advantage—especially when a seller is considering multiple offers. Here are several ways homebuyers can strengthen an offer while still making smart […] ## Pages - [Terms of Use](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/terms-of-use/): Legal Terms of Use Updated: September 20, 2026 This website is operated by Christopher Jordan and the Chris Jordan Mortgage Team in connection with Main Street Home Loans (“Chris Jordan Mortgage,” “Main Street Home Loans,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Christopher Jordan is a licensed mortgage loan originator, NMLS #143670, providing residential mortgage services through Main […] - [Contact Us - Thank You](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/contact-us-success/): Contact Us Have questions about buying, refinancing or renovating a home? The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team provides personalized mortgage guidance throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. (240) 670-5090 CJMT@mainstreethl.com No Obligation General Inquiry Thank You Thank you for your message. It has been sent. We will be in touch with you soon. Ready to get […] - [Search](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/search/): Website Search Search Search How can we help? Purchase Explore home purchase loan options, pre-qualification steps and experienced mortgage guidance for buyers in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. Refinance Compare mortgage refinance options for lower payments, shorter terms, cash-out needs and removing mortgage insurance in Maryland, DC and Virginia. Education Learn more about the home […] - [Privacy Policy](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/privacy-policy/): Legal Privacy Policy Updated: September 20, 2026 This Privacy Policy describes how Christopher Jordan, operating in connection with Main Street Home Loans, a Division of NFM, Inc. (“we,” “us,” or “our”), collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users (“Users” or “you”) of this website (“Site”). This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through […] - [Local Mortgage Expertise. Personalized for You.](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/): Experienced. Local. Here When You Need Me. Local Mortgage Expertise with a Personal Approach Explore Your Options Serving all of Maryland, Virginia, & Washington D.C. Contact Us Today (240) 670-5090 CJMT@mainstreethl.com NMLS #143670 Local Mortgage Solutions for Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team provides personalized mortgage guidance designed around your short-term […] - [Additional Client Benefits](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/additional-client-benefits/): About Us Client Benefits Enjoy additional home buyer benefits when working with the Chris Jordan Mortgage Team. Benefits as you begin the home buying process Thorough & Upfront Consultation We take the time to understand your goals, finances and future plans before recommending a mortgage strategy. We’ll compare available loan programs and structure your financing around […] - [Contact Us](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/contact-us/): Contact Us Have questions about buying, refinancing or renovating a home? The Chris Jordan Mortgage Team provides personalized mortgage guidance throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. (240) 670-5090 CJMT@mainstreethl.com No Obligation General Inquiry Have a Question? Not ready to begin the prequalification process? Complete the no-obligation inquiry form below, and we will contact you to […] - [Services](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/services/): Our Services One Size Does Not Fit All Every borrower’s situation is different. We take a consultative approach to help you compare mortgage options based on your short-term needs, long-term goals, property and location. - [About Us](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/about-us/): About Us Choosing a mortgage is about more than finding an advertised interest rate. It is about selecting the right financing strategy for your goals and working with an experienced local lender who will guide you through closing and beyond. About the Chris Jordan Mortgage Team Local Experience. Personal Guidance. Better Results. Chris Jordan has […] - [The CJMT Blog](https://chrisjordanmortgage.com/blog/) ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/chrisjordanmortgage.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)