The amount you need for a down payment depends on the type of loan and your financial situation. While 20% is a common benchmark, many buyers put down less—some conventional loans allow as little as 3%, and FHA loans require just 3.5%. Furthermore, if you qualify for a VA loan or a USDA loan, you may be able to purchase a home with 0% down.

Yes, absolutely! There are several state and local down payment assistance (DPA) programs designed to help qualified buyers cover upfront costs. In Virginia, programs through Virginia Housing (VHDA) offer grants or second mortgages to assist first-time buyers with their down payments and closing costs. Eligibility depends on factors like income, credit score, and household size. Contact us today, and we will connect you with a trusted lender to explore your options!

Ideally, you should start connecting with a real estate agent and a lender 3 to 6 months before your report date. This gives us plenty of time to identify your needs, get your VA pre-approval in order, and start tracking the market. If you are tight on time, we are highly experienced in streamlined, remote homebuying processes! Including virtual video tours and digital signing, to ensure you can close shortly after you arrive.

The VA loan is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to service members and veterans. Key benefits include:

$0 Down Payment options up to conforming loan limits.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which saves you hundreds monthly.
Competitive interest rates compared to conventional loans.
Lenient credit requirements and flexible underwriting guidelines.

Closing costs are the fees associated with processing and finalizing your mortgage and real estate transaction. They typically include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, taxes, and insurance escrows. Generally, you can expect closing costs to run between 2% to 5% of the total loan amount. We frequently negotiate with sellers to have them contribute toward these costs to lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

To net the highest return on your home, focus on three things: decluttering, deep cleaning, and maximizing curb appeal. Neutralizing spaces helps buyers picture themselves living there. We provide every listing client with a custom property assessment, identifying minor repairs or staging adjustments that will make your home stand out online and in person.

A short sale occurs when a homeowner needs to sell their property, but the market value has dropped below the remaining balance of their mortgage. The seller must get formal approval from their lender to accept a "short" payoff amount. Unlike a foreclosure—where the bank forcibly repossesses the home. A short sale is a voluntary process initiated by the homeowner to mitigate financial distress and protect their credit history.

From the moment your offer is accepted by a seller, it typically takes 30 to 45 days to close on the home. This window allows time for the home inspection, property appraisal, title search, and final mortgage underwriting. The upfront house-hunting phase can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your preferences and market inventory.