Mortgage Guides, Tips & Market Insights
Real advice from real loan officers — written by the team that closes loans across VA, DC, MD & WV every week. No fluff, just answers.
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in the DMV — from credit preparation and pre-approval to state-specific down payment assistance programs most lenders don't mention. Start here.
Read the Full Guide
One of the most generous homebuyer programs in the nation — here's exactly who qualifies and how to apply.
Read Guide
Near the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, or Quantico? VA loans offer 0% down and no PMI — here's how to use your benefit.
Read GuideMore articles below — browse all our guides, tips, and market updates
Closing Costs in Washington DC: A Complete Buyer's Guide for 2026
Closing Costs in Washington DC: A Complete Buyer's Guide for 2026 By Ken Byrne, NMLS #187129 · ALCOVA Mortgage LLC, NMLS #40508 · Updated May 2026 Quick Answer: Buyer closing costs in Washington DC typically run between 2% and 5% of the purchase price — on a $700,000 home, that's roughly $14,000 t
Read More
Closing Costs in Maryland: Complete 2026 Breakdown
Closing Costs in Maryland: Complete 2026 Breakdown By Ken Byrne, NMLS #187129 · ALCOVA Mortgage LLC, NMLS #40508 · Updated May 2026 Quick Answer: Closing costs in Maryland typically run 3% to 6% of the home's purchase price for buyers — meaningfully higher than most states because Maryland layers
Read More
Closing Costs in Virginia: What Buyers Pay in 2026
Closing Costs in Virginia: What Buyers Pay in 2026 By Ken Byrne, NMLS #187129 · ALCOVA Mortgage LLC, NMLS #40508 · Updated May 2026 Quick Answer: Virginia homebuyers typically pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, separate from the down payment. On a $600,000 Northern Virgi
Read More
Down Payment Requirements in Virginia: What Buyers Actually Need (2026)
Down Payment Requirements in Virginia: What Buyers Actually Need (2026) By Ken Byrne, NMLS #187129 · ALCOVA Mortgage LLC, NMLS #40508 · Updated May 2026 Quick Answer: You don't need 20% down to buy a house in Virginia. Minimums range from 0% for VA and USDA loans, 3% for conventional loans, and 3.
Read More
Categories
Recent Posts
