Mortgage Guides, Tips & Market Insights

DC HPAP Program 2026: Up to $202,000 in Homebuyer Assistance

HPAP helps first-time buyers purchase homes in the District with interest-free assistance. Short answer: DC’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) gives eligible first-time buyers up to $202,000 in interest-free gap financing plus up to $4,000 for closing costs. Your amount depends on household i

Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in 2026? When It Makes Sense and How to Decide

With rates higher than earlier this year, a refinance has to clear a higher bar in 2026. Short answer: refinance when the monthly savings repay your closing costs well before you expect to sell or refinance again. With the 30-year average at 7.40% on October 8, 2026, that mostly means borrowers with

Mortgage Rates in Fairfax County, VA: What Buyers Should Expect in 2026

Mortgage rates in Fairfax County follow the national market. Your credit, down payment and loan size shape your price. Short answer: the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.40% for the week of October 8, 2026, according to Freddie Mac. That is up from 6.30% a year earlier. Freddie Mac does not

Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval: What DMV Home Buyers Need to Know in 2026

A pre-approval letter tells a seller a lender has checked your finances. A pre-qualification usually has not. Short answer: a pre-qualification is usually a quick estimate based on what you tell a lender. A pre-approval is usually based on verified income, assets and credit. Neither one is a guarant