Virginia Home Loans

Your Virginia
Mortgage, Handled.

From Fairfax County to the Shenandoah Valley, our team knows Virginia lending inside and out, including which Virginia Housing programs are a true grant, which have to be paid back, and the loan limit that more than doubles inside the Washington metro.

Virginia suburban home with brick facade and attached garage
2026 FHA limit, DC suburbs
$1,249,125
$1.5B+
Loans Funded
4,000+
Families Helped
34+
Years Experience
6
Virginia Counties Served
Counties We Serve

Lending Across Northern Virginia

Every county has different property tax rates, median prices, and programs. We know the numbers so you don't have to guess.

Fairfax County Virginia suburban neighborhood
Fairfax County
Fairfax · Herndon · McLean · Centreville · Reston
~$700K
Median Price
1.11%
Property Tax

Virginia's most populous county with top-rated schools, Metro access, and proximity to DC. Strong market with steady appreciation.

Explore Fairfax County
Loudoun County Virginia homes and countryside
Loudoun County
Ashburn · Leesburg · South Riding · Brambleton
~$700K
Median Price
0.87%
Property Tax

One of Virginia's fastest-growing counties. Lower tax rate than Fairfax with excellent new-build communities and Data Center Alley economic strength.

Explore Loudoun County
Arlington County Virginia urban neighborhood
Arlington County
Rosslyn · Clarendon · Ballston · Crystal City
~$750K
Median Price
1.013%
Property Tax

Urban living steps from DC. Home to the Pentagon and Amazon HQ2. Condos, townhomes, and single-family in walkable neighborhoods.

Explore Arlington
Prince William County Virginia residential community
Prince William County
Woodbridge · Manassas · Gainesville · Bristow
~$550K
Median Price
1.037%
Property Tax

Best value in NoVA with lower median prices and proximity to Quantico. Popular with military families and first-time buyers stretching their budget.

Explore Prince William
Old Town Alexandria Virginia historic neighborhood
Alexandria City
Old Town · Del Ray · Eisenhower · Kingstowne
~$650K
Median Price
1.09%
Property Tax

Historic charm meets urban convenience. Waterfront living, walkable dining in Old Town, and quick Metro access to downtown DC.

Explore Alexandria
Stafford County Virginia new construction homes
Stafford County
Stafford · Aquia Harbour · Falmouth
~$475K
Median Price
1.01%
Property Tax

Affordable entry to the NoVA market. Minutes from Quantico and I-95 corridor. VRE commuter rail makes it viable for DC workers seeking more space.

Explore Stafford

Not sure which area fits your budget? We'll match you with neighborhoods that fit your payment range.

Call (571) 621-5413, We'll Walk You Through It
Down Payment Assistance

Virginia Programs That Reduce Your Costs

Virginia Housing runs the state programs. The important question is not how much a program gives you, it is whether you ever have to give it back.

Quick Answer

The Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant is a true grant and is never repaid. The Plus Second Mortgage is not. It is a fully amortising second loan with its own monthly payment for 30 years. You cannot use both on the same purchase, so the choice between them is the whole decision. Both require a Virginia Housing loan through an approved lender, and income and sales price limits apply by area.

Up to
2 to 2.5%
Down Payment Assistance Grant
A true grant, never repaid

Covers 2% of the purchase price on a conventional bond loan or 2.5% on an FHA bond loan. On a $500,000 home that is $10,000 to $12,500 you never pay back.

No monthly payment and nothing owed at sale
Capped by the area sales price limit, so $20,000 at the $800,000 Washington area cap
Cannot be combined with the Plus Second Mortgage
Up to
2%
Closing Cost Assistance Grant
A true grant, never repaid

Up to 2% of the purchase price toward closing costs on a bond RHS or VA loan. It is a separate grant from the down payment assistance grant.

Applies to Rural Housing and VA first mortgages
Reduces cash to close rather than the down payment
Income and sales price limits apply by area
Up to
5%
Plus Second Mortgage
Repayable. This one you pay back

A fully amortising 30 year fixed second mortgage with its own monthly payment. It is not forgivable and it is not deferred. 3.5% on FHA at a 620 score, 3% on conventional at 640, and 5% on FHA or 4.5% on conventional at 680.

Rate is your first mortgage rate plus 0.25% on FHA or 0.125% on conventional
Adds a second payment from month one
Cannot be combined with either grant
Mortgage Credit Certificate
Suspended since May 1, 2023

Virginia Housing stopped issuing mortgage credit certificates on May 1, 2023 and has not reopened the program. Certificates issued before that date are still valid. Guides that still promote a Virginia MCC are out of date.

Existing certificates continue for the life of the loan
No new certificates are being issued
We will tell you if that changes

Virginia Housing program terms as verified for 2026. Income and sales price limits vary by area and change; Washington area limits took effect August 1, 2026. Confirm current terms with Virginia Housing or call us at (571) 621-5413. This is not a commitment to lend.

Buying just over the Potomac instead? The Maryland Mortgage Program runs on different income caps and a different transfer tax, and the two rarely suit the same buyer.

Loan Programs

Every Mortgage Option, One Team

We originate every major loan type in Virginia. Here's how each one works, and who it's best for in today's market.

Conventional
The Standard: Best Rates for Strong Credit

The most common loan for Virginia buyers. As little as 3% down with PMI that drops off automatically. Best rates for credit scores 700+. The 2026 baseline is $832,750, rising to $1,249,125 inside the Washington metro area.

3% Down $1,249,125 Limit PMI Removable
VA Loans
$0 Down for Those Who Served

Virginia is home to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, and Quantico, and we serve the military families stationed here. 0% down, no PMI, and no loan limit for full entitlement.

0% Down No PMI No Loan Limit
FHA Loans
Lower Credit OK: 3.5% Down

Designed for buyers with credit scores as low as 580. More flexible debt-to-income ratios than conventional. Combines well with VHDA down payment assistance for minimal cash at closing.

3.5% Down 580+ Credit VHDA Compatible
USDA Loans
0% Down in Eligible Rural Areas

Parts of Stafford, Fauquier, and western Virginia counties qualify for USDA 100% financing. Zero down payment required with lower mortgage insurance than FHA.

0% Down Low MI Rural Virginia
Jumbo Loans
Above $1,249,125: Luxury & High-Value

For McLean estates, Arlington penthouses, and Great Falls properties that exceed conforming limits. Competitive rates with as little as 10% down for qualified borrowers.

10% Down $1M+ OK Competitive Rates
Refinance
Lower Rate, Cash Out, or Shorten Term

Already own in Virginia? Rate-and-term, cash-out, VA IRRRL, and FHA Streamline options available. Tap into your home equity or reduce your monthly payment.

Rate & Term Cash-Out VA IRRRL
Not Sure Which Loan Fits?

Our team compares every option side by side, including programs most lenders don't mention. One conversation, no obligation.

Get Pre-Approved, Free, No Obligation
County-by-County Data

Virginia County Comparison

Property taxes, median prices, and monthly costs vary significantly by county. Here's the data that drives your decision.

County / City Median Price Property Tax Rate Est. Monthly Tax Est. Monthly Payment* Relative Cost
Arlington County $750K 1.013% $633 $5,280
Fairfax County $700K 1.11% $648 $5,000
Loudoun County $700K 0.87% $508 $4,860
Alexandria City $650K 1.09% $591 $4,640
Prince William County $550K 1.037% $475 $3,940
Stafford County Best Value $475K 1.01% $400 $3,410

*Estimated monthly payment assumes 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed, principal + interest + taxes + insurance. Rates and prices are approximate as of early 2026, use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

VA Loans in Virginia

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country

Northern Virginia is home to some of the nation's most critical military installations. Our team understands the unique timelines, PCS moves, and BAH calculations that come with military lending. VA loans are one of our specialties.

$0 down payment, 100% financing with full VA entitlement
No PMI, saves $200 to $400/month vs. conventional with low down
No loan limit, buy a home at any price with full entitlement
VA IRRRL refinance, streamlined rate reduction, minimal paperwork
Reusable benefit, use your VA loan entitlement again and again
Get VA Pre-Approved
The Pentagon
DoD
Arlington, VA
Popular nearby areas: Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax. Metro-accessible neighborhoods with short commutes.
Fort Belvoir
Army
Springfield / Lorton, VA
Popular nearby areas: Springfield, Lorton, Woodbridge, Burke. Affordable family neighborhoods within 15 minutes of base.
MCB Quantico
Marines
Triangle / Stafford, VA
Popular nearby areas: Stafford, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Manassas. Best value in the NoVA corridor with median prices under $500K.
JB Myer-Henderson Hall
Army / Marines
Arlington, VA
Popular nearby areas: Arlington, McLean, Falls Church. Urban and suburban options with excellent school systems.

VA loan eligibility information from VA.gov. Verify your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) during pre-approval.

If your search runs west into the Eastern Panhandle, our West Virginia mortgage page covers the Jefferson County limit, which sits far above the rest of that state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Mortgage Questions

Answers to the questions Virginia homebuyers ask us most.

What is the conforming loan limit in Northern Virginia for 2026?

The 2026 conforming loan limit for the Washington, D.C. metro area, which includes Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, Stafford, and Alexandria, is $1,249,125 for 2026. The national baseline is $832,750. This is the maximum loan amount for a conventional mortgage before it becomes a jumbo loan. This limit is set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and adjusts annually based on home price changes.

How much down payment do I need to buy a home in Virginia?

It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans require as little as 3% down. FHA loans need 3.5% down. VA loans and USDA loans offer 0% down options. Additionally, VHDA programs can cover 2 to 5% of the purchase price as a grant or forgivable loan, meaning some Virginia buyers close with very little out of pocket. Use our affordability calculator to see what you'd need.

What credit score do I need for a VHDA loan?

Most loan programs require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional and VA loans, and 580 for FHA loans. However, a score of 700 or higher typically qualifies you for the best interest rates. Our team reviews your full financial picture, not just your score, and can advise on quick credit improvements if needed before you apply.

Do you qualify for Virginia Housing down payment assistance if you owned a home before?

Yes, many VHDA programs are available to both first-time and repeat buyers, as long as you meet the income and purchase price limits for your county. The VHDA DPA Grant and Plus Second Mortgage are both available to previous homeowners. Income limits vary by household size and location, so eligibility depends on your specific situation. Call us at (571) 621-5413 and we'll check your eligibility in minutes.

What are the VHDA income limits in Virginia?

They depend on the program, the county and how many people are in the household. In the Washington metro area, which covers Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William and Alexandria, the down payment grant programs cap qualifying income at $148,000 for a household of two or fewer and $174,000 for three or more, against an $800,000 sales price limit. The standard bond programs run higher, at $186,000 and $217,000. The expanded program, which is open to repeat buyers as well as first time buyers, uses a single $245,000 qualifying income with no sales price cap. Figures come from Virginia Housing and were effective August 1, 2026. They are revised periodically, so confirm the current table before you rely on one.

What are property tax rates in Northern Virginia counties?

Property tax rates vary by county: Loudoun is approximately 0.87%, Stafford is 1.01%, Arlington is 1.013%, Prince William is 1.037%, Alexandria is 1.09%, and Fairfax is 1.11%. On a $600K home, the difference between Loudoun and Fairfax is roughly $1,440 per year. Our mortgage calculator includes county-specific tax rates so you can see your true monthly payment.

How long does it take to close on a house in Virginia?

A typical Virginia closing takes 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to keys in hand. If you're pre-approved before making an offer, the process is often faster. VA loans may take slightly longer due to the VA appraisal process, but our team manages the timeline closely. Getting pre-approved first is the single best way to speed things up.

Can I use a VA loan to buy a home in Northern Virginia?

Absolutely. VA loans are available throughout Virginia with no geographic restrictions. With full entitlement, there's no loan limit, so you can finance homes above the conforming ceiling with 0% down and no PMI. This makes VA loans especially powerful in high-cost Northern Virginia counties where homes routinely exceed $700K. Our team works with military families near the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, and Quantico every week.

Can I still get a Virginia mortgage credit certificate?

No. Virginia Housing suspended its mortgage credit certificate program on May 1, 2023 and has not reopened it. Certificates issued before that date stay valid, so if you already hold one, keep claiming it. Anything online still promoting a new Virginia MCC is out of date.

Should I buy in Fairfax County or Loudoun County?

Both counties have similar median home prices (~$700K), but Loudoun has a lower property tax rate (0.87% vs. 1.11%), which saves roughly $1,680/year on a $700K home. Fairfax offers more Metro access and established neighborhoods, while Loudoun has newer communities and strong economic growth from the data center industry. Your choice may come down to commute, school preferences, and lifestyle. Our team and The Jamil Brothers Realty Group can help you compare neighborhoods side by side.

Are there USDA-eligible areas in Virginia?

Yes. While most of Northern Virginia's urban core is excluded, parts of Stafford County, Fauquier County, and areas west and south of Prince William County may qualify for USDA 100% financing. USDA loans offer 0% down payment with lower mortgage insurance rates than FHA. If you're flexible on location, USDA can be one of the most affordable paths to homeownership in Virginia.

How do I get pre-approved for a Virginia mortgage?

Start with our secure online application, it takes about 15 minutes. We'll review your income, assets, credit, and employment to give you a pre-approval letter that tells sellers exactly what you can afford. In a competitive Northern Virginia market, a pre-approval from a local lender carries more weight than one from an online-only company.

Can I sell my current Virginia home and buy a new one at the same time?

Yes, and our family of companies makes this easier than most. The Ken Byrne Team handles your new mortgage while The Jamil Brothers list your current home for just 1.5% commission, saving you thousands. We coordinate timelines so your sale and purchase close smoothly. This kind of buy-sell coordination is one of the biggest advantages of working with a team that does both lending and real estate.

Have a Question Not Listed Here?

Our team answers Virginia mortgage questions every day, no pressure, no obligation.

Call (571) 621-5413
Buy & Sell Together

Sell Your Virginia Home for 1.5% Commission

The Jamil Brothers Realty Group, our sister company, lists Virginia homes for just 1.5% listing commission. That's full service: professional photography, MLS listing, staging guidance, negotiation, and closing coordination. Not a discount service, a smarter one.

Example: Selling a $700K Virginia Home
Typical 3% listing commission $21,000
Jamil Brothers 1.5% commission $10,500
You save $10,500
One Family, Full Service

Your Mortgage & Real Estate,
Coordinated

Buying a Home
Ken Byrne Team handles your mortgage. The Jamil Brothers find your home and negotiate your offer.
Buyer Strategy Session
Selling at 1.5%
Full-service listing: pro photos, MLS, negotiation, for half the typical agent's commission.
See 1.5% Details
Sell & Buy Together
We coordinate sale and purchase timelines so nothing falls through the cracks.
See Your Net Proceeds
Cash Offers & Off-Market
Need to sell fast? Cash offer programs and off-market options available.
Explore Cash Offers

The Jamil Brothers Realty Group and JB Financing are sister companies run by the same family, so your mortgage and real estate teams are already in sync from day one.

We are a Virginia mortgage lender licensed across the region, so a move that crosses a state line does not mean changing lenders midway.

Ready to Get Started?

Your Virginia Mortgage
Starts Here

Whether you're buying your first home in Fairfax or refinancing in Loudoun, our team is licensed, local, and ready to help. Get pre-approved in 15 minutes.

Prefer to talk? Call (571) 621-5413, We'll Walk You Through It

Selling a Virginia home too? The Jamil Brothers list homes for just 1.5% commission, full service, not discount.

Learn About 1.5% Listing

Ken Byrne Team | ALCOVA Mortgage LLC | NMLS ID# 40508
Ken Byrne, Branch Partner, NMLS ID# 187129 | Arslan Jamil, Loan Officer, NMLS ID# 2681786
4443 Brookfield Corporate Dr. Ste 105, Chantilly, VA 20151
Licensed in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, West Virginia
NMLS Consumer Access

All loan programs subject to borrower eligibility, credit approval, and property qualification. Rates, terms, and programs subject to change without notice. This is not a commitment to lend. Down payment assistance programs subject to funding availability and program-specific requirements. Property tax rates and median home prices are approximate and may vary. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Equal Housing Lender