- 9841 Washingtonian Blvd #200 Gaithersburg, MD 20878
🏡 Maryland · Washington DC · Northern Virginia
Compare Mortgage Programs & Get Pre-Approved
FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, and first-time-buyer loans — compared side by side for DMV buyers. See exactly which program fits your credit, your down payment, and your goals, then get pre-approved with a trusted lender so you can make offers with confidence.
Free · No Obligation
Know your buying power first.
- ✓See every program compared side by side — no jargon.
- ✓Get matched to the program that fits your situation.
- ✓Connected to a trusted DMV lender for pre-approval.
- ✓Pre-approval letter in as little as 24 hours.
REC is a real estate brokerage, not a lender. Loans provided by trusted partners.
6
major loan programs compared$0
down possible with VA & USDA24hr
pre-approval turnaround5.0★
150+ verified Google reviews
Financing made clear
The right mortgage program can save you thousands
Financing shouldn't be confusing — it should be empowering. The program you choose affects your down payment, your monthly payment, your mortgage insurance, and how strong your offer looks to a DMV seller. At REC.Homes, our real estate professionals and trusted lending partners work as one team to match you with the right loan based on your goals, budget, and timeline — whether you're buying your first home in Maryland, moving up in DC, or investing in Northern Virginia.
Side-by-side
Mortgage programs compared at a glance
A quick way to narrow your options. Your lender confirms exact eligibility based on your full financial picture.
→ Swipe to see the full table
| Program | Min. Down Payment | Credit (typical) | Mortgage Insurance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% | Lower scores OK | Required (MIP) | First-time & flexible-credit buyers |
| VA | $0 down | Flexible | None (no PMI) | Veterans & active-duty service members |
| USDA | $0 down | Flexible | Reduced | Buyers in eligible rural/suburban areas |
| Conventional | As low as 3% | 620+ (stronger preferred) | Avoidable at 20% down | Strong credit; primary, 2nd & investment homes |
| First-Time Buyer | Varies / assistance available | Program-dependent | Varies | Buyers needing down payment & closing help |
| Jumbo | Typically higher | Strong credit | Varies | Higher-priced & luxury DMV homes |
Figures reflect general program parameters and are not an offer of credit or specific terms. Down payment, credit, mortgage insurance, and eligibility are set by the lender and program and are subject to change and approval.
The programs in depth
Popular mortgage programs we help DMV buyers access
FHA
FHA Loans
Federal Housing Administration
A favorite for first-time buyers and those with lower credit scores across Maryland, DC, and Virginia — accessible qualifying with a competitive rate.
- Down payments as low as 3.5%
- More flexible credit guidelines
- Gift funds allowed for the down payment
- Assumable loan option
VA
VA Loans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
An exclusive, powerful benefit for those who served — and especially relevant in our military-heavy DMV market around DC and Northern Virginia.
- $0 down payment options
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive, government-backed rates
- Limited closing costs
USDA
USDA Loans
U.S. Department of Agriculture
No-down-payment financing for eligible rural and suburban areas — including parts of Frederick, Carroll, and outer Montgomery County.
- $0 down payment in eligible areas
- Reduced mortgage insurance
- Income-based eligibility
- First-time & repeat buyers welcome
CONV
Conventional Loans
Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac
The most flexible option for strong-credit buyers — and not limited to primary residences, so you can finance a home, second home, or investment property.
- Down payments as low as 3%
- 15, 20, and 30-year term options
- Avoid PMI at 20% down
- Primary, second & investment properties
1st
First-Time Buyer Programs
MMP · DC Open Doors · Virginia Housing
State and local programs across the DMV designed to make that first purchase affordable — often the difference between renting and owning.
- Down payment assistance
- Grant opportunities
- Closing-cost assistance
- Reduced rates for eligible buyers
JMB
Jumbo Loans
Above conforming limits
For higher-priced homes that exceed conventional loan limits — common in Bethesda, Potomac, McLean, Arlington, and DC's premium neighborhoods.
- Financing above conforming limits
- Flexible property types
- Competitive jumbo terms
- Ideal for luxury & high-value homes
Which program is right for you?
Pick what sounds like you
Choosing the right loan depends on your credit, income, down payment, property type, and long-term goals. Start here — then we'll confirm with a trusted lender.
I'm a first-time buyer with limited savings.
FHA / Assistance →
I'm a veteran or active-duty service member.
VA Loan →
I want to buy in a rural or eligible area.
USDA Loan →
I have strong credit and steady income.
Conventional →
I need help with my down payment.
DPA Programs →
I'm buying a higher-priced or luxury home.
Jumbo Loan →
Make your offer stronger
Get Pre-Approved →
Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved — why it matters
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate. A pre-approval means a lender has verified your income, assets, and credit and put it in writing. In the competitive DMV market, sellers take pre-approved buyers far more seriously — it can be the difference between winning the home and losing it. We'll connect you with a trusted lender to get pre-approved before you tour.
How it works
From application to keys in four steps
1
Tell us your goals
Share your budget, timeline, and what you're hoping to buy. It takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
2
Compare your options
We review your full picture with a trusted lender and lay out the programs side by side — clearly.
3
Get pre-approved
Your lender issues a pre-approval letter — often within a day — so you can shop and offer with confidence.
4
Close with your team
Your REC agent and lender work as one, guiding you smoothly from offer to closing day.
The REC advantage
Lenders and agents working as one team
💪
Know your buying power
Understand exactly what you can afford before you fall in love with a home.
✅
Pre-approved with confidence
Walk into showings and offers with a verified letter in hand.
⚖️
Compare options side by side
See the real trade-offs between programs — no pressure, no jargon.
🧭
Smooth to the finish
One coordinated team from application through closing day.
★★★★★ 5.0 · 150+ Verified Google Reviews
DMV buyers trust Real Estate Connection
★★★★★
"Brian is super efficient, timely and no nonsense. Just good business acumen all around. Got the deal done in about 24 hours which was awesome to experience."
Ali Naim
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
"Real Estate Connection was a tremendous help during a particularly stressful time in my life. I had less than 60 days to buy — they made it happen."
Abdullah Elamari
Verified Google Review
★★★★★
"The absolute BEST real estate agency I've ever been to! They're very relatable and have no problem answering any questions you may have."
Halle Berryhill
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Mortgage questions
DMV mortgage program FAQs
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval? +
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you may be able to borrow. Pre-approval is stronger — a lender verifies your income, assets, and credit and issues a letter stating how much you're approved for. In the competitive DMV market, a pre-approval letter makes your offer far more credible to sellers.
What credit score do I need to buy in Maryland, DC, or Virginia? +
It depends on the program. FHA loans are typically available to buyers with lower credit scores, while conventional and jumbo loans usually expect stronger credit (often 620+ and higher for jumbo). VA and USDA loans also offer flexible guidelines. We'll help match your credit profile to the right program through a trusted lender.
Which program has the lowest down payment? +
VA loans (for eligible veterans and service members) and USDA loans (in eligible areas) can offer $0 down. FHA allows as little as 3.5% down, and some conventional programs allow 3%. On top of that, Maryland, DC, and Virginia offer down payment assistance that can reduce or cover your out-of-pocket cost.
Can I use a mortgage program for an investment property? +
Yes — conventional loans aren't limited to primary residences, so you can finance second homes and investment properties. FHA, VA, and USDA are generally for primary residences. We'll point you to the right structure for your goals and connect you with a lender who handles investment financing.
Does REC.Homes lend the money? +
No. Real Estate Connection is a licensed Maryland real estate brokerage, not a mortgage lender. We connect you with trusted, vetted lenders and help you compare programs side by side. The loan, rate, and approval come from the lender — we make sure you're informed and supported through closing.
How fast can I get pre-approved? +
Once your documents are ready — pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements — a pre-approval can often be issued within about 24 hours. Getting pre-approved before you shop tells you your true budget and dramatically strengthens your offers.
Free · No obligation · MD · DC · VA
Find your program and get pre-approved today.
Tell us about your goals and we'll match you with the right mortgage program and a trusted lender — so you can shop the DMV market with real buying power.
★★★★★ 5.0 · 150+ Verified Google Reviews · 500+ DMV homes bought & sold
🏡 Mortgage Programs Designed to Get You Home
At REC.Homes, we believe financing shouldn’t be confusing — it should be empowering. That’s why our lenders and real estate professionals work together to match you with the right mortgage program based on your goals, budget, and timeline.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing — we have options tailored for you.
💰 Popular Mortgage Programs We Offer
Conventional Loans
Ideal for buyers with strong credit and stable income.
– Competitive interest rates
– Flexible term options (15, 20, 30 years)
– Low down payment options available
- – Great for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties
🔹 FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration)
Perfect for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores.
– Down payments as low as 3.5%
– More flexible credit guidelines
– Gift funds allowed for down payment
– Assumable loan option
🔹VA Loans (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Exclusive benefits for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
– $0 down payment options
– No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
– Competitive interest rates
– Limited closing costs
🔹USDA Loans (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Designed for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers.
– $0 down payment
– Reduced mortgage insurance
– Income-based eligibility
🔹First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Special programs designed to make homeownership more affordable.
– Down payment assistance
– Grant opportunities
– Reduced interest rates
– Closing cost assistance
🔹Jumbo Loans
For higher-priced homes that exceed conventional loan limits.
– Competitive jumbo rates
– Flexible property types
– Ideal for luxury or high-value homes
📊 Which Mortgage Program is Right for You?
Choosing the right loan depends on:
– Credit score
– Income & employment history
– Down payment amount
– Property type
– Long-term financial goals
That’s why REC works directly with trusted lenders to review your full financial picture and guide you every step of the way.
🤝 The REC Advantage
At REC.Homes, our lenders and real estate agents work as one team — helping you:
✔ Understand your buying power
✔ Get pre-approved with confidence
✔ Compare loan options side-by-side
✔ Navigate the process smoothly from application to closing
We simplify financing so you can focus on finding the perfect home.
🚀 Ready to Explore Your Mortgage Options?
Your path to homeownership starts with the right financing strategy.
Let our team help you make a smart, confident move.
Connect with REC.Homes today and let’s get you home.