Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the loan program and your specific situation. Conventional loans can require as little as 3% down, FHA loans require 3.5%, and VA loans for eligible military buyers require zero down payment. There are also down payment assistance programs in Virginia, Maryland, and DC that can help cover closing costs. We connect you with trusted lenders who can walk through your exact numbers — and we'll help you understand every option before you commit.

The DMV has several programs: Virginia offers the Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) programs with down payment grants; Maryland has the Maryland Mortgage Program with competitive rates and closing cost assistance; and DC offers the HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance Program) and OP (Open Doors) programs. We help you navigate eligibility, paperwork, and timing for each one.

From pre-approval to closing, most buyers complete the process in 45–60 days once they find their home. The search itself varies — some buyers find their home in a week, others take a few months. We work at your pace and keep the process moving forward without pressure.

A licensed inspector will examine the home's major systems — structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, and more. The report can feel overwhelming, but that's normal. We attend every inspection with you, explain what matters and what doesn't, and negotiate repairs or credits with the seller's agent. Having an agent who represents your best interest makes inspections far less stressful.

We use a combination of comparable sales data (what similar homes in your area actually sold for — not just listed at), current market conditions, and neighborhood-specific trends. We don't guess — we analyze. Our pricing strategy is designed to attract serious buyers quickly while maximizing your return.

Not always. Some renovations offer a strong return — a fresh coat of neutral paint, updated light fixtures, or landscaping can make a big difference. Others, like a kitchen remodel, may not pay for themselves in your market. We give you honest, data-backed advice on which improvements are worth it and which aren't.

We're a two-person team, not a one-person shop. Matilde brings 20+ years of market mastery and genuine care. Paulina brings data-driven strategy and modern marketing. Together, you get two full-time advocates who handle problems before you even know they exist. We're bilingual (English/Spanish), and we treat every client like family — because that's not a slogan, it's how we operate.

Yes. We help investors identify properties that align with their portfolio goals — whether that's rental income, appreciation, or fix-and-flip. Paulina's data-driven approach is particularly valuable for identifying emerging neighborhoods and off-market opportunities.

Absolutely — it's one of our specialties. We handle everything remotely when needed: virtual tours, video walkthroughs, digital document signing, and coordination with your schedule. Many of our clients find their perfect home before they even arrive in the DMV.

We serve the entire DMV: Washington DC, Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, and more), and Maryland (Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, College Park, Annapolis, and beyond). We know every corner of this region — that's not a boast, it's a fact we back up with results.