For First-Time Buyers in DC, MD & VA

You have more advantages than anyone is telling you about.

First-time buyers in the DMV qualify for rate waivers, down payment programs, and pricing that repeat buyers don't get. Here's the math nobody shows you.

See the Rate Difference How the Waiver Works

FTHB Rate Waiver Your rate add-ons can be eliminated entirely. Not reduced. Eliminated.

Down Payment Help DC offers up to $206,000. Maryland and Virginia have programs most lenders skip.

Better Pricing The same credit score, same down payment... but a lower rate. That's the FTHB advantage.

See the Math

How much are rate add-ons costing you?

Every conventional mortgage has hidden rate add-ons (called LLPAs) based on your credit score and down payment. First-time buyers in the DMV can have these waived entirely. Select your credit score to see the difference.

Select your credit score:

Add your loan details (optional):

Without FTHB Waiver With FTHB Waiver Savings zone

FTHB Waiver Eliminates -- in rate add-ons

Peak Add-On (without waiver)

at the worst LTV tier

With FTHB Waiver

0.000%

across every LTV tier

Your Savings

rate add-on eliminated

Rate add-ons rounded to nearest 0.125% per standard pricing convention. Fannie Mae LLPA Matrix 01.28.2026. For educational purposes only (not a rate quote). FTHB waiver requires household income ≤ $195,000 in the DMV area.

How It Works

The First-Time Buyer Rate Add-On Waiver

What are LLPAs?

Every conventional mortgage comes with Loan-Level Price Adjustments. These are percentage points added to your base rate based on your credit score, down payment, property type, and other factors. They're the reason two buyers with the same income can get very different rates.

What gets waived?

If you're a first-time homebuyer in DC, Maryland, or Virginia with a household income at or below $195,000, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac waive the credit score and LTV-based rate add-ons entirely. You start at the base market rate with nothing added on top.

What does that mean in dollars?

On a $450,000 loan, a 720 credit score buyer putting 5% down would normally have a 0.875% add-on baked into their rate. That's roughly $265/month. With the FTHB waiver, that entire add-on disappears. Over 5 years, that's over $15,000 in savings.

FTHB Waiver Eligibility

First-time homebuyer

Haven't owned a home in the last 3 years

DMV area purchase

Property in DC, Maryland, or Virginia

Income at or below $195,000

Total household income (varies by county)

Conventional loan

Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac financing

Go Deeper

The complete guide for first-time buyers.

The FTHB waiver is one piece. The full guide covers loan programs, timelines, costs, DPA programs, and the mistakes to avoid before you apply.

Education Hub

The First-Time Buyer's Guide to Mortgages in DC, MD & VA

A complete walkthrough of the mortgage process for first-time buyers: programs, costs, timelines, and the mistakes to avoid before you apply.

Read the Full Guide →

Ready?

Let's figure out exactly what you qualify for.

FTHB waiver, down payment assistance, loan program comparison... I'll walk through all of it for your specific situation. No pressure, no commitment, just the math.

Christian Kosko | NMLS# 1415795 | Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
NMLS# 2289 | Equal Housing Lender | Licensed in DC, MD, VA

This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a rate quote or loan approval. LLPA data sourced from the Fannie Mae LLPA Matrix effective 01.28.2026. FTHB waiver eligibility requirements include first-time buyer status, income limits, and conventional financing. All loans subject to underwriting approval.