Serving Virginia & Maryland HomebuyersEqual Housing Opportunity
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Home / Buy a Home
Buy a Home

From "browsing Zillow" to "closing on your home" — calmly.

We help Virginia and Maryland buyers understand what they can afford, compare the right loan programs, and present strong, confident offers. No pressure, no surprises.

Check My Buying Power Talk to an Advisor
No credit pull required for any TMES tool.
Your Buying Path

Six answers, one plan

A good mortgage plan doesn't start with a rate — it starts with clarity on your situation. Before you start house hunting, we help you answer six questions:

  • Can I afford to buy? What price range makes sense for my income and goals.
  • What loan options fit me? Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, or state housing.
  • How much cash will I need to close? Down payment, closing costs, reserves.
  • Am I ready for pre-approval? Credit, income docs, and timing.
  • Are there VA or MD programs I should ask about? Grants, second mortgages, tax credits.
  • What is my next best step? A clear, written plan you can act on.

Start with one of these

All tools are free, take under 5 minutes, and never pull your credit.

Buying Power Quiz Cash-to-Close Estimator Pre-Approval Readiness Score Down Payment Assistance Matcher

We'll never sell your information. After a form submission, a TMES advisor (not a call center) will reach out within one business day.

What to expect

The five-step path, in plain English

  1. Understand your situation

    A 15-minute conversation about your goals, timeline, and finances.

  2. Get pre-approved

    We verify your numbers and issue a letter your agent can use.

  3. Choose your loan

    We compare options across our lender network — you pick the best fit.

  4. Lock & underwrite

    Lock the rate at the right time; we manage the file.

  5. Close with confidence

    Keys in hand and a clear record of every dollar.

Frequently Asked

Buyer questions we hear every day

How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan program. Conventional loans can start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA/USDA at 0% for eligible buyers. Many Virginia and Maryland buyers also combine their loan with a state-run down payment assistance program.
Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
A pre-approval includes a credit pull, which is a hard inquiry. Multiple mortgage inquiries within a ~45-day window are typically treated as a single inquiry by the major scoring models. Our buying power quiz does not pull credit.
How long does a typical closing take?
Most purchases close in 21–35 days after an accepted offer. VA and USDA loans can take slightly longer due to appraisal and eligibility steps. Speak with your advisor for a realistic timeline on your loan.
What fees should I expect?
Closing costs commonly run 2–5% of the loan amount and include lender fees, title, transfer taxes, and prepaid items. We give you a written Loan Estimate within three business days of application and will walk it through line by line.
Next Step

Let's build your mortgage plan

A short, no-pressure conversation — or a 5-minute tool. You'll leave with a clear picture of what to do next.

Talk to an Advisor Start the Buying Power Quiz
No credit pull on any tool. Your information is never sold. NMLS ID# 205178.
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