Homebuyer FAQs Answered by Talithia Morris: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Northern Virginia & Maryland

by Talithia Morris

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re faced with so many questions: How much money do I need? What credit score is required? How do I know which home is the right fit?

That’s where I come in. I’m Talithia Morris, a Northern Virginia and Maryland Realtor® with 9+ years of experience helping families, veterans, and first-time buyers navigate the home buying journey. I’ve built my career on making the process clear, approachable, and stress-free while saving my clients time and money.

In this guide, I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions homebuyers have from financing to closing and show you how I can help you every step of the way.

Financing & Credit

How much money do I need for a down payment?

This is one of the first questions buyers ask, and the answer depends on the type of loan you use:

Conventional Loans – As low as 3% down for qualified buyers, though many put down 5–20%.
FHA Loans – 3.5% down with more flexible credit requirements.
VA Loans – 0% down for veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses.
USDA Loans – 0% down for eligible rural areas.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs – Local grants can help cover down payment and closing costs.

💡 Pro Tip: In Virginia, programs through Virginia Housing (VHDA) and in Maryland, the Maryland Mortgage Program, can help reduce upfront costs. I make sure my buyers know about every option available so they don’t leave money on the table.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Credit is important, but don’t assume you need perfect credit.

Conventional Loans: 620+
FHA Loans: 580+ (sometimes lower with higher down payment)
VA & USDA Loans: Lenders may be flexible, often around 600+

Even if your score isn’t where you’d like it to be, I work with trusted lenders who offer credit coaching and can sometimes approve buyers with lower scores when paired with strong financials.

How do I know how much house I can afford?

This comes down to your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and pre-approval.

Lenders usually want your monthly debt payments (including mortgage) to be 43% or less of your income.
Pre-approval shows you what you can afford and what you’re comfortable spending.

📌 Talithia’s Advice: Don’t skip pre-approval, it’s the single most important step to knowing your budget and making competitive offers.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Are there special programs or grants for first-time homebuyers?

Yes! First-time buyers often have more resources than they realize.

Down Payment Assistance – State and local programs can provide grants or forgivable loans.
Closing Cost Help – Some programs cover part of your settlement fees.
VA & USDA Loans – Zero down options with flexible terms.
State Programs – Virginia Housing and the Maryland Mortgage Program both offer affordable rates and financial assistance.

✨ I specialize in helping first-time buyers unlock these opportunities. Over the years, I’ve helped clients save thousands of dollars by pairing them with the right program.

Home Buying Process & Timelines

What are the steps to buying a house?

Here’s a simple roadmap:

Get Pre-Approved with a lender.
Search for Homes with your Realtor (me!).
Make an Offer once you find “the one.”
Home Inspection to check the condition.
Appraisal for the lender’s valuation.
Final Approval & Closing where you sign papers and get your keys.

I walk my clients through every stage with checklists, reminders, and updates so nothing falls through the cracks.

How long does it usually take to buy a home?

Once your offer is accepted, most transactions close in 30–60 days.

Fast Closings: Cash buyers or simple loans may close in 2–3 weeks.
Longer Closings: If repairs, title issues, or special loan programs are involved.

In today’s competitive market, I set realistic expectations upfront so buyers feel confident about their timeline.

Choosing the Right Home

How do I know if a home is right for me?

It’s easy to fall in love with a pretty kitchen, but I coach clients to think bigger:

Needs vs. Wants – Separate “must-haves” (number of bedrooms) from “nice-to-haves” (granite counters).
Location – Commute, schools, community.
Resale Value – Is the home in an area likely to appreciate?
Condition – Will it need major work?

My process starts with a buyer consultation to nail down your priorities before we ever step foot in a house.

Inspections & Appraisals

Do I really need a home inspection?

Yes! always.

Inspections uncover potential issues such as:

Roofing and foundation problems
Plumbing or electrical issues
HVAC or appliance concerns

A strong inspection not only protects you but can give you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits. I recommend only experienced, trusted inspectors to my clients.

What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?

Home Inspection – Evaluates the condition of the property.
Appraisal – Determines the value for the lender.

Both are critical, and I guide clients on how to navigate results from each without stress.

Closing Costs & Final Steps

What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay?

Closing costs typically range from 2–5% of the purchase price. They include:

Loan origination fees
Appraisal & inspection fees
Title insurance
Prepaid taxes & insurance

The good news? In many cases, I can negotiate seller concessions to reduce or cover these costs.

Why Work With Talithia Morris?

With so much information online, why choose me? Because buying a home is more than paperwork, it’s about guidance, strategy, and trust.

Here’s what sets me apart:

Local Expertise: I know the Northern Virginia & Maryland markets inside out.
First-Time Buyer Focus: Grants, VA loans, USDA loans — I unlock programs others overlook.
Full-Service Support: From staging advice to renovation insights, I provide a white-glove experience.
Relentless Hustle: I don’t just help you buy a house — I help you win the right house.

Call to Action

Are you ready to make your dream of homeownership a reality? Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or upgrading, I’m here to guide you with confidence.

📲 Call/Text: (703) 344-6762
📧 Email: talithia@talithiamorris.com
🌐 Visit: TalithiaMorris.com

Let’s start your home buying journey today.