First-Time Home Buyers in Arlington and Northern Virginia
Every step explained, first-time buyer programs pointed out, and straight answers on every home.
Buying Your First Home in Arlington
For first-time home buyers in Arlington, the decision often starts the same way. The lease is ending, the rent keeps going up, and you are tired of paying for someone else's home. Then the questions start. How much can we afford? What if we overpay? What if the inspection finds something we did not see?
Every one of those questions is normal, and none of them should stop you. You don't need to know how buying works before you call us. That is our job, and we will walk you through it one step at a time.
Talk About Buying My First Home
How The Mike Webb Team Helps First-Time Buyers
The Mike Webb Team is Mike and Claudia Webb, with RE/MAX Allegiance, and we have more than 34 years in real estate. With first-time buyers, our job is to take something that feels overwhelming and make it clear.
We start with a conversation, not a house tour. We talk about what you want, your timeline and your budget, set realistic expectations for today's market, and answer every question you have, including the ones you think are too basic. There are no questions that are too basic.
We are glad to explain the big picture, like what a conventional loan is or how a pre-approval works. Questions about interest rates and what you qualify for are for a lender, so if you don't have one yet, we can refer you to lenders we trust, or you can use your own bank or credit union. You get pre-approved before we start showing homes, so every home you see is one you can actually buy.
First-Time Buyer Programs Worth Asking About
First-time buyers often ask whether there are programs that can help. There are. Here are two to ask your lender about if you are buying in Virginia:
- Arlington County's Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP). For eligible first-time buyers purchasing in Arlington, it offers a no-interest second loan with deferred payments that can help with the down payment and closing costs. The County's page lists the current rules and eligibility.
- Virginia Housing. The state's housing finance agency offers first-time buyer loans and down payment help through approved lenders, and a free homebuyer class.
For many programs, a first-time buyer means someone who has not owned a home in the previous three years, so you may qualify even if you owned a home long ago. Rules, income limits and availability change, and every program has its own requirements, so your lender is the right person to tell you what fits.
Buying in DC or Maryland instead? Ask us and your lender about the programs there.
What Buying Your First Home With Us Looks Like
- A consultation to plan your purchase, including the written buyer agreement we sign before touring homes
- Pre-approval through a lender or your own bank or credit union
- A home search set up to your criteria, and showings with us or our showing partner
- A home value report before we write an offer, then offer strategy and negotiation
- An inspection we can coordinate for you, or that you can schedule yourself, and advice on how to proceed once the results are in
- Support all the way through the final walk-through and closing
Inspection surprises worry first-time buyers most, and for good reason. If an inspection shows a house needs much more work than you want to take on, we will tell you, even if it means walking away and starting the search again.
For every step in detail, see how we help you buy, step by step.
First Homes Across the Areas We Serve
We help first-time buyers all over Arlington, across Northern Virginia, in Washington, DC and in Maryland.
Many first-time buyers look at condos and townhouses, and that part of the market has more to choose from right now. In September 2026, NVAR reported condo and townhouse listings across its Northern Virginia region up 49.7% from a year earlier. More choice means more room to find the right fit instead of settling.
Ready to take the first step? Contact The Mike Webb Team or call or text 703-350-3884. You can also read more about buying a home with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there programs for first-time home buyers?
Yes. In Virginia, ask your lender about Arlington County's Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP) if you are buying in Arlington, and about Virginia Housing's first-time buyer loans and down payment help. Rules and availability change, so your lender can tell you what fits.
Who counts as a first-time buyer?
For many programs, it is someone who has not owned a home in the previous three years. Each program sets its own rules, so check with your lender.
Can you tell me what interest rate I will get?
No. We can explain the big picture, like what a conventional loan is, but rates and what you qualify for are for a lender. We can refer you to lenders we trust.
What if I don't know where to start?
Start with a conversation with us. We will walk you through every step, answer your questions and help you plan, with no pressure.
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Ready to make your move with The Mike Webb Team?