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DC Open Doors Program offers first-time and repeat home buyers a Down Payment Assistance Loan that does not need to be paid back.

DC’s Housing Finance Agency, or the DCHFA, reconfigured its DC Bonds program called “DC Open Doors,” for new first time home buyer assistance, four years ago this summer. The program, which has given over $200 million in down payments for homes in the city, is now even more accessible. Those working in DC who want to live downtown but have trouble making the down payment can utilize this program.

The program and its funding are available to first time home buyers and repeat home buyers. The DC Open Doors Program is constructed around what’s called a “Down Payment Assistance Loan,” one that doesn’t have to be paid back.…

Home loan programs that are offered for teachers in Washington, DC.

If you're a teacher in the D.C. area, did you know there are home loan programs available for you? There are many incentives too! Programs involve up to $800 in reduced closing costs for teachers and discounted real estate agent fees—combined with the discounted closing costs you can get up to $1,600 in credits while closing.

There’s priority loan processing and donations to your school. Up to $400 in donations can be given to your preferred school program. Teachers can even choose what particular program they want to give to—music, arts, science lab, you name it!

There’s also homes for heroes programs, or discounts of up to 25 percent of your realtor fee when you’re buying and…

The pros and cons of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan.

At times homebuying can get overwhelming, especially when it comes to loans. We’re here to make things easier for you by sharing the pros and cons of FHA loans.

FHA loans are government insured loans from the Federal Housing Administration. This means FHA guarantees your loan but doesn’t actually lend out the money. When you take out loans, they need to be with FHA approved lenders. Some benefits of FHA loans include less down payment required, more forgiving debt to income ratio and less restrictions on bankruptcy and foreclosure.

One of the main advantages of an FHA loan is that a very large down payment is unnecessary. Loans can be as low as 3.5 percent, which is great for…

Real estate, restaurants, shops and things to do at DC's Southwest Waterfront.

The Southwest Waterfront is a thriving community in DC with plenty of new construction and exciting things to come. If you’re looking for an affordable new place to live with activities that will keep you busy every day, look no further than Southwest Waterfront.

There’s a stunning unit at 1311 Delaware Ave. SW located on the eighth floor of the building. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and hardwood floors throughout. The building is tucked between the $2.5 billion new wharf waterfront redevelopment, Nationals Park and is only two blocks from the Southwest Waterfront Metro Station.

For a mid-priced home, 530 N St. SW has views that are just incredible. Enjoy a…

Summer camps, zoo events, outdoor dining and various other summer events in the Cleveland Park area.

There’s always something to do in the tight-knit community of Cleveland Park. For kids wanting to have a super fun summer, there’s the Camp at the Cleveland Park Club. The camp runs through August 11th and offers old-fashioned, self-directed play with organized activities in an informal setting.

Cleveland Park is also home to a brand-new farmer’s market happening this summer. The Cleveland Park Citizens’ Association worked tirelessly to get this to fruition and now residents can enjoy neighborhood goodies every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The market is on the west side of Connecticut Ave. between Newark St. and the Upton Theater.

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The District of Columbia Association of REALTORS®(DCAR) announced the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Benefit has been passed and funded by the DC Council. The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Benefit allows first time home buyers in DC to pay a .725% recordation tax on homes no more than $625,000 that earn less that 180% AMI beginning this October.

So what exactly does that mean?

First let’s talk about the recordation tax. Recordation tax is part of various closing costs and based on the purchase price. If the sale price is $399,999 or less than the DC transfer and recordation tax rate is 1.1%. Sales of $400,000 and above are taxed at the rate of 1.45%. For example, if you bought a $250,000 home in DC, the buyer and seller would each pay $2,750 in DC transfer…

Festivals, farmers markets and other various summer events in the Capitol Hill area.

The vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood is full of things to do this summer. Spend a weekend at Eastern Market, just steps from both the Eastern Market and Capitol South metros. Grab fresh food, handmade arts and crafts and check out any of the many events going on each and every weekend. (Eastern Market Potluck, Fresh Tuesday's Farmers Market, EMMS Fourth of July Movie Day to name a few.)

Buy a property in the neighborhood and be steps from great breakfast spots like Ted’s Bulletin (hello homemade Pop Tarts!) and District Doughnut (their doughnuts are not to be missed!). Grab an iced coffee and be ready to stroll through the gorgeous historic neighborhood.

A…

A brand-new listing at 401 13th St. NE #311 with sweeping city views and an overview of Capitol Hill.

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, June 17 from 1pm - 4pm

You’ll want to see our brand-new listing at 401 13th St. NE #311 before it’s scooped up and gone. The stunning two bedroom, expansive corner unit is just begging to be lived in. There’s sweeping city views from your cozy new home, with an open layout, private balcony and granite countertops. Washer/dryer is in unit and best of all, Fido can come along too—the building is pet friendly!

If you love the outdoors you’ll want to snag this unit because there’s a rooftop deck that’s part of the building and an absolutely magical courtyard.

Don’t let the gorgeous D.C. summer go to waste in this fun…

Summer happenings (festivals, concerts, events, etc.) in Petworth.

Petworth is a vibrant, diverse community and something always seems to be happening in the neighborhood—festivals, concerts and more. Don’t miss the Petworth Park Summer Jam happening at the Petworth Recreation Center. The music festival, brought to you by Chris Burns, ROAM and supported by the Petworth Jazz Project will last until August.

Browse for local items at the Petworth Community Market with local artists, musicians and other vendors. The market runs Saturdays through November from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at the corner of 9th and Upshur Sts. NW, the market is quite popular in the summer months.

Head to the recurring Yoga at the Library at the Petworth Library all summer…

Summer happenings (festivals, concerts, events, etc.) in Georgetown.

Looking to buy in Georgetown? You’ll want to hear about all these exciting summer happenings in the area. If you’re a movie buff, the Georgetown Business Improvement District will be holding their annual Sunset Cinema Summer Outdoor Movie Series. The schedule’s theme is all about celebrating women and women in the movies. Check out the lineup.

If you want to get a workout in, the Georgetown BID also hosts a Sunset Fitness in the Park series that begins June 7th and ends August 30th. Come for Core Power Yoga, Fuel Body Lab or barre3 classes. View class info.

Beginning June 5th, there is a weekly Sunday Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the corner of Wisconsin and P St. NW.…