The Jamil Brothers Blog

How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need? (Hint: It's Not 20%)

How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need? (Hint: It's Not 20%) By Saad Jamil & Arslan Jamil · The Jamil Brothers Realty Group · Updated April 2026 The "20% down payment" rule is the single most expensive piece of bad advice in American real estate. It delays first-time buyers by years, costs them te

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide + What Lenders Look For

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide + What Lenders Look For Quick Answer: Mortgage pre-approval is a conditional commitment from a lender — based on verified income, assets, credit, and employment — stating how much they're willing to lend you. In 2026, the process typ

What Credit Score Do You Actually Need to Buy a House in 2026?

What Credit Score Do You Actually Need to Buy a House in 2026? Most buyers assume they need a 700+ credit score to qualify for a mortgage. That's a myth — and it's a myth that keeps thousands of qualified buyers out of the housing market every year. In reality, FHA loans allow credit scores as low a

Buying a House in Virginia: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

  Quick Answer: Buying a house in Virginia in 2026 involves nine key steps: assessing your finances, getting pre-approved, choosing the right loan type, hiring a buyer's agent, searching for homes, making an offer, completing inspections and appraisal, reviewing closing costs, and closing. Virginia