Buy Your First Home in Northern VA With Confidence

Your path to homeownership starts here—with expert guidance, a clear game plan, and support that never leaves you second-guessing.

Buying Your First Home Should Feel Exciting—Not Overwhelming

Buying your first home is a big milestone—and it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed by it. You’re making one of the largest financial decisions of your life, often while juggling a fast-moving market, unfamiliar terminology, and a long list of unknowns. From calculating what you can realistically afford to understanding different loan types, the process can feel like a lot to navigate all at once. You may worry about losing out on a great home, overpaying, or missing something critical during inspections or contracts.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. As a first-time homebuyer in Northern Virginia, you deserve a local expert who breaks things down clearly, keeps your best interests front and center, and walks beside you every step of the way. I’m here to simplify the process, answer your questions before you even have to ask, and make sure you feel confident—not just about buying a house, but about the future you’re stepping into.

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Hi! I'm Will Montminy!

I’m a top-producing BHHS agent and proud Virginia native who’s helped more than 500 buyers and sellers successfully navigate the Northern Virginia market.

But when it comes to first-time homebuyers, I take even more care.

I know what it’s like to step into this process without experience. I’ve worked with teachers, nurses, newlyweds, engineers, government employees, and military families—all making their very first purchase. And I’ve built my business by being the kind of agent who shows up, listens closely, and gives real answers that help you feel confident, not just informed. Whether you’re buying with an FHA loan, using a VA benefit, or putting 20% down, I’ll help you build a strategy that fits your life, your goals, and your long-term financial picture.

More About Me & My Team

A First-Time Homebuyer’s Agent You Can Trust

This is a major life milestone, and you deserve more than vague advice or confusing steps. You need a trusted partner who understands the Northern Virginia market and is committed to making sure your first home purchase is smart, smooth, and aligned with your goals. That’s where I come in. I work exclusively with buyers like you who want clarity, support, and an agent who genuinely cares—not one who pushes for a quick sale.

As your buyer’s agent, I’ll walk you through every step of the process—from setting a realistic budget to closing day—with zero pressure, complete transparency, and personalized guidance. I’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers go from “just looking” to “we got the house,” and I’d love to do the same for you.

Education at Every Step

I don’t assume you already know the process—I explain it clearly and walk you through it with patience and encouragement.
Smart Search Strategy

I’ll help you focus your search based on your budget, goals, lifestyle, and market trends—so you’re not overwhelmed by options.
Red Flag Spotting

I’ll help you recognize potential issues with properties early, so you avoid costly surprises or buyer’s remorse.
Loan, Cost & Offer Clarity

We’ll talk about FHA, VA, and conventional loans, down payments, and how to craft an offer that works in your favor.
Responsive, Real-Time Communication

I’m easy to reach and fast to respond—by text, call, or email—so you always know what’s happening and what’s next.
No Pressure, Just Partnership

This is your home, your future, and your timeline. I’m here to guide and advocate for you—never to rush or pressure you.

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What Our Clients Are Saying:

Local Expertise. Personalized Service. Results You Can Trust.

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers across Northern Virginia go from feeling overwhelmed to confidently holding their keys. I understand that when it’s your first time, every step feels bigger—and I take that seriously. My approach is centered on thoughtful strategy, clear communication, and personalized support to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready at every milestone. From the first call to closing day (and beyond), I stay closely involved, keeping you updated, answering your questions, and handling the details behind the scenes so nothing gets missed. I’m not here just to help you buy a house—I’m here to make sure you feel great about the home and future you’re stepping into.

Book a Free Consult

We’ll talk through your goals and next steps.

Get a Strategic Plan

Tailored guidance based on your needs and timeline.

Move With Confidence

I’ll handle the details so you can focus on what’s next.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: First Time Homebuying in Northern VA

How much money do I need to buy a home?

The total cost to buy a home varies based on your loan type, purchase price, and location, but you don’t always need a massive down payment. Some first-time buyers qualify for loans with as little as 0% down (like VA loans) or 3.5% down (like FHA loans). In addition to your down payment, you’ll need to account for closing costs, which generally range between 2–5% of the home’s purchase price. I’ll help you calculate what’s realistic for your situation, walk through available loan programs, and even connect you with trusted local lenders who specialize in working with first-time buyers.

Is it better to rent or buy right now?

That depends on your financial situation, lifestyle goals, and how long you plan to stay in one place. Renting offers flexibility, but homeownership builds equity and can provide more long-term stability. If you’re planning to stay in the area for a few years or more, buying may make more financial sense—especially with today’s rental prices. I’ll help you compare the long-term costs and benefits of both options based on your current circumstances so you can make a smart decision for your future.

What’s included in a mortgage payment?

Most monthly mortgage payments include more than just repaying the loan. They typically cover five key areas: principal (the amount borrowed), interest (what the lender charges), property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and—if your down payment is less than 20%—PMI (private mortgage insurance). These can vary by area and lender, so I’ll walk you through real-world examples and help you estimate what your monthly payment will look like before you make an offer on any home.

How do I know if I’m getting a good deal on a house?

One of the biggest concerns first-time buyers have is overpaying—and that’s where having a knowledgeable agent really matters. I run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for every home you’re interested in, which compares it to similar properties that have recently sold in the area. We’ll look at trends, condition, days on market, and offer history to determine a fair market value. That way, you can make confident, informed offers backed by real data—not guesswork or emotion.

What if I fall in love with a house but someone else gets it?

In a competitive market like Northern Virginia, it’s possible that a property you love will get snatched up quickly. It can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you’ve missed your only shot. I help my clients stay ready to move quickly and act strategically, so we’re always in a strong position. I also keep an eye on upcoming listings and off-market opportunities that others may not know about. My goal is to find the right home—not just the right-now home—and to keep you moving forward until we do.

Can I use gift money for a down payment?

Yes, in many cases you can! Most loan programs allow gift funds from close family members (and sometimes from employers or grants) to be used toward your down payment or closing costs. However, lenders do require documentation to verify where the funds came from. I’ll walk you through what’s needed, coordinate with your lender, and make sure everything is documented properly so there are no hiccups along the way.

How long does the buying process usually take?

On average, the home buying process—from getting pre-approved to closing—takes about 30 to 60 days. This timeline can be shorter or longer depending on your lender, the seller’s timeline, and how quickly we find the right home. I’ll help you prepare in advance so we can move efficiently, avoid unnecessary delays, and stay on track from start to finish. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s next, and what to expect.

Do I need a real estate agent to buy my first home?

While it’s not legally required, working with a buyer’s agent—especially as a first-time homebuyer—is highly recommended. As your agent, I work solely on your behalf to protect your interests, guide you through the process, and advocate for your goals. From spotting red flags to negotiating better terms, I bring expertise that you simply won’t get by going it alone or working with the seller’s agent. Plus, in most cases, the seller pays my commission—so you get all the benefits of representation without added cost.

What’s earnest money?

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit you submit when your offer is accepted, typically ranging from 1% to 2% of the purchase price. It shows the seller you’re serious about buying the home. That money is held in escrow and applied toward your closing costs or down payment once the deal goes through. If the contract falls through due to contingencies (like financing or inspections), you usually get it back. I’ll explain when and how earnest money is used so you feel confident in every part of your offer.

How do I get started?

The first step is easy—just reach out! You can call, text, or fill out the contact form to set up a no-pressure conversation about your homebuying goals. I’ll answer any questions you have, walk you through what to expect, and help you start preparing (whether you’re ready to buy in a few weeks or a few months). There’s no pressure and no obligation—just friendly, honest advice to help you take the first step toward homeownership.

Buying? Selling? You Deserve a Realtor Who’s Always in Your Corner.

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling the one you’ve loved for years, I’ll help you make smart moves with less stress and better results.

Contact Will

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