Buying your first home in Fairfax County can feel out of reach, especially with today’s prices and competition. You are not alone if the down payment and closing costs seem like the biggest hurdle. The good news is there are programs designed to help first-time buyers here, and many can be combined if you plan ahead. In this guide, you will learn what help is available, how to qualify, and the steps to take to use these programs with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What “first-time buyer” means here
Most programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. Some programs make exceptions for certain buyers, such as veterans or people buying in targeted areas. Always check each program’s specific definition before you apply.
Fairfax County programs at a glance
Fairfax County supports homeownership through the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority. These agencies provide information on homeownership opportunities, down payment and closing cost help, and homebuyer education.
- Start at the county’s housing hub to review current homeownership options and updates from the department. You can confirm which programs are open and how to apply by visiting the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development website.
- The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority shares program policies and notices that can affect timing, eligibility, and any resale rules that come with assistance.
Key things to verify before you apply:
- What form the assistance takes, such as a forgivable grant, a deferred loan, or a repayable second mortgage.
- Whether you can combine county assistance with a state loan or other programs.
- Any preferences or priorities, which sometimes favor county residents or local employees.
Use these official pages to confirm current rules and availability:
Virginia Housing: statewide help you can pair
Virginia’s state housing finance agency, Virginia Housing, offers fixed-rate mortgages for first-time buyers and down payment and closing cost assistance that can be paired with those loans. Many programs require you to use a participating lender and complete homebuyer education.
What to expect with Virginia Housing:
- Income and purchase price limits that vary by county or metro area.
- Down payment assistance that may be a grant-style benefit or a second mortgage, depending on the product.
- A required homebuyer education course and a list of approved lenders.
Always confirm current limits and loan combinations before you apply. Explore program details and education requirements on the Virginia Housing homebuyers page.
Federal mortgages that work in Fairfax County
Federal and conventional products can be strong options in a high-cost area. Each has trade-offs, so compare them with a lender who understands local programs.
- FHA loans. FHA allows as little as 3.5 percent down and has flexible credit standards. FHA requires mortgage insurance. Learn more about FHA programs on HUD’s FHA programs overview.
- VA loans. If you are an eligible veteran or active-duty service member, you may qualify for zero down, competitive rates, and no monthly mortgage insurance. Review benefits and eligibility on the VA Home Loans page.
- USDA loans. USDA loans offer zero down in eligible rural areas. Most of Fairfax County is not eligible due to urbanization, but you can check fringe or specific tracts with a lender. Read about the program at USDA’s Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.
- Conventional affordable options. Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible allow down payments as low as 3 percent and can reduce mortgage insurance costs if you meet income and other requirements. Learn more at Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible.
Tip: Ask whether you can layer state or county assistance with your loan choice, and whether seller concessions are allowed to cover closing costs. Your lender’s experience matters in Fairfax County’s fast-moving market.
Who qualifies: income, price, credit, and property rules
Eligibility varies by program, but most include:
- Income limits. Many programs use area median income tiers. Limits in Fairfax County are higher than national averages due to the high-cost market. Confirm your household size and income against the current limits for the program you choose.
- Purchase price caps. Many programs limit the price of the home you can buy. These caps change, so verify for Fairfax County before starting your search.
- Credit and debt-to-income. Conventional low-down-payment loans usually expect mid-600s credit scores or higher. FHA is more flexible but requires mortgage insurance. Debt-to-income limits vary by program and by lender.
- Property eligibility. Most programs require you to live in the home as a primary residence. Some limit property types, and condo approvals can affect financing. Ask your lender to confirm whether a condo project is approved for your loan type.
- Homebuyer education. Many county and state programs require an approved course. Certificates are valid for a limited time, so time your class with your preapproval.
Step-by-step: how to apply and use assistance
Follow this sequence to make the process smoother and to keep offers competitive.
- Assess your readiness
- Review your savings, credit, and target neighborhoods in Fairfax County.
- Get a rough sense of affordability based on area prices.
- Get pre-purchase counseling
- Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor to review your budget and credit and to map the programs you may use. Find help through the HUD housing counseling locator.
- Get preapproved with participating lenders
- Choose lenders familiar with Virginia Housing and Fairfax County assistance. Many programs require an approved lender.
- Compare loan and assistance packages
- Review conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA options and confirm whether you can layer county and state assistance.
- Complete homebuyer education
- Take the required course if your program needs it. Keep your completion certificate ready for your lender.
- Apply and submit documents
- Provide income, assets, identity, and employment records, plus any program forms.
- Underwriting, appraisal, and closing
- Your lender will underwrite the loan and order an appraisal. Some assistance programs require extra reviews that can affect timing.
- Know your post-closing obligations
- Some assistance is forgivable after a set period, while other aid must be repaid when you sell or refinance. Read every term before you sign.
Typical timing
- Counseling and preapproval: about 2 to 4 weeks.
- House hunting to accepted offer: varies by inventory and competition.
- Contract to close: often 30 to 45 days, depending on loan type and program reviews.
What to bring: documents checklist
Gather these items to speed up your application:
- Government ID and Social Security number.
- Pay stubs for 30 days and W-2s for the past 2 years; tax returns if self-employed.
- Bank and asset statements for the past 60 to 90 days.
- Proof of funds for earnest money and closing costs, unless assistance covers them.
- Gift letter and proof of transfer if using gifted funds.
- Homebuyer education certificate, if required.
- Purchase contract once you are under agreement.
- Any program-specific forms your lender or the county requires.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Stacking rules. Not all programs can be combined. Confirm compatibility with your lender before you write offers.
- Resale or recapture rules. Some assistance places a lien or has a payback requirement. Ask whether the aid is forgivable, deferred, or repayable and for how long.
- Appraisal gaps. In a competitive market, appraisals sometimes come in below the contract price. Discuss your options ahead of time.
- Condo approvals. Some condos are not approved for certain loans. Have your agent and lender verify the project early.
- Closing cost gaps. Some assistance helps with the down payment but not all closing costs. Explore seller credits and lender credits to fill the gap.
- Capacity and waitlists. Local funds can run out or prioritize certain applicants. Check availability early.
- Credit tune-ups take time. If counseling suggests paying down debt or correcting errors, build in a few months to see results.
- Watch for scams. Use HUD-approved counselors and recognized lenders. No legitimate program charges an upfront enrollment fee beyond standard course or lender costs.
Example: how a Fairfax buyer could combine help
This short, illustrative scenario shows how programs can work together. Numbers are not offers and change often.
- You complete a HUD-approved counseling session and learn you meet Virginia Housing income and purchase price limits for Fairfax County.
- You preapprove with a lender that offers a Virginia Housing mortgage paired with down payment assistance in the form of a second mortgage.
- You also explore Fairfax County assistance and learn you can layer county aid with your state loan, subject to program rules and timing.
- You choose a condo that meets primary residence and condo project approval requirements, complete homebuyer education, and close after program reviews.
The result is a lower cash-to-close and a monthly payment you can plan for. Always verify today’s program rules and work with a lender who handles these combinations regularly.
Verify details and get reliable guidance
Program names, income limits, purchase price caps, and assistance amounts change. Before you apply, confirm the most current information on the official pages:
If you want local, hands-on guidance as you plan your purchase, we are here to help you match programs with neighborhoods, property types, and timelines.
Ready to take your next step in Fairfax County? Reach out to Capitol Z Homes for a friendly strategy session and connections to lenders experienced with county and state programs.
FAQs
Am I a first-time buyer for Fairfax County programs?
- Many programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a home in the last three years, but always check the program’s specific definition and any exceptions.
How much down payment assistance can I get in Fairfax County?
Can I combine county aid with Virginia Housing or FHA loans?
- Sometimes, yes, but stacking rules vary by program and lender, so verify compatibility and timing before you write offers.
What credit score do I need for FHA, VA, or conventional affordable loans?
- FHA tends to be more flexible on credit, conventional affordable options often expect mid-600s or higher, and VA focuses on overall profile, so ask your lender about current score and debt-to-income expectations.
Are there special programs for teachers, first responders, or county employees?
- Some local programs may prioritize certain applicants when funds are limited, so check current notices on Fairfax County Housing for any preferences.
Do I have to live in the home for a set number of years?
- Most assistance requires the property to be your primary residence and may include occupancy periods or resale rules, which your lender will explain before closing.
What does “forgivable” mean compared to a deferred second mortgage?
- Forgivable aid is waived after you meet program terms for a set period, while a deferred second is typically repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home.
How long does approval take for assistance in Fairfax County?
- Plan for 30 to 45 days from contract to close, plus time for counseling and preapproval, and build in extra time if the program requires additional reviews.
Where can I find free or low-cost homebuyer education and counseling?
