ROOM: GREAT FALLS 1

The Importance of Credit
Lee Lecea
10:00–10:15 | 11:20–11:35

Renting vs. Buying
Miguel Avila
10:20–10:35 | 11:40–11:55

The Benefits of Home Ownership
Miguel Avila
10:40–10:55 | 12:00–12:15

First Time Home Buyer
Mortgage Programs
Lee Lecea
11:00–11:15 | 12:20–12:35

There are many good reasons to own your home, but how do you know if you are ready to make your first purchase? Several factors must be considered. First and foremost are finances. How much money do you need to have in the bank? The answer may be different in the highly desirable Northern Virginia region than in other parts of the country. Understanding credit and credit scores also is important in determining whether you will qualify for a particular type of loan. Do you plan to stay in the area for a while? Depending on your job and your stage in life, you may not be planning to live here long-term, so buying a home may not be the best option. If you are ready to buy, you will need to know what types of first-time home buyer programs are available, and how to apply for them. These sessions will answer those questions, and more.

ROOM: GREAT FALLS 2

15 Buyer/Renter Resources
Michele Lerner
10:00–10:15

Adaptable Design for All Stages of Life
Gary Hughes
10:20–10:35

Renter’s Rights
Carmen Pineiro
10:40–10:55 | 12:00–12:15

Loan Products for First-Time
Home Buyers
Linda Wine
11:00–11:15

Down Payment Assistance Programs
Linda Wine
11:20–11:35

Understanding Property Taxes
& Assessments
Howard Goodie
11:40–11:55

Importance of Using a Realtor®
Peter Nguyen
12:20–12:35

Whether your next move feels like a search for shelter, purchasing an investment, or creating a place you can call home in Northern Virginia, these sessions will hit the highlights. Learn how to come out ahead when buying, selling or renting in this highly desirable region, and why using a Realtor® is so important for a positive outcome. A session on adaptable design will cover outside-the-box thinking when considering homes that require modifications to fit unique needs or certain life stages. Another session will feature down payment assistance programs. Having trouble understanding your property tax bill?  A representative from Fairfax County will explain the correlation between tax assessments and property taxes, as well as the difference between appraisal, assessment and online market valuations. If you are not yet a home owner, come to the session on renter’s rights and get your questions answered.

ROOM: MOUNT VERNON

Leasing Issues Affecting Members of
the Military
Raghav Kotval
10:00–10:15 | 11:20–11:35

Understanding the VA Loan Program
Rick Eul
10:20–10:35 | 11:40–11:55

Making the Most Out of a
Military Move
Karen Hall
10:40–10:55 | 12:00–12:15

Buying Tips when Using a VA Loan
Gary Hughes
11:00–11:15 | 12:20–12:35

Making a move as a veteran or member of the military brings its own unique challenges, but it also comes with added resources and strengths. Speakers for these sessions have spent years working with members of the military and veterans covering all facets of renting and owning homes in Northern Virginia. They will discuss, among other things, what happens if you get orders to move before the lease term expires; understanding the benefits and challenges of the VA loan program and how to write the winning offer when using a VA loan; why you might select a MRP certified Realtor®; and how best to search for a home when coming from or moving to another state or country.