Cassandra Smith is your trusted real estate partner, licensed for both commercial and residential real estate, providing essential home ownership assistance.

Cassandra Smith

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Cassandra Smith

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Contact Me

  • Home
  • Residential
    • First-Time Home Buyers
    • Community Heroes
    • Home Search
Contact Me

Virginia Housing

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Virginia, Virginia Housing may help cover down payment costs, closing costs, and even reduce your interest rate. These programs are income-based but for many buyers they can mean significant savings at closing. 

Programs and Grants

SPARC

Norfolk

Norfolk

Eligible buyers may receive an interest rate reduction of up to 1% through Virginia Housing’s SPARC program when purchasing a home priced at $385,000 or less (limits vary by area). Income limits and approved lender requirements apply.

Norfolk

Norfolk

Norfolk

Offers first-time homebuyers up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Eligibility is based on household size and income limits tied to Area Median Income (AMI). Qualified buyers may also access matched savings opportunities and mortgage interest rate reductions by completing approved homebuyer education. 

Suffolk

Norfolk

Chesapeake

Providing down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers through the HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program. First-time Homebuyers can receive up to $14,500, if approved.   

Chesapeake

Newport News

Chesapeake

Receive up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the Chesapeake HOME program, with income limits and a buyer contribution required.

Portsmouth

Newport News

Newport News

Receive up to $20,000 in assistance through the Come HOME to Portsmouth program, with income limits and a primary residence requirement.

Newport News

Newport News

Newport News

Offers renovated and new-construction homes along with down payment assistance up to $10,000. Eligible buyers may also qualify for a second mortgage loan of up to $40,000 to help with down payment, mortgage reduction, or closing costs. 

Hampton

Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia

Access Virginia Housing grants and complete VHDA-certified education through the Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority.

Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia

First-time and income-qualified buyers in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance, including programs like FHAP, MIPAP, and workforce homeownership options. Eligibility is typically based on Area Median Income (AMI) and local requirements.

Central Virginia

Northern Virginia

Central Virginia

Income-qualified first-time buyers in Henrico County and James City County may access down payment assistance and homebuyer education through local housing agencies and community partners, subject to funding availability.

Home Buying Process

1. Consultation

3. Explore Grants and Programs

2. Finance and Pre-Approval

A no-pressure conversation to understand your goals, budget, and timeline so we can create a clear plan.

2. Finance and Pre-Approval

3. Explore Grants and Programs

2. Finance and Pre-Approval

I connect you with trusted lenders to determine what you can afford and strengthen your buying power. 

3. Explore Grants and Programs

3. Explore Grants and Programs

We review first-time buyer, community hero, and location assistance programs you may qualify for. 

4. Home Search

5. Offer and Negotiation

We focus on finding the right home that fits your needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

5. Offer and Negotiation

5. Offer and Negotiation

5. Offer and Negotiation

I guide you through writing a strong offer and negotiate to protect your best interests. 

6. Closing and Keys

5. Offer and Negotiation

5. Offer and Negotiation

I walk you through closing day so you feel confident when you receive the keys to your new home. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach me at info@closewithcassandra.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

I sell a variety of properties including residential homes, commercial properties, and vacant land.


I provide extensive information about the location of each property, including nearby schools, parks, and amenities, to help you make an informed decision.


The amount you need varies, but many buyers are surprised to learn they don't need 20% down. The best way to know your true number is to review your options with a lender.


Credit score requirements depend on the loan program, buy many buyers can qualify with a score in the mid-500s to 600s. 


Find Your Dream Home

Search listing coming soon

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