BUYING IN RICHMOND
Buying in RVA, with an agent who gets it.
Buying in the Richmond area takes about 60 to 90 days from first conversation to keys, and most buyers need less down than they expect: near 3% on many conventional loans, 3.5% FHA, zero on VA and USDA. I'm Steve Davis, REALTOR® with River Fox Realty.
THE PROCESS
How it works.
We talk
Thirty minutes on goals, budget, timeline, and priorities — coffee or a call. No commitment, no pressure.
Get lender-ready
I'll connect you with lenders who actually pick up the phone, and we'll check if grant assistance or other programs may apply.
Tour with intent
See homes that fit — and I'll tell you what the listing photos aren't showing.
Compete with confidence
Offer strategy, negotiation, inspection — fiercely protective of your interests at every step.
Get the keys
I'm there for the inspection, walkthrough, and closing. And I still answer texts after you move in.
FREE FOR MY BUYERS
Want the playbook? It's yours.
I wrote the RVA Buyer's Handbook so my clients never wonder what happens next — every step, cost, and decision, in plain English.
INSIDE THE BUYER'S HANDBOOK
The full buying process, start to finish — in plain English
What things cost — and the Virginia help you may qualify for
How offers, inspections, and closing actually work
The RVA Relocation Supplement on request — including an LGBTQ+ edition
Free for my buyers — just ask, or grab a copy at our first meeting
Honest pricing — real comps and market data, not an online guess.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need for a down payment to buy a home in Richmond? Less than most people expect. Conventional loans start near 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA loans at 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can go to zero down for those who qualify. Virginia Housing, the state housing agency, also runs down payment assistance and grant programs for eligible first-time buyers. Your real number depends on your loan program, credit and price point, and a lender pre-approval is the only way to get it. Pre-approval is free.
Who pays the buyer's agent in Virginia? Since August 2024, buyers and their agents must sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes, and that agreement states the agent's compensation up front. Compensation is negotiable and is no longer advertised in the MLS. It can be paid by the seller, built into the deal or paid by the buyer, and it is a term of the negotiation like any other.
What are closing costs in Virginia, and who pays what? Buyers typically pay 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, covering lender fees, title insurance, recording fees, the appraisal, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Sellers typically pay the Virginia grantor tax, their prorated share of taxes, and any concessions agreed to in the contract. Your lender must send a Loan Estimate with real numbers within three business days of your application.
How long does it take to close on a house in Virginia? Thirty to 45 days from a ratified contract is typical for a financed purchase. Cash purchases can close in about two weeks. The pace is usually set by the lender's underwriting, the appraisal and the title search rather than by the parties.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Virginia? As a general guide, many lenders will consider FHA loans from around a 580 score with 3.5% down, conventional loans generally from 620, and the best pricing tends to start around 740. These are lender guidelines, not rules, and they vary. I am a REALTOR® and not a lender, so the useful next step is a free pre-approval conversation, which will also tell you what a lower score costs you in rate.
Let's find your home.
LET'S GET STARTED
I'll reply personally within one business day.