Bowen Group Realty, LLC

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

Should this public teacher rent or buy, even though she qualifies for a HERO Grant?

Rent: $1,800
Buy: $2,258

She pays $458 more per month. But the HERO Grant covers her entire 3% down payment—$9,300 she never has to repay .

The real question: can she handle the $458 monthly gap? If yes, she stops paying a landlord and starts building equity in the community where she teaches.

Buying wins—if the math works for her budget.

10/10/2026

Get $25,000 forgiven on your first home 👇

What's included: Up to $25,000 as a forgivable 2nd mortgage with 0% interest and no monthly payments.

Who qualifies: First-time buyer, income under 80% AMI, homebuyer class, 1% down, and an approved FHA, VA, USDA, or Virginia Housing loan. Family of 4 limit: ~$85,200.

Pro tip: The 2nd lien is forgiven after 10 years, so staying longer means more disappears.

Hampton Roads first-time buyers, let's talk!

10/08/2026

First-time homebuyer grant you need to know 👇

What's included: A true grant worth 2% to 2.5% of your purchase price. No repayment.

Requirements: Must not have owned a home in the last 3 years, use a Virginia Housing bond loan, complete a homebuyer education course, and meet income limits.

Pro tip for long-term savings: It reduces your total loan amount, so your monthly payment stays lower and you build equity faster.

If you're a first-time homebuyer in Hampton Roads, let's talk.

📞 1.800.906.0464

10/08/2026

I get asked this a lot: Why real estate? 🤔

I was working a full-time corporate job, but I always had a love for real estate from how I grew up. I wanted to try something different, and the more I learned, the more I fell in love with it. But the main reason I do this? I love educating first-time homebuyers, helping people buy investment properties, and showing them different techniques to preserve their money. It's truly rewarding to help people in a field where not a lot of people have the knowledge. It's a great feeling!

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

“I’m going to wait until rates drop to 3% again.”

Here is why that strategy might backfire. 👇

As you can see from this chart, we haven’t seen 3% rates since 2021. Over the last 40 years, the average rate is much closer to 6% or 7%. Waiting for 3% means waiting for a historic event that may not happen for a very long time.

Meanwhile, life goes on. If you buy now, you lock in today's price. When rates eventually drop, you simply refinance. If you wait for rates to drop, you'll likely be competing with a flood of other buyers, driving prices up.

Let's get you into a home today.
📲 Link in bio to see our current listings!
📞 1.800.906.0464

10/02/2026

Rent prices are high, but did you know your rent budget could already qualify you for a mortgage? 🤔

If you can comfortably afford $1,800 - $2,200 in rent, it may be worth finding out what that monthly budget looks like as a home loan. We just dropped 3 active listings in Hampton Roads that are perfect for first-time buyers:

🏠 Hampton: $219,000 (Peaceful neighborhood + oversized garage)
🏠 Norfolk: $314,900 (Modern kitchen + spacious living)
🏠 Chesapeake: $344,900 (Privacy fence + detached garage)

All three are move-in ready and available today. Your buying power depends on more than just your monthly payment, but knowing your numbers is the first step.

Which one fits your budget? Drop a 🏡 in the comments and let's find out!

📲 Link in bio to book a tour.
📞 1.800.906.0464

10/01/2026

New on the market: 3 move-in-ready properties in Hampton Roads, VA, all priced under $350,000.

These listings feature modern updates, spacious living areas, and desirable amenities like privacy fences and oversized detached garages.

For detailed information or to schedule a private tour, please contact The Bowen Group at 1.800.906.0464 or visit bowengrouprealty.com.

09/30/2026

First-time home buyer? Know the 28% rule that keeps you from going broke.

Here's how it works: You make $6,000 a month. 28% of that is $1,680. That's your ceiling for housing, mortgage, taxes, insurance, everything.

At today's rates? That's roughly a $240,000 home.

The bank will approve you for more than you should spend.

Call us at 1.800.906.0464; we buy and sell homes in Hampton Roads, VA.