All reviews
 
 
  
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Yelp
 
 
  
Zillow
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excellent5.0157 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent157 reviews
 
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   Google    Yelp    Zillow  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Excellent5.077 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent77 reviews
 
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Excellent5.019 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent19 reviews
 
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Excellent5.061 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent61 reviews
 
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 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Chol Pak 
 
4 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We had an absolutely fantastic experience working with John and Vicki! They were beyond awesome throughout what is a fairly complex process, and they made everything feel easy from start to finish. Communication was outstanding—they were always quick to respond, kept us informed, and made sure we stayed on track every step of the way. Most important to me, they are genuinely great people who clearly care about their clients and take pride in what they do. We highly recommend them and have already referred friends to them!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Charlotte Pak 
 
4 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We highly recommend John and Vicki - we experienced the most seamless and efficient process, and they were the most responsive duo we’ve ever worked with. They are knowledgeable and so informative and really help you get through what could be a very painful process… but is not, thanks to them. And added bonus - their amazing sense of humor :)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Alaina Magnani 
 
2 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
This was not our first home buying experience, but our first time selling and buying. Enough time had passed since we bought our first house to completely forget the process. Add three young kids to the mix and you have a fairly stressful situation.

John was the perfect mix of calm and knowledgable. He walked us through the options for buying and selling with such patience. After our first phone call with John, my husband and I walked away at ease-no easy feat!

John was always available to chat and answer a question, even after our process had ended. We just called him last week and we have been in our new home for over two months.

I would absolutely recommend working with John. He is professional, knowledgeable, and above all, he is kind.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kati Karolyi Hegedus 
 
27 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We had such a great experience working with Josh and the Downs Mortgage Group team at Vellum Mortgage! As first-time homebuyers, we didn’t know much about the mortgage process, and Josh was incredibly helpful every step of the way. He took the time to explain everything clearly, made sure we understood the process, and was always available whenever we had questions.

Josh made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel easy and stress-free. We’re so grateful for all of his help in purchasing our home and would highly recommend Josh, Downs Mortgage Group, and Vellum Mortgage to anyone looking to buy a home!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Brianna Addison 
 
7 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Josh was incredible throughout my home buying process—professional, knowledgeable, and always supportive. He made every step seamless and stress-free. Vicki took over managing my loan and was equally wonderful, attentive, and genuinely caring. I can't thank them both enough for their dedication and personal touch.

I wholeheartedly recommend Vellum Mortgage to anyone looking to purchase a home. Their team goes above and beyond, ensuring you feel confident and well-cared for every step of the way. You can trust them to get the job done with excellence!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Ben Peisch 
 
10 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We had a great experience working with Josh and Vicki through the ups and downs of our home purchase journey. We particularly appreciated how well they understood and navigated the DC4ME program (and I’m sure they would do the same with similar programs in MD and VA). Josh was patient and generous with us long before he was officially our lender. Vicki deftly landed the plane once we were locked in. Appreciate y’all and love our new home!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Matt Jonah 
 
4 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Josh was the highlight of my home purchase journey back in April. Answered every question I had in a quick and kind manner and I can’t thank him enough for all the help he gave me. I really don’t give many reviews but I will without a doubt refer him to anybody looking to purchase a home, especially somebody who is interested in the FHLB program. Thanks again Josh.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Greg Klein 
 
22 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I rarely write reviews, but felt compelled to share my wonderful experiences with the team at Vellum Mortgage. Two years ago when we sold our house in Bethesda we had enough money to pay cash for a new home in Philadelphia, so when we started looking for a mortgage, I didn't think it would be hard to obtain one. However given the fact I am self-employed, it proved to be nearly impossible. We went through several different mortgage brokers until someone recommended Vellum to me. They went above and beyond getting us a mortgage at a great rate, and when that deal for the house fell through just days before closing, Vellum understood and did not charge us anything for all of the hard work they had already done. 18 months later when we made another offer on another house, I turned to Josh Brawer and Vicki Wilkerson at Vellum once again. And again, they proved to be amazing, locking us in with the best rate possible, and walking us through the process all over again. Their attention to detail is amazing, but more so is their empathy when it comes to this often very frustrating process.

I can't imagine using anyone else. They were there for us anytime we needed them, responding to calls, texts and emails immediately. To paraphrase Tina Turner, "They're simply the best. Better than all the rest."
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Matthew “Matt B” Barriero 
 
18 February 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
First time home buyer, and wow did they do a great job. Zero stress, 30 day closing and no delays, and laid out and made everything so simple and easy. Josh and Liz were top notch and got everything with my DPA in with zero hiccups. Could not be happier
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Scott Armato 
 
5 February 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Fantastic experience from start to finish. The team at Downs Mortgage Group was responsive, clear, and genuinely helpful throughout the whole process. They kept everything moving, explained each step in plain English, and made what could’ve been stressful feel totally manageable. Highly recommend.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 Brian L 
 
1 April 2022
 
 
 Verified 
Exceeded expectations!Exceeded expectations! Extremely knowledgeable team, prompt responsiveness, very personable, and empathetic to our specific situation/needs. I plan to use them again for any future refinances.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 danielletnthawaii 
 
9 July 2021
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing and smooth processAmazing and smooth process This was the best mortgage company I have ever had. From the beginning to the end, they were fantastic!! I cannot say more on how lucky I was to find them. I was about to give up half way as it seemed too complicated to me, John and his team did not let me give up - thank god because I would not have found my new home that has everything I need!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 ktravis23 
 
18 June 2021
 
 
 Verified 
All Around ExcellentAll Around Excellent The John Downs Group was by far the best lender we worked with when buying our first home.  They were responsive, took the time to answer all of our questions, and were able to provide us with the best rates.  We can't speak more highly of them.  Even our settlement company expressed that they wanted to work with them more in the future since they completed our mortgage package so seamlessly.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 daniels585 
 
8 June 2021
 
 
 Verified 
Best experience you can have!Best experience you can have! Vellum is a great organization and has an amazing team from beginning to end. When our realtor suddenly quit on us I knew instantly I could count on John and the team at Vellum to help get me through the process. They helped work every angle to be sure my family got the best mortgage at the beat rate possible. Thank you Vellum!! Our family is super excited to move into our new home because of you!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 avoinov1 
 
24 April 2021
 
 
 Verified 
Consistent excellenceConsistent excellence This was my second completed purchase with John and his team and the fourth or fifth time we've worked together if you include refis and offers on other property. These guys are just the best and I would eagerly recommend (and have already done so) the Downs group to anyone looking for a brokerage relationship in our area. Attention to detail, patience, a full toolbox of financing alternatives and very very competitive rates make this the best lender I've worked with.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 Joe Sell 
 
17 April 2021
 
 
 Verified 
John Downs makes you a smarter and more competitive home buyer!John Downs makes you a smarter and more competitive home buyer! The Downs Group’s responsiveness, patience, expertise, and knowledge of the DC market makes them an ideal lender to work with. The entire group is personable and willing to explain any little detail to make you comfortable with the home buying process. 

Their knowledge of the local market ensures that you’ll be able to make competitive offers in DCs fast paced environment. John worked with our real estate agent and was able to close in just over two weeks. Our agent described John as a wizard and it’s true because John will work any magic he can to make sure you get the home you deserve. 

So if you want the best lender experience with amicable and professional experts then go local and go with the Downs Group!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 zuser201703281327014 
 
23 February 2021
 
 
 Verified 
Found the best mortgage product for my needsFound the best mortgage product for my needs John took the time to understand my needs and find a mortgage that fit those needs. He even went beyond my expectations by timing the lock in just right to get an even lower rate than I was first quoted. He is highly recommended.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 zuser201704140830224 
 
4 November 2020
 
 
 Verified 
Easy Peasy!Easy Peasy! John and his team are professional and well versed in the economy.  This allows them to make a great recommendation for their clients.  Nothing was forced on us and our options were laid out and reviewed with John at our convenience.  When making a large financial decision (like purchasing or refinancing a house), there are a lot of emotions involved.  Can we afford this?  What is the best option for us?  Should we wait? All questions that John and his team discussed with us and we worked collectively on the best option for us.  We have used John a few times, referred to friends and family, and will continue in the future when needed.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 Donesha 
 
27 October 2020
 
 
 Verified 
Above and BeyondAbove and Beyond I had an amazing experience with The Downs Group @ Vellum Mortgage. I can't express how much of a difference the team made in my home ownership journey. From beginning to end, John, Josh, and Vicki went above and beyond and worked diligently to ensure I had a smooth closing. The team is organized, efficient and professional. I truly appreciate all of their hardwork and amazing service they provided.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Zillow  
 
  
 
 
 Graham 
 
13 September 2020
 
 
 Verified 
On our sideOn our side Josh was very responsive and answered questions very quickly. He was thorough with his responses and we felt like we knew as much as we could about what was going on. We felt like he was on our side.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Emily H. 
 
21 October 2019
 
 
 Verified 
I just closed on my condo with them last week and are very happy with their service. Attentive to detail and very willing to walk through every single detail and/or question you have. I was a first time homebuyer and felt confident with the process with John and his team, Victoria and Josh, guiding me thorugh the process. 

The only downside is that while shopping for mortgages, I had stated I wanted a mortgage with no escrow (I'd rather manage my money myself and keep the money from the interest myself). John said that was possible, but only for a fee (a percent of the loan). Unfortunately it seems that escrows are built into the underwriting itself, so not much we could really do to get around the fee. Just know that if you don't want to escrow. Otherwise I am very pleased with their services.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Ahmad B. 
 
2 July 2019
 
 
 Verified 
I have recently purchased my new apartment and MVB Mortgage was the one helped me to get the load. They worked with me almost 24/7 to secure my loan and meet the tight deadline I had (I had only 21 days to close the deal).

When my bank heard the rate MVB gave to me, it disappeared and couldn't match it, so I knew that they gave me the best deal 
.
I can get in the market. 
They were very responsive, fast to reply, and detailed in their work. They helped me, as a first-time buyer, get the loan with a very good rate and finished the process within the tight deadline I had. 
.
I really recommend them. I am pleased to work with them
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Ryan F. 
 
12 March 2019
 
 
 Verified 
John Downs is the best mortgage advisor out there! He was great on advising me what my best options were given each scenario.  I successfully closed on three properties in DC since 2014 which were complicated loans.  Both John and his team make the buying process a lot easier and I look forward to using him for future loans!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 David P. 
 
10 March 2019
 
 
 Verified 
I was recommended to John by my realtor for my first home purchase. From the beginning he showed exemplary professionalism in handling my loan, and all of my questions (I literally had no idea what I was doing, haha). John was straight forward and very helpful in explaining the process from start to finish, and was thorough and attentive to my financial needs. Once I put an offer down on a condo, I worked closely with his assistant, Vicki, who helped me step-by-step in getting all of the required documents in order. Superb team, and highly recommended!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Ken H. 
 
4 March 2019
 
 
 Verified 
John Downs not only tells you all the information your need but does it in a way that makes sense and doesn't waste all your time. He also manages to get you the best rate on the market.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Charlotte S. 
 
15 November 2018
 
 
 Verified 
I could not have asked for a better mortgage lender to work with! As a first time home buyer, the process was unfamiliar and daunting. However, John and his team put me at ease almost immediately and acted as a support system for me from start to finish. I found a condo unit that I loved and they acted quickly to get me approved for a mortgage within 24 hours. John even took the time to call me while he was out at the amusement park with his family. I cannot say enough good things about this group. They are knowledgeable, prompt, professional, and kind. For something that can be difficult, stressful, and confusing, John made the home buying process manageable, stress-free, and seamless. Whether it is your first or fifteenth time buying a home, I would absolutely recommend John Downs and his team.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Shane H. 
 
29 August 2018
 
 
 Verified 
John and his team were fantastic. My wife and I were first-time home buyers, and John really stood out among potential mortgage specialists. John really hit the knowledge trifecta that we weren't able to find with other lenders -- he knew the DC condo market and who was who among local developers, agents, title attorneys, etc., he knew the steps required to obtain VA-insured financing so that we could put together offers with realistic timelines, and he knew how the VA-specific terms translated into specifics on interest rates, fees, and the bottom-line numbers of cash at close and monthly payment. 

At every step of the way, John communicated clearly and responded quickly at explaining exactly what the tradeoffs were between different loan types and different loan options, including what types of uncertainty and risk different options presented. He happily answered our calls fairly late into the evenings, and his enthusiasm about the bond market and other economic factors, even at 10pm, gave us the confidence that he really has a passion for his work, and that he genuinely was looking out for our interests.

When we put together an offer contingent on VA financing, John went the extra mile to communicate with the seller's agent about why they shouldn't be wary of VA contingencies, and persuaded the seller that our offer was just as attractive as any offer contingent on conventional financing. John's team member, Vicki, worked quickly at getting the seller, appraiser, and the VA to check all the boxes necessary to get financing approved with plenty of time to close. Vicki worked around our schedules to get all the administrative issues sorted out and the paperwork lined up for a smooth and easy settlement.

John and his team are definitely on our strongly recommend list.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 David O. 
 
15 August 2018
 
 
 Verified 
As a first time home buyer, I had many questions about the mortgage process.  John answered all of my questions clearly, and he was quite generous with his time.  Vicki was also a pleasure to work with.  MVB offered the most competitive loan options, and I would gladly do business with John again.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Cem Y. 
 
4 July 2018
 
 
 Verified 
John and his team were very responsive, very good at communicating and great at their jobs. As a self-employed person and a non-US citizen, I was worried that my mortgage process was going to be a complicated after I talked to a few lenders. But with special thanks to Vicki, John and his team took care of everything smoothly and quickly and now I'm a first time home owner. 

I'd recommend them to everyone for their mortgage needs.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Yelp  
 
  
 
 
 Mike S. 
 
6 March 2018
 
 
 Verified 
I purchased a condo in DC 3 years ago and John did a great job handling my loan.  So when my mom recently needed a loan for her own DC condo, I called up John again.  He (and Vicki, his Senior Purchase Coordinator) were very helpful in walking my mom through the process.  
My mom also had a lot of questions (as did I since my mom is elderly and I needed to look out for her) and they were very responsive.  On one memorable occasion, when some info/guidance was really needed, John was booked up for the entire day and instead of pushing it off until the next day, he called back after his normal business hours, after he had gotten home, while walking his dog.  Thanks John (and Vicki)!