Month: May 2026

First Home Mortgage is proud to celebrate a major milestone as Cathy Ocharzak, Branch Manager of the Hagerstown branch, marks 25 years with the company on April 9th.

With more than 30 years of mortgage originating experience, Cathy has built an outstanding reputation throughout the tri-state area and within the mortgage industry. Over the course of her career, she has been recognized as a top originator of Maryland CDA loans for first-time homebuyers, earned multiple Leaders Club honors at First Home Mortgage, and received Affiliate of the Year awards through the Pen Mar Regional Association of Realtors. Her commitment to both clients and the industry has also included serving on the Pen Mar Board of Directors and Education Committee.

Throughout changing markets and evolving industry conditions, Cathy has remained a trusted leader and a valued member of the First Home team. Her dedication to helping homebuyers and building lasting relationships has played a significant role in the continued success of the Hagerstown branch.

As part of an exciting new chapter, Cathy has begun transitioning leadership responsibilities to her daughter, Christina Ocharzak, who will soon assume the role of Branch Manager for the Hagerstown branch. Christina has already established herself as a knowledgeable and dedicated loan officer serving clients across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Known for her commitment to communication and customer service, Christina is passionate about guiding clients through the mortgage process and creating a smooth, informed experience from application to closing.

Together, Cathy and Christina represent both the strong foundation and bright future of the Hagerstown branch. Their shared commitment to client relationships, community involvement, and exceptional service will continue to support the branch’s growth and success for years to come.

Congratulations to Cathy Ocharzak on an incredible 25 years with First Home Mortgage and best wishes to both Cathy and Christina during this exciting transition for the Hagerstown team.

We are proud to congratulate Alex Jaffe on being recognized among the 2026 Top Producers by National Mortgage News. While this honor reflects strong performance in 2025 loan production, it is ultimately a reflection of a long track record of consistency, experience, and client-focused service.

Alex serves as Branch Manager of First Home Mortgage’s Chevy Chase office and is a Senior Loan Officer supporting clients across Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Over the course of his career, which began in 2007, he has closed more than 2,500 loans and has ranked among the top loan officers in the nation by production volume for nearly a decade.

His impact extends beyond production. Alex is deeply embedded in the DMV real estate community, where much of his business is driven by repeat clients and referrals from trusted partners. He has also played an active role in education, teaching advanced real estate finance courses for the Greater Capital Area Realtors Association and leading hundreds of first-time homebuyer classes.

Alex’s expertise spans a wide range of loan programs, including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and renovation financing, with a particular strength in more complex transactions such as condominiums and co-ops. His approach is rooted in communication and transparency, ensuring that clients fully understand each step of the process.

His commitment to the industry and community has also been recognized through notable achievements, including receiving the Key to the City from the DC Housing Finance Agency for closing the first DC Open Doors loan and earning a Legends Award for his continued impact within the program.

Recognition as a Top Producer is not simply about volume. It reflects a sustained ability to adapt, lead, and deliver in an evolving market. Alex’s inclusion on this year’s list is a natural extension of the reputation he has built over nearly two decades.

We are proud to celebrate this achievement and look forward to Alex’s continued success and leadership.