Author: Emily Gregory

First Home Mortgage Named One of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 50 Best Companies to Work For

Posted on by Emily Gregory

We are proud to share that First Home Mortgage has been named one of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 50 Best Companies to Work For in the mortgage industry. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the feedback and experiences of the people who make our company what it is every day.

Each year, Mortgage Executive Magazine surveys loan officers and mortgage professionals across the country to evaluate companies based on culture, leadership, support, technology, and overall employee experience. The results highlight organizations that are truly investing in their people and building environments where professionals can grow and succeed.

For us, this award is about our people.

From the beginning, First Home Mortgage has focused on relationships. We believe strong companies are built on strong communities, both inside and outside the organization. Our goal has always been to support great people, give them the tools and resources they need, and trust them to take care of the clients and partners we serve.

Across every branch and market, our teams stay active in their local communities. Whether that means volunteering, supporting local organizations, sponsoring events, or building meaningful partnerships, our employees bring our mission to life every day. We are not just present in our communities. We are part of them.

We also work hard to create a culture that feels supportive and connected. First Home has always had a family feel, where people celebrate wins together, lean on each other during challenges, and stay focused on delivering a great experience. When people feel valued and supported, it leads to stronger service, better partnerships, and long term success.

As our President Matt Nader shared, “I am proud of the culture we have built and the people who make First Home what it is. This recognition belongs to our team and reflects the way they care about each other, our clients, and our communities.”

We are grateful for this honor and for the employees, clients, and partners who continue to support First Home Mortgage. As we look ahead, our focus remains the same. We will continue investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Because at First Home Mortgage, success is measured in relationships.

What’s Driving the Market Right Now

Posted on by Emily Gregory

There is a lot happening in the global economy, and several key factors are influencing interest rates and the housing market. Here is a simple breakdown of what to know.

Global Conflict and Oil Prices

The conflict involving Iran is currently the biggest focus for investors. The main concern is not just oil production, but the potential disruption of trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries a large portion of the world’s oil supply.

If this conflict continues or escalates, oil prices could rise, which would increase costs across the economy and add pressure to inflation. So far, markets appear to have expected some level of tension, which is why the reaction has been more measured than many anticipated.

Inflation Remains the Biggest Focus

Despite global uncertainty, interest rates have moved higher rather than lower. In typical situations, investors move into safer assets like U.S. Treasuries, which helps bring mortgage rates down. However, inflation remains the primary concern right now.

Recent data showed inflation running slightly above expectations, and rising oil prices could make inflation more persistent. Because of this, markets are becoming less confident that the Federal Reserve will cut rates in the near term.

Tariffs and Policy Uncertainty

The Supreme Court recently ruled that the legal authority used to implement certain global tariffs was unconstitutional. While new tariffs have been introduced under a different authority, there is still uncertainty around future trade policy, existing agreements, and the fate of previously collected tariff revenue.

Markets generally do not like uncertainty, but this issue has been discussed for months, so the reaction has been relatively calm so far.

What the Federal Reserve Is Watching

The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring inflation and the labor market. Upcoming employment reports will be especially important in determining the direction of future rate policy. Most analysts do not expect a rate cut at the next Fed meeting.

Housing Policy and Supply

Several housing proposals have been discussed, including longer-term mortgages and limiting institutional investors in the single-family home market. While these ideas may help at the margins, most experts agree they will not be a major solution to the housing supply shortage. That issue is driven by long-term factors and will take time to improve.

The Bottom Line

Markets are currently balancing inflation concerns, global conflict, and policy uncertainty. While volatility may continue, the long-term outlook will depend on inflation trends, energy prices, and overall economic strength. Staying informed and focusing on long-term goals remains the best approach in today’s environment.

Fixed vs Adjustable Rate Mortgages: What’s Best in Today’s Market?

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Choosing between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is one of the most important decisions Maryland buyers will make in 2025. The right choice depends on your financial goals, how long you plan to stay in the home, and where the market is headed.

Let’s break it down.

What’s a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate for the entire loan term.
You benefit from:

  • Predictable monthly payments
  • Long-term stability
  • Protection from future rate increases

It’s ideal for buyers who plan to stay in their home long-term.

What’s an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?

An ARM typically starts with a lower interest rate that adjusts after a set period.
Benefits include:

  • Lower initial payment
  • Potential short-term savings
  • Flexibility if you don’t plan to stay long
  • However, the rate can change after the initial term — meaning future payments may increase.

The Maryland Market in 2025

Many Maryland buyers are weighing:

  • Rising home prices
  • Potential rate shifts later in the year
  • Job growth in major metro areas
  • Increased demand in counties like Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Howard
  • Whether a fixed or ARM makes more sense often depends on how long you plan to own the home.

Expert Advice

Fixed-rate mortgages tend to make sense for long-term Maryland buyers, while ARMs can be strategic for short-term plans or buyers expecting income growth.

A Maryland mortgage expert can walk you through both options so you can feel confident in your long-term financial decision.

👉 Schedule a free mortgage strategy session to compare your fixed and ARM options with a Maryland expert.

7 Mistakes Maryland Homebuyers Make When Choosing a Lender

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Even savvy homebuyers can fall into traps that cost time, money, and sometimes their dream home. Maryland’s housing market moves quickly, and choosing the wrong lender can create avoidable setbacks.

Here are the top mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.

1. Chasing the Lowest Advertised Rate

Online rates rarely reflect your actual scenario. Maryland property taxes, loan type, credit factors, and county requirements all impact the real number. The lowest rate on paper isn’t always the lowest cost loan.

2. Ignoring Local Programs

Maryland offers unique assistance programs — especially through the Maryland Mortgage Program — that national lenders don’t always provide or understand. Missing these could cost thousands in incentives.

3. Not Getting Prequalified Early Enough

Waiting until you find a home can lead to:

  • Delayed offers
  • Missed opportunities
  • Unexpected payment surprises

A strong prequalification strengthens your offer from the start.

4. Working With a Poor Communicator

Even the best loan terms can’t save a transaction if communication breaks down. Buyers, realtors, title companies, and underwriters all rely on timely updates — silence can delay closings by weeks.

5. Skipping Reputation Research

Online reviews can reveal:

  • Closing speed
  • Accuracy
  • Transparency
  • Customer service

Your lender should have a proven track record in Maryland.

6. Focusing Only on the Rate

Rates matter — but so do:

  • Fees
  • Loan structure
  • Down payment requirements
  • Long-term costs

The best lender helps you compare the full picture.

7. Not Asking Questions

A good lender welcomes questions. If the answers feel vague or rushed, that’s a sign to keep looking.

Reach out to one of our qualified loan officers to learn more today!

What a Mortgage Loan Officer Actually Does and How to Pick the Right One

Posted on by Emily Gregory

A mortgage loan officer plays a much bigger role than processing paperwork. Behind the scenes, they act as an advocate, strategist, market analyst, and guide through one of the largest financial decisions most people ever make.

Here’s what Maryland homebuyers should know.

The Real Role of a Loan Officer

A strong mortgage loan officer:

  • Reviews your financial picture
  • Identifies loan options aligned with your goals
  • Helps you understand down payment requirements
  • Prequalifies you so you can shop confidently
  • Educates you on changing market conditions

They don’t just quote numbers — they help shape your entire homebuying strategy.

Behind the Scenes: What You Don’t See

A good loan officer is busy long before you reach the closing table. They:

  • Troubleshoot potential issues before they happen
  • Work with underwriters and processors
  • Update your realtor
  • Monitor program changes
  • Ensure timelines stay on track

Most of this work happens without you ever knowing — and that’s exactly how it should be.

What to Look for in a Maryland Loan Officer

Not all lenders operate the same. When choosing a Maryland loan officer, look for:

  • Local expertise — not a call center
  • Knowledge of Maryland Mortgage Program options
  • Clear communication
  • Proven experience in your county
  • Strong realtor partnerships
  • A reputation for meeting deadlines
  • The right fit can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful one.

Local Beats National Every Time

Out-of-state or online lenders often miss critical Maryland-specific details:

  • Local tax structures
  • County-level incentives
  • Grant availability
  • HOA/condo nuances
  • Regional underwriting expectations

A Maryland-based lender understands the local landscape — and it shows in the results.

👉 Connect with a Maryland loan officer you can trust — experience the difference.

Buying a Home in Maryland 2026 | Complete Mortgage Guide

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Buying a home in Maryland in 2026 means navigating a fast-moving market, evolving mortgage programs, and county-specific rules that can catch buyers off guard. The good news? With a clear process and the right lending partner, purchasing a Maryland home can be far more predictable than it feels.

Below is a simple, practical, Maryland-specific guide designed to help you prepare, save money, and move through the process with confidence.

Step 1: Know the Market You’re Entering

Maryland isn’t one market — it’s multiple micro-markets. Baltimore City behaves nothing like Montgomery County. The Eastern Shore plays by its own rules. Howard County often has fierce competition, while some rural counties move at a steadier pace.

Key things to watch in 2026:

  • Inventory varies dramatically by county.
  • New construction is booming in certain areas.
  • Rates continue to shift, making preparation essential.

A strong understanding of your county’s trends will help you set realistic expectations on price, speed, and competition.

Step 2: Get Prequalified Early

Before touring homes or scrolling MLS listings, securing a true prequalification shows you:

  • What price range is financially comfortable
  • What monthly payment to expect
  • What loan programs you may qualify for
  • How competitive your offer can be in your county

Early prequalification prevents surprises and helps buyers move quickly when the right home appears.

Step 3: Explore State Mortgage Programs

Maryland offers some of the most robust homebuyer programs in the country.

Many buyers benefit from:

  • Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
  • Down payment assistance options
  • Partner match programs
  • Special incentives for educators, first responders, and more

These programs often make homeownership possible sooner — but only if you know they exist and whether you qualify.

Step 4: Understand County Differences

Different Maryland counties come with:

  • Different property taxes
  • Different closing costs
  • Different grant eligibility
  • Different competitiveness levels

A lender who works across Maryland (not just one metro area) can help you compare how buying in Anne Arundel differs from buying in Frederick or Prince George’s County.

Step 5: Avoid Rookie Mistakes

Common pitfalls we see every year:

  • Choosing a home before confirming loan eligibility
  • Assuming all lenders offer the same programs
  • Relying on online calculators that don’t reflect Maryland taxes
  • Skipping credit or budget preparation

Getting informed early can save thousands.

Step 6: Lean on Your Loan Officer

A Maryland-based lender brings:

  • Local expertise
  • Familiarity with county rules
  • Access to state programs
  • Relationships with Maryland realtors
  • Smooth coordination through closing

Buying a home in 2025 requires strategy — and your lending team should be your guide from start to finish.

To learn more, reach out to a qualified loan officers today!

Why Working With a Top Loan Officer in Maryland Makes All the Difference

Posted on by Emily Gregory

When you’re buying a home, choosing the right loan officer isn’t just about chasing the lowest rate, it’s about having the right strategy. A top loan officer in Maryland brings far more to the table than numbers on a screen. They bring experience, foresight, and the ability to navigate complex scenarios so your transaction moves forward smoothly and on schedule.

In a competitive market like Maryland, where timelines are tight and lending guidelines can be nuanced, the difference between an average loan officer and a top performer can be the difference between moving confidently through the process or running into avoidable roadblocks.

Why Experience and Relationships Matter

The best loan officers don’t simply quote rates and submit paperwork. They anticipate issues before they become problems.

Experienced loan officers have worked through every scenario: self-employed borrowers, complex income structures, tight appraisal conditions, condo requirements, and last-minute underwriting questions. That experience allows them to structure loans correctly from the beginning, helping clients pre-qualify with clarity and confidence.

Equally important are relationships. Top loan officers have established trust with underwriters, processors, appraisers, and real estate agents. That means clearer communication, faster problem-solving, and fewer delays when challenges arise.

Bottom line: fewer surprises, better preparation, and a more streamlined experience from start to finish.

The Power of Local Expertise

Maryland’s mortgage landscape is anything but one-size-fits-all. From county-specific taxes and condo rules to varying loan limits and state-level programs, local knowledge matters.

A top Maryland loan officer understands:

  • Local lending expectations and guidelines
  • Maryland-specific loan programs and opportunities
  • Condo and HOA requirements
  • Market pressures that impact contract terms and timelines

They also understand how to position a strong pre-qualification in a competitive market—helping buyers move forward with confidence and credibility.

National call-center lenders may promise convenience, but they can’t replace local expertise.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Top producers consistently close more loans for a reason: they know how to prepare clients properly and guide transactions through to the finish line.

High-performing loan officers are trusted by real estate professionals, referred by past clients, and relied on for complex transactions. Their value isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in the strategy, preparation, and communication they bring to every deal.

When you work with the right loan officer, you’re not just pre-qualifying—you’re setting yourself up for success.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

👉 Start your pre-qualification today or contact one of our qualified loan officers to learn how experience, local expertise, and thoughtful strategy can make all the difference in your homebuying journey.

Big News for Homebuyers: FHFA Announces 2026 Conforming Loan Limits Increase

Posted on by Emily Gregory

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced an increase in the 2026 conforming loan limits, meaning buyers can borrow more while still qualifying for conventional financing. Starting January 1, 2026, the baseline loan limit for a one-unit home will rise to $832,750—up from $806,500 in 2025. In high-cost areas, that number jumps to $1,249,125.

What This Means for You

  • More Buying Power: You can finance a higher-priced home without moving into a jumbo loan.

  • Easier Qualification: Conforming loans often come with more flexible down payment options and lower interest rates.

  • Local Advantages: Certain counties—especially those with higher home values—may qualify for even higher limits.

Why the Change?

Each year, FHFA adjusts loan limits based on average U.S. home price growth. In 2026, home prices increased 3.26%, prompting the same rise in conforming limits.

When Does It Take Effect?

The new limits apply to loans originated or closed on or after January 1, 2026.

What’s Next

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy—or to move up to your next home—these new limits may open the door. Talk to your First Home Mortgage loan officer today to see how the new 2026 limits can help you reach your goals.

The Fed, the Market, and What Comes Next

Posted on by Emily Gregory

It’s been another eventful week in the financial world. The Federal Reserve announced a rate cut—something markets had been expecting—but the real story lies in how the market reacted afterward.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happened and why it matters.

The Fed Cut Rates—But Mortgage Rates Went Up

The Fed reduced its benchmark rate by 0.25%, which was widely expected. However, Chair Jerome Powell made it clear that more rate cuts might not be coming soon. That comment surprised markets and triggered a selloff, pushing mortgage rates slightly higher.

It’s a pattern we’ve seen before: in the last five Fed rate cuts, mortgage rates actually moved up right afterward. Why? Because the market reacts to what’s expected in the future, not just what happens today. Traders had already priced in the cut—and when Powell hinted there may not be more to come, expectations shifted.

The Fed Is Dealing With a Lot of Uncertainty

Two big factors are making life tricky for the Fed right now:

Tariffs are driving up prices on certain goods, creating short-term “tariff inflation.” It’s usually a one-time bump, not an ongoing trend—but it makes inflation data harder to read.

The government shutdown means many key reports (like jobs and inflation data) are delayed, leaving policymakers with less information to work from. As Powell put it, “When you’re driving in the fog, you slow down.” That means the Fed is likely to move cautiously until things clear up.

What It Means for Borrowers

Even after this week’s bump, mortgage rates remain near their lowest levels of the year. But it’s a reminder that a Fed rate cut doesn’t automatically mean lower mortgage rates. Timing and market expectations matter.

The Fed’s next moves will likely depend on what happens with jobs and inflation in the coming weeks. For now, we’re still in a relatively favorable rate environment—so borrowers shouldn’t wait around for a “perfect” rate announcement that may never come.

The Bottom Line

Markets move on expectations, not headlines. While the Fed’s decision grabbed attention, it’s the context—tariffs, data delays, and labor trends—that will shape where rates go next.

Even with all the noise, today’s mortgage rates remain historically low, and that’s worth watching.

Cut, But No Relief: Why Mortgage Rates Stayed Put

Posted on by Emily Gregory

The highly anticipated Fed meeting is behind us, and while the Federal Reserve did cut its benchmark rate by 0.25%, mortgage rates actually ticked a bit higher afterward. That might seem confusing, so let’s break down what happened and why the market reacted the way it did.

What the Fed Announced

  • The Fed voted to cut the federal funds rate by 0.25%, which was exactly what the market expected.
  • They also released their “dot plot,” which shows where they think rates are headed. It pointed to two more potential cuts later this year, likely in November and December.

On paper, both of these developments sounded like good news for lower borrowing costs. So why didn’t mortgage rates drop?

Why the Market Didn’t Rally

This is a classic case of the market “pricing it in.”

In the weeks leading up to the meeting, traders were already expecting this exact outcome. They had been buying bonds in anticipation, which helped push mortgage rates lower ahead of time. When the Fed delivered what everyone expected, there was no new reason for traders to keep pushing rates lower.

Instead, many took the opportunity to lock in profits from the recent rally, which nudged rates a bit higher. It’s the old saying at work: “Buy the rumor, sell the news.”

What the Fed Said Afterward

Chair Jerome Powell held a press conference after the announcement, and this is where sentiment shifted a bit.

He confirmed that the Fed is currently more focused on the job market than inflation, even though:

  • Unemployment is still relatively low, around 4.2%
  • Inflation is still running nearly a full percentage point above the Fed’s 2% target
  • The economy overall is still growing

That combination puzzled some market watchers. Reporters pressed Powell on why the Fed is cutting rates if slower job growth is tied to immigration (something interest rate cuts won’t affect). Powell called the decision a “risk management cut” and said they are approaching things on a “meeting-by-meeting” basis.

While that was a reasonable answer, it didn’t come across as very confident. Traders heard caution rather than conviction, and markets responded by pulling back slightly.

Where Things Go From Here

The market still expects two more rate cuts this year, but that outlook could change quickly if hiring picks up or inflation runs hotter than expected. The Fed clearly wants to keep its options open and avoid locking itself into a firm path.

In short, we got the cut that everyone expected, but nothing new enough to push mortgage rates lower. Rates dipped heading into the meeting and then bounced slightly once the news hit.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Mortgage rates are still near the lowest levels we’ve seen all year, but this week was a good reminder that the market moves on expectations, not headlines.

Getting pre-qualified in today’s market can provide a clearer picture of affordability and help secure a stronger position if the right home comes along while rates remain favorable.

If questions come up about what this means for a specific scenario, we’re always happy to talk it through.

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