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First Home Mortgage Named One of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 50 Mortgage Companies in America for 2025
First Home Mortgage Named One of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 50 Mortgage Companies in America for 2025

First Home Mortgage is proud to announce that we have been recognized by Mortgage Executive Magazine as one of the Top 50 Mortgage Companies in America for 2025. This national recognition highlights mortgage companies that demonstrate excellence in production, service, leadership, and overall impact within the industry. For First Home Mortgage, it represents something even […]

June 05, 2026
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First Home Mortgage Recognized Among Scotsman Guide’s 2026 Top Mortgage Lenders
First Home Mortgage Recognized Among Scotsman Guide’s 2026 Top Mortgage Lenders

First Home Mortgage is proud to announce its recognition on the Scotsman Guide 2026 Top Mortgage Lenders rankings, a distinguished honor that highlights excellence and performance within the mortgage industry. For more than a decade, the Scotsman Guide rankings have served as one of the mortgage industry’s most respected benchmarks, recognizing lenders that demonstrate outstanding […]

May 29, 2026
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Why Mortgage Rates Have Been Moving Again. And What Buyers Should Know
Why Mortgage Rates Have Been Moving Again. And What Buyers Should Know

Mortgage rates are once again making headlines, and many buyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals are asking the same question: What’s causing the sudden movement? The answer comes down to one major factor: inflation expectations. Recently, global conflict involving Iran and disruptions to oil markets have created concerns about rising energy costs and how those […]

May 26, 2026
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Celebrating 25 Years: Cathy Ocharzak’s Legacy at First Home Mortgage
Celebrating 25 Years: Cathy Ocharzak’s Legacy at First Home Mortgage

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 […]

May 22, 2026
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Alexander Jaffe Named a 2026 Top Producer by National Mortgage News
Alexander Jaffe Named a 2026 Top Producer by National Mortgage News

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 […]

May 07, 2026
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Do All VA Loans Have a Funding Fee? Not Always.
Do All VA Loans Have a Funding Fee? Not Always.

VA loans are one of the most powerful benefits available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. They offer flexible qualification guidelines, competitive rates, and often require little to no down payment. But one part of the VA loan that often causes confusion is the funding fee. Many people assume it applies […]

April 29, 2026
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The Golden Ticket: Make a Cash-Style Offer Without Being a Cash Buyer
The Golden Ticket: Make a Cash-Style Offer Without Being a Cash Buyer

You found the one. Perfect location. The right price. Everything you’ve been looking for.  But in today’s market, finding the right home is only part of the equation.  Cash is king. It wins bidding wars. It moves faster. And it gives sellers confidence.  That’s why so many buyers miss out—not because they can’t afford the home, but because they can’t compete with the speed […]

April 15, 2026
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Mortgage Rates Update: What’s Moving the Market Right Now
Mortgage Rates Update: What’s Moving the Market Right Now

If you’ve been wondering why mortgage rates are changing or where rates are headed next, here’s what’s happening right now. What’s Driving Rates Markets recently reacted to news of a temporary ceasefire in the Iran conflict. As a result: Stocks moved higher Oil prices dropped Mortgage rates saw some improvement This is a good reminder […]

April 08, 2026
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A Homebuying Advantage Earned Through Service
A Homebuying Advantage Earned Through Service

For those who have served, the VA loan is more than just another financing option. It is one of the most powerful and flexible paths to homeownership available today. Yet many eligible buyers don’t fully understand how impactful this benefit can be. What Makes a VA Loan Different? VA loans were designed to remove some […]

April 01, 2026
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First Home Mortgage Recognized as a Top Performer by the Maryland Mortgage Program
First Home Mortgage Recognized as a Top Performer by the Maryland Mortgage Program

First Home Mortgage Corporation continues to earn statewide recognition for its impact on homeownership across Maryland, taking home multiple honors at the 2025 annual partner awards hosted by the Maryland Mortgage Program. The Maryland Mortgage Program has spent more than four decades helping primarily first-time buyers access stable, fixed-rate financing along with down payment and […]

March 26, 2026
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Celebrating Our Washingtonian Best Mortgage Professionals
Celebrating Our Washingtonian Best Mortgage Professionals

Each year, Washingtonian recognizes the region’s top mortgage professionals based on feedback from industry peers who know firsthand what it takes to guide clients through one of life’s biggest financial decisions. We’re proud to share that multiple members of the First Home Mortgage team were named to the Washingtonian Best Mortgage Professionals list, with several […]

March 23, 2026
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