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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 […]

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 […]

The latest round of economic data reinforces a theme we’ve been seeing for some time. Inflation has cooled from its peak but remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remains historically low, even as employers appear hesitant to expand hiring. Together, these conditions have placed the Fed firmly in a cautious, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

First Home Mortgage is proud to welcome Charlie Latimer as the new Branch Manager of our Chevy Chase office. A top producer in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Charlie will partner with Branch Managers Alex Jaffe and Joe Dawson to continue strengthening one of the company’s highest-performing branches. Charlie entered the mortgage industry in 2020 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Fed Is Poised to Cut Rates, But Mortgage Markets May Have Already Moved Mortgage rates have been quietly drifting lower over the past few weeks, hitting some of the lowest levels we’ve seen this year. With the Federal Reserve expected to cut rates tomorrow, many are wondering what this means for the housing market. […]