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5 Home Loan Milestones
5 Home Loan Milestones

Buying a home may seem a bit complicated, and sometimes it can be. It is important to understand what to expect when preparing to buy a home, and what to expect during the home buying process. Below we’ve provided a short outline of the five main milestones of the home buying process. Pre-Qualification You’re ready […]

November 15, 2018
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Why Is a Home No Longer Pending?
Why Is a Home No Longer Pending?

A pending sale means the seller has accepted an offer but the deal hasn’t closed yet. A property is placed in pending status when the contract is executed; when the contract is executed, in other words, the property is no longer defined as an active listing. A home will remain pending until all legal work […]

November 02, 2018
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What is Homebuyer Education, and Why Do You Need It?
What is Homebuyer Education, and Why Do You Need It?

Homebuyer education, also called housing or pre-purchase counseling, helps homebuyers prepare for the process of purchasing a home and the challenges of being a new homeowner. Some loan programs, like the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), require homebuyer education courses. Recently, the Maryland Mortgage Program has made updates to their homebuyer education requirements to simplify and […]

October 11, 2018
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Buying a Home in a Gig Economy
Buying a Home in a Gig Economy

A gig economy refers to a workplace in which temporary or flexible jobs are the norm, such as freelance or contract work, as opposed to permanent, full-time jobs.  There is no fixed salary, so income may be irregular and sometimes it may not even be documented.  Future income is also unpredictable while working freelance or […]

September 27, 2018
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What Happens at Closing
What Happens at Closing

You’ve made it to the final step in the home buying process, closing. After all of the settlement documents have been signed and funds distributed, ownership of the property will transfer and the house is finally yours! Here’s what you can expect in the days leading up to your closing. Prior to Closing At least […]

August 15, 2018
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Breaking Down Homeownership Programs
Breaking Down Homeownership Programs

Buying a home is a big, if not the biggest, purchase you are going to make. You may have heard there are a lot of costs when it comes to buying, and hearing the word “down payment” may strike a small sense of panic, but it doesn’t have to! There are many programs offered to […]

August 08, 2018
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When to Consider a Renovation Loan
When to Consider a Renovation Loan

Sometimes you find a great house, but it needs a little bit of TLC. That is where a renovation loan comes in to the picture. A renovation loan, or 203(k), makes the process easier by allowing you to combine your renovation costs into your mortgage, helping you fund your home improvements. That means one loan […]

July 25, 2018
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When is the Best Time to Buy a House?
When is the Best Time to Buy a House?

Each season has its own highlights and downfalls of buying, so when is the best time to purchase a new home? Take a look at the information below to help you navigate the buying seasons. Spring/Summer Pros: More Inventory: Most sellers choose to list their properties in spring/summer, so there are more options for homebuyers. Family […]

July 19, 2018
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First Home Named Top Mortgage Lender
First Home Named Top Mortgage Lender

Scotsman Guide, the leading resource for Mortgage Originators, has released its 6th annual Top Mortgage Lenders. First Home Mortgage has been ranked 44th in Top Overall Volume in the nation. Since 2012, Scotsman Guide has been a platform for the nation’s best performing mortgage companies to showcase their success. The publication releases rankings based on […]

June 01, 2018
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First Home Mortgage Recognized as the Best for 2018
First Home Mortgage Recognized as the Best for 2018

The results are in! Ask a Lender recently released their most comprehensive rankings of the Best Mortgage Lenders in the nation in several categories, including Best Mortgage Lenders, Best First-Time Homebuyer Lenders, Best FHA Mortgage Lenders, among several other categories.  Many of First Home Mortgage’s Loan Officers have been recognized as the best in each of […]

May 30, 2018
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Special Assistance Grant Program from the Maryland Mortgage Program
Special Assistance Grant Program from the Maryland Mortgage Program

The Maryland Mortgage Program has announced their new Special Assistance Grant Program to assist homebuyers with down payment and closing costs while purchasing a home.  The MMP offers a range of programs that help make purchasing and owning a home more affordable.  With this Grant, eligible borrowers will receive $2,500 or $1,500 (depending on the […]

May 25, 2018
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New Extra Assistance Loan from Rhode Island Housing
New Extra Assistance Loan from Rhode Island Housing

Rhode Island Housing (RIH) has introduced a new Extra Assistance Loan for first-time homebuyers, effective May 21, 2018.  This Extra Assistance Loan may be used towards the borrower’s down payment and/or closing costs.  RIH offers affordable and innovative lending opportunities, education, resources and programs to assist Rhode Islanders to buy, build and keep a good home. Extra […]

May 22, 2018
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