Blog

If you’re considering purchasing or refinancing a home, it’s a good idea to look at your credit score first. Your credit score will directly impact your interest rate and the loan programs that you qualify for. When it comes to a home loan, improving your score can save you money and give you a larger […]

Depending on your annual income, you may qualify for a mortgage interest credit. In order to receive this credit, you will need a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). The IRS will require the MCC in order to grant the interest credit so be sure to speak with a Loan Officer to find out if you qualify. […]

2019 has come to an end which means tax season is right around the corner. Soon it will be time to prepare your 2019 tax returns and it pays to be ready! Getting prepared early can not only save you time and stress but potentially money.  It’s especially important if you have experienced major changes […]

Home equity is the portion of your home that you’ve paid off — your stake in the property, as opposed to the lender’s. For many homeowners, this is their most valuable asset. And the best part is that it often increases without you having to do anything more than making your regular monthly mortgage payment. […]

Remodeling your home is a wonderful way to make it your own when you first move in, or to update the space as your needs and styles change over time. Since home renovations can be pricey, balancing your budget and wish list can be tricky. Fortunately, there are lots of projects that can make you […]

Loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increase to $510,400 in 2020, an increase from $484,350 in 2019! There has been an update provided by The Federal Housing Finance Agency. The agency has announced the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits for mortgages for 2020. Each year, the baseline conforming loan limit […]

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies can share lists that contain the information of people who had recent credit inquiries, such as with mortgage applications. Companies, and sometimes individuals, purchase those lists with the intention of soliciting and selling additional credit and loan services, known as “Firm Offers”, to the unsuspecting […]

First Home Mortgage was once again a proud silver sponsor of the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s annual Festival of Trees, for our sixth consecutive year! Our donated tree (pictured), was decorated and named “A Little Sparkle in the Season”. The Festival of Trees was first held in 1990 and has been an annual Baltimore tradition for […]

Golden leaves and crisp air mean the holiday season is nearly upon us, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for your family and friends is always rewarding, and the good news is – it’s still completely feasible right after a move. By following these 5 tips, you’ll be ready to welcome […]

The Bay Area Association of Realtors has named First Home Mortgage’s own Tom Draper as the 2019 Affiliate of the Year! This association represents Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline counties. Tracy Cohee Hodges, First Home Mortgage VP/Area Manager, Eastern Shore Lending, stated “Affiliate of the Year is achieved by serving the real estate community above […]

After a long-awaited update, the FHA is finally issuing a change to condominium guidelines. It was announced Wednesday that spot approvals are back, and steps are being taken in order to loosen eligibility requirements. With these revised guidelines, FHA is expecting the update to qualify an additional 20,000-60,000 condo units per year. Changes that will […]

Bothell, Washington — Scotsman Guide congratulates First Home Mortgage for ranking on Scotsman Guide’s seventh annual Top Mortgage Lenders rankings. First Home was ranked #37 for Top Overall Volume. This is the seventh year that Scotsman Guide has compiled rankings for Top Mortgage Lenders, and the seventh year First Home has made the Top Lenders […]