Which Renovations Have the Highest Impact on Your Home's Value?
January 2, 2020
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… Read More
New Loan Limits!
December 18, 2019
Loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increase to $510,400 in 2020, an increase from $484,350 in 2019! The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits for mortgages for 2020. Each year, the baseline conforming loan limit is adjusted accordingly with the change in the average… Read More
PreScreen Opt-Out
December 10, 2019
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… Read More
First Home Mortgage at the Kennedy Krieger Institute's Festival of Trees
December 5, 2019
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… Read More
5 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in Your New Home
November 25, 2019
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… Read More
Tom Draper Named BAAR Affiliate of the Year
November 18, 2019
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… Read More
FHA Revises Condominium Requirements
August 14, 2019
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… Read More
Potential Federal Rate Cut
July 11, 2019
From what you pay on the balance on your credit card to inflation, rates can have an influence on our everyday lives. When the economy dips, rates tend to dip as well. This encourages people to spend more which gives the economy a boost. Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, makes the big decisions… Read More
Scotsman Guide Names First Home Mortgage Top Mortgage Lender 2018
May 30, 2019
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… Read More
5 Things to Consider When Buying an Investment Property
May 16, 2019
Buying real estate can be a great investment; whether you want to purchase a primary residence, flip a property and sell it, or rent it out to make a profit. If you have chosen the latter option, here are a few things to take into consideration. Down Payment: Be ready to put down a larger… Read More