At the recent annual awards ceremony hosted by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, excellence in the housing sector was celebrated with much fanfare. Among the esteemed honorees, First Home Mortgage Corporation stood out as the top-performing lender for the Maryland Mortgage Program in 2023. This recognition underscores First Home Mortgage’s commitment to providing accessible and sustainable homeownership opportunities to the people of Maryland. The Maryland Mortgage Program, an initiative dedicated to offering fixed-rate mortgages primarily to first-time homebuyers ..read more

As the days grow longer and the air starts to warm, it’s time to shake off the remnants of winter and welcome the freshness of spring into our homes. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or renting your first apartment, preparing your living space for this vibrant season can bring a sense of renewal and energy. Here are some tips to get your home ready for the beauty of spring. Declutter and Deep Clean There’s no better way to kick off the season than with a thorough decluttering session. Start by going through each room and identifying items you no longer need. Donate clothes that no longer fi ..read more

Are you considering taking the exciting step of buying your first home? Congratulations! Owning a home is a significant milestone, but it can also be a complex process, especially when it comes to getting a mortgage. As a first-time homebuyer, navigating the world of mortgages might seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can set yourself up for success. Here are five essential tips to guide you through the process of getting a mortgage: Check Your Credit Score and Improve if Necessary One of the first things lenders will look at when considering your mortgage appl ..read more

Welcome, homebuyers, to the thrilling and sometimes overwhelming world of open houses! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, these events are crucial for getting a feel for a potential new home. However, amidst the excitement, it’s essential to keep a keen eye out for details that could make or break your decision. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look out for during an open house:   The Neighborhood: Beyond the Property Lines The open house isn’t just about the house itself; it’s also a chance to explore the neighborhood. Take a walk or drive around. Notice the cond ..read more

Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting yet intricate process, and the first significant step is often the mortgage application. To ensure a seamless and stress-free experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with essential tips and a handy checklist to navigate the mortgage application maze with confidence. 1. Know Your Credit Score: Before diving into the mortgage application process, it’s crucial to know your credit score. Lenders heavily consider this factor when evaluating your eligibility and determining interest rates. Review your credit report for accuracy and ad ..read more

First Home ONE Program empowers qualifying homebuyers to secure a home with just a 1% down payment and 3% equity, making homeownership more accessible than ever. Building upon the success of First Home’s Dream Program, this innovative offering extends a helping hand to aspiring homeowners, opening up new possibilities for realizing their homeownership dreams.  James Baublitz, VP of Capital Markets at First Home Mortgage, commented, “In today’s fiercely competitive housing market, our loan officers understand the challenges that prospective homebuyers face. The First Home ONE program is pa ..read more

Join us on this educational journey as we address the most common questions that may arise during your mortgage process. Remember, your path to homeownership should be paved with understanding and guidance. Let’s dive into the top 4 mortgage FAQs and unravel the keys to unlocking the doors of your dream home. What is the Difference Between Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)? Answer: A fixed-rate mortgage has a constant interest rate throughout the loan term, providing predictability in monthly payments. On the other hand, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has a variable interest r ..read more

Owning a home comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and comfort. Rather than tackling all tasks at once, a more effective approach is to break them down into manageable monthly segments. Let’s explore a year-round guide to home maintenance, with a different tip for each month tailored to the season, weather, and specific needs of your home. January – Winter Warm-Up: As winter chills linger, focus on your heating system. Change or clean your furnace filter to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. Check for any drafts around windows and doors, sealing ..read more

In the ever-changing landscape of the real estate market, timing is everything. If you’re a homeowner who secured a mortgage when interest rates were higher, now is the time to act. Refinancing your mortgage can be a game-changer, unlocking significant savings and providing you with financial flexibility. In this blog, we’ll explore the compelling reasons why you should consider refinancing now instead of waiting. Capitalizing on Dropping Rates Interest rates fluctuate, and today, we find ourselves in an environment where rates are beginning to drop. This presents a golden opportunity for home ..read more

As we usher in the new year, many individuals are setting ambitious goals, and for some, the dream of homeownership is at the top of the list. Buying a home is a significant financial milestone, and the key to achieving it successfully lies in strategic planning and smart financial decisions. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable financial tips to help you kickstart your journey towards purchasing your dream home in the new year. Establish Clear Financial Goals: Before diving into the home-buying process, it’s essential to define your financial goals. Determine the type of home you wa ..read more