First Home Mortgage Taps $75M Producer for D.C. Market Escalation

CHEVY CHASE, MD – December 03, 2025 – In a significant strategic maneuver aimed at reinforcing its position in the fiercely competitive Washington, D.C. metropolitan mortgage market, First Home Mortgage Corporation has announced the appointment of Charlie Latimer as Branch Manager of its Chevy Chase office. Latimer, a top producer pacing over $75 million in annual production, joins one of the lender's most formidable teams, signaling an aggressive push for greater market share in a region defined by high stakes and demanding clients.

The move is more than a simple leadership change; it represents a calculated talent acquisition in a battle for regional supremacy. Since entering the industry in January 2020, Latimer has experienced a meteoric rise, securing a spot in the Top 1% of mortgage originators nationwide by his second year—a rank he has maintained annually, according to Mortgage Executive Magazine. His arrival at First Home Mortgage is a clear statement of intent from the lender to amplify its service capabilities and competitive edge.

Navigating the High-Stakes D.C. Arena

The Washington, D.C. housing market operates under a unique set of pressures. Fueled by a stable, high-income job market anchored by federal agencies and contractors, the region maintains robust housing demand. However, this is set against a backdrop of persistently low inventory—active listings are down 18% from pre-pandemic levels—and elevated home prices, with the median D.C. home price hitting $700,000 as of late 2024.

In this environment, speed and certainty are not just value-adds; they are the currency of the realm. Homebuyers engaged in bidding wars and real estate agents managing complex transactions depend on lenders who can deliver fast, accurate pre-qualifications and execute flawlessly on closing timelines. With homes in D.C. averaging 54 days on the market, any delay in financing can collapse a deal. Latimer built his reputation on this very principle, centering his philosophy on delivering the fastest and most accurate pre-qualifications available. His addition directly addresses the primary pain points for buyers and agents in the region.

While national giants like United Wholesale Mortgage and Rocket Mortgage dominate the D.C. market by sheer volume, First Home Mortgage has carved out a powerful niche. It stands as the largest private lender in the D.C. metro area and the number one overall lender in Maryland, leveraging deep local expertise and a reputation for personalized service. The recruitment of a high-caliber producer like Latimer is a strategic move to fortify this position and challenge larger competitors on the fronts of service, speed, and local know-how.

A Powerhouse Partnership in Chevy Chase

Charlie Latimer is not joining a branch in need of a turnaround; he is reinforcing a dynasty. The Chevy Chase office of First Home Mortgage has been the company's number one performing branch for 13 consecutive years. Latimer will partner with existing Branch Managers Alex Jaffe and Joe Dawson, creating a leadership triumvirate with formidable credentials.

Alex Jaffe, a senior loan officer with over 18 years in the industry, is a titan in the local market. Consistently ranked among the top 200 loan officers nationally since 2015, Jaffe has closed over 2,500 loans totaling more than $250 million. His expertise is particularly pronounced in navigating local homebuyer programs; his team is responsible for over 20% of all loans through the popular DC Open Doors program, earning him the "Key to the City" award from the DC Housing Finance Agency. Jaffe’s team is known for its efficiency, boasting an average 17-day turnaround from application to a clear to close.

Joe Dawson adds further depth to the team, having been recognized by Scotsman Guide as a top 1% loan officer nationwide for several years. The synergy is clear: Latimer’s focus on front-end speed and accuracy complements the established, high-efficiency processing and deep program knowledge of Jaffe and Dawson. This collaboration is designed to create an unparalleled service offering, combining the resources of a major regional lender with the agility and expertise of a boutique team.

A Culture of Producers Attracting Producers

Latimer’s decision to join First Home Mortgage speaks volumes about the company’s strategic positioning and internal culture. According to the announcement, he identified the lender as the ideal platform for long-term growth—large enough to offer a robust and diverse product suite, yet agile enough to pivot quickly in a volatile market. This blend is critical for top originators who need both competitive loan products, like the company's recently introduced 1% down payment option, and the operational support to close deals without bureaucratic friction.

The leadership structure at First Home Mortgage was another key factor. The company's president, Matt Nader, appointed in late 2024, embodies the culture that attracted Latimer. Nader himself experienced a rapid ascent within the company, joining as a loan officer in 2018 and becoming the firm's top originator for four straight years before moving into executive leadership. With over $1.4 billion in personal loan volume, Nader’s background as a top producer provides him with an intrinsic understanding of what loan officers need to succeed.

"Charlie brings an exceptional level of professionalism, speed, and market knowledge," said Matt Nader, President of First Home Mortgage. "He's joining one of the highest-performing branches in our company, and his approach aligns perfectly with the standard of excellence our Chevy Chase team is known for. We're thrilled to welcome him and continue building on the tremendous success already happening in this market."

This sentiment reflects a leadership philosophy focused on empowering top talent. By bringing Latimer into its most successful branch under a president who was recently in the trenches himself, First Home Mortgage is doubling down on its producer-centric model. The move not only enhances the company's capacity to serve the D.C. market but also solidifies its reputation as a destination for the industry's most ambitious and effective mortgage professionals.