First Heritage Mortgage Recognized as a Top Lender by Maryland Mortgage Program
FHM earns Silver Tier recognition at the MMP’s Annual Award Ceremony, continuing its commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities in Maryland.
FAIRFAX, Va. – First Heritage Mortgage, LLC (FHM) is pleased to announce it has been recognized as a Silver Tier Top Performing Lender by the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) at its 2025 Annual Award Ceremony, held on March 26, 2026, in New Carrollton, Maryland. Dunkirk Branch Manager Samantha Bowie (NMLS ID # 246850) was on hand to accept the honor on behalf of the company.
The Maryland Mortgage Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, has provided sustainable, fixed-rate mortgages primarily to first-time homebuyers for more than 40 years. The program offers down payment and closing cost assistance and, for eligible borrowers, student debt relief through the Maryland SmartBuy initiative. In Fiscal Year 2025, the program provided 3,070 mortgages for Maryland homebuyers and has averaged $1 billion in mortgage loan reservations annually.
“Being recognized by the Maryland Mortgage Program is a reflection of the hard work our team puts in every day to help Maryland families achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Steven Lagana, President of First Heritage Mortgage. “Programs like MMP are vital tools in making that dream a reality, particularly for first-time buyers navigating today’s challenging market. We’re proud to be a trusted partner in that mission and look forward to continuing to serve Maryland’s communities.”
The annual ceremony, which featured remarks from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day and MMP Director Maddy Ciulu, celebrated lenders, realtors, title companies, and housing counselors who worked with the Department throughout 2025 to expand access to homeownership across the state. FHM was among a select group of lenders honored across Gold and Silver performance tiers.
“It was truly an honor to be present at this event and to accept this award on behalf of First Heritage Mortgage,” said Samantha Bowie, Branch Manager of FHM’s Dunkirk, Maryland branch. “The Maryland Mortgage Program makes a meaningful difference for so many families in our community, and I’m proud that our team plays a role in helping borrowers access these valuable resources. This recognition motivates us to keep doing what we do best – putting our clients first.”
This recognition underscores FHM’s ongoing dedication to providing borrowers across the Mid-Atlantic region with personalized mortgage solutions and access to the programs that best fit their needs. FHM loan officers work closely with first-time homebuyers to navigate available state and local assistance programs, helping more families realize the financial and personal benefits of homeownership.