Your Path to Homeownership Starts Here

90 minutes that could save you thousands

We cut through the confusion so you leave knowing exactly what programs you qualify for and what your next steps are.

• 1
  Why Now Is Your Time to BuyBuild wealth, lock in stable payments, and stop paying your landlord's mortgage — why waiting often costs more than acting.
• 2
  Understanding Your Credit ScoreWhat your score means, what lenders look for, and quick wins to improve it before you apply.
• 3
  Mortgage Qualification BasicsIncome, debt-to-income ratios, employment history, and what documents to start gathering now.
• 4
  Choosing the Right Loan ProgramConventional, FHA, VA, and USDA — side-by-side comparison of what works best for your situation.
• 5
  Maryland Down Payment AssistanceMMP, HomeCredit/MCC, county programs, and how to stack them — you may need less cash than you think.
• 6
  Key Mortgage Terms, SimplifiedPrincipal, APR, escrow, PMI, PITI, closing costs — everything decoded in plain English.
• 7
  Your Step-by-Step Path to HomeownershipA clear 7-step roadmap from pre-approval to closing day so you know exactly what's coming.
• 8
  Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need 20% down? What if my credit isn't perfect? Should I wait for rates to drop? Answered honestly.
• 9
  Live Q&ABring your specific questions — no question is too small.

About Your Host

Craig Jenkins

Branch Manager, InstaMortgage  ·  NMLS #197149

Craig began his mortgage career in 1990 and has worked in virtually every facet of the industry since. That depth of experience means his clients benefit from someone who has seen it all, and can guide them through the process with confidence, clarity, and zero surprises at the closing table.

Craig believes that buying a home is the most significant financial decision most people will ever make — and he treats it that way. His focus is on education first: making sure every client understands exactly what to expect at each step, so they can move forward with confidence rather than anxiety.

Born into a military family, Craig grew up moving from state to state and across multiple countries. That upbringing gave him a deep appreciation for what "home" truly means — not just a transaction, but a foundation for a family's future. A proud University of Maryland graduate, Craig now calls Maryland home and primarily serves the people who mean the most to him: first-time homebuyers and veterans looking for a place to put down roots.

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