Joseph Marmo - Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 574644

Joseph Marmo - Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS# 574644 Mortgage Banker at First Merchants Bank with over 20 years of experience helping families buy, build and refinance their homes.

"We got pre-approved, so we bought all the furniture for the new house."It's a mistake that happens more often than you'...
10/06/2026

"We got pre-approved, so we bought all the furniture for the new house."

It's a mistake that happens more often than you'd think.

Buying a home is exciting, and it's natural to start planning for life in the new space. But before financing furniture, appliances, or a new vehicle, check with your lender.

What seems like a routine purchase can affect the mortgage process in ways many buyers don't expect.

Keep things as close to "business as usual" as possible until after loan closing.

A good credit score isn't the only number that matters when buying a home.Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio...
09/24/2026

A good credit score isn't the only number that matters when buying a home.

Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income.

Your DTI includes things like:

✅ Rent or future mortgage payment
✅ Car, student, and personal loans
✅ Credit card minimum payments
✅ Child support / alimony
✅ Buy Now, Pay Later accounts (Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, etc.)

A lower DTI can give you more flexibility when qualifying for a mortgage.

Aim for a ratio of 36% or lower for the best rates and terms.

And remember: just because an expense doesn't count toward DTI doesn't mean it won't affect your budget.

Thinking about buying a home? Let's talk through your numbers and explore your options. 🏡
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

I’m here to support your homebuying, building, and refinancing needs. Let me know how I can help!✅Purchase Your Dream Ho...
09/22/2026

I’m here to support your homebuying, building, and refinancing needs. Let me know how I can help!

✅Purchase Your Dream Home

Our mortgage options include low down payment programs, down payment assistance and grants, and solutions to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

✅Build Your Private Retreat

Our single-close construction and renovation loan programs help simplify building or improving your forever home.

✅Refinance Your Mortgage

A refinance can help you lower your monthly payment, access your home's equity, or better align your mortgage with your financial goals.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

Credit Reports and Credit Scores are two different things. Both are used by lenders to help determine if they will lend ...
09/17/2026

Credit Reports and Credit Scores are two different things. Both are used by lenders to help determine if they will lend you money, and what interest rate they will charge you.

Here’s the difference:

👉 Credit Reports are a summary of your history of managing money and repaying debt.

👉 Credit Scores are a three-digit number calculated based on the information in your Credit Report.

Before you apply for a mortgage, you should know your credit score and history.

There are resources to help. Like www.annualcreditreport.com, where you can request a free copy of your Credit Report. Or SavvyMoney, a free tool in the First Merchants mobile app where you can monitor your Credit Score and download a snapshot of your Credit Report.

And as always, you can reach out to me for guidance and questions.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

Many of these programs can be combined, creating opportunities for homebuyers to reduce upfront costs and purchase soone...
09/15/2026

Many of these programs can be combined, creating opportunities for homebuyers to reduce upfront costs and purchase sooner than they may have thought possible.

Reach out anytime if you'd like to discuss your options or get a personalized mortgage quote.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

See a house you like? Ready to make an offer?Don't let financing questions slow you down.I'm available to help you get p...
09/10/2026

See a house you like? Ready to make an offer?

Don't let financing questions slow you down.

I'm available to help you get pre-approved, understand your options, and take the next step when the right home comes along.

Whether you're buying your first home, your next home, or helping a client prepare for a purchase, let's connect.

Reach out today to start your pre-approval and get offer-ready.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

When you finance your new construction home through First Merchants, you'll have access to Built, our online constructio...
09/08/2026

When you finance your new construction home through First Merchants, you'll have access to Built, our online construction lending platform. Built gives you, your builder, and your lender a shared view of the project from groundbreaking to closing.

What you get as a homebuyer:

• Real-time visibility: Log in anytime to view construction progress, draw requests, funding activity, and project updates.

• A smoother building process: Because your builder and lender work within the same platform, draw requests and approvals can be processed more efficiently.

• Everything in one place: Access inspections, approvals, project documents, and funding history through a single portal.

• Greater confidence throughout the build: Track project milestones and stay informed about when funds are disbursed and work is progressing.

If you know someone planning to build a new home, I’m always here to help answer financing questions.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and having the right financing and support can make all the difference.Thank ...
09/03/2026

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and having the right financing and support can make all the difference.

Thank you for the kind words, Eric, and congratulations on your new home!

Whether you're relocating for a new opportunity, helping a family member purchase a home, buying a retirement property, ...
09/01/2026

Whether you're relocating for a new opportunity, helping a family member purchase a home, buying a retirement property, or finding the perfect home outside your current market, you deserve a lending experience that travels with you.

My ability to lend nationwide means you can work with someone you know and trust, no matter where your next chapter begins.

When you're ready to make a move, let's connect and explore your options.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

In the first half of 2026, First Merchants helped 310 households access $2.95 million in down payment assistance. Our te...
08/27/2026

In the first half of 2026, First Merchants helped 310 households access $2.95 million in down payment assistance.

Our team is experienced in matching homebuyers with available grant programs to make homeownership more affordable.

If you know someone planning to purchase their first home, have them reach out. I'll help them explore what's available and see if they might qualify for assistance.
https://myoc.io/cMSQrtB4ub6

Address

1349 Lane Avenue
Columbus, OH
43221

Telephone

+16143093992

Website

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