First Continental Mortgage, Ltd - NMLS# 56321

05/05/2026

Does requesting my credit report hurt my credit score?

As part of our Credit & Financing Basics series we’ve been talking a lot about your credit report; however, you may wonder if checking your credit report hurts your credit score? We can settle that with one word. No. Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score. Checking your own credit report is not an inquiry about new credit, so it has no effect on your score. In fact, reviewing your credit report regularly can help you make sure the information the credit reporting companies share with lenders is accurate and up to date. You can review your credit report online for free once a week, from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can also request a copy of your credit report by mail once every 12 months from each of the three companies.

Additional information can be found on the CFPB website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/does-requesting-my-credit-report-hurt-my-credit-score-en-1229/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score.

04/29/2026

Credit Report Errors to Look For

As part of our Credit & Financing Basics series, it’s important to know that credit reports can sometimes contain errors. Common issues may include incorrect personal information, accounts that don’t belong to you, duplicate accounts, or signs of identity theft. Reviewing your credit report regularly can help you catch mistakes early and protect your credit standing. Learn more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-common-credit-report-errors-that-i-should-look-for-on-my-credit-report-en-313/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

When reviewing your credit report, check that it contains only items about you. Be sure to look for information that is inaccurate or incomplete.

04/21/2026

Don’t Wait for Rates to Drop?

Interest rates tend to move in cycles, but home prices don’t always wait. When rates decline, more buyers re-enter the market, which can increase competition and put upward pressure on home prices. Waiting for a lower rate may come with a higher purchase price. That’s why timing a home purchase isn’t just about the rate. It’s about your overall financial picture, your goals, and the opportunities available today.

As part of our ongoing credit and financing basics series, we’re continuing to break down the bigger picture behind home financing decisions so you can make informed choices with confidence. If you’re weighing your options, reach out to us and let’s talk through what makes sense for you.

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

04/14/2026

What is a credit report?

As part of our credit and financing basics series, we’re taking a closer look at credit reports.

You may wonder, what is a credit report? Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history including loans, credit cards, account balances, and your payment activity over time. It may also include credit inquiries and certain public records, giving a full picture of how you’ve managed credit. Lenders use this information to evaluate your overall creditworthiness. Understanding what’s in your report is an important first step toward improving and maintaining strong credit.

You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once a year, making it easier to review your information and stay on top of your credit.

Source: https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500/565, Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com

Find the official place to get a free credit report. See what information is in a credit report and how lenders and other organizations may use them.

04/09/2026

Payment History: On-time Payments Is Biggest Factor

Continuing our series on credit and financing basics for future homebuyers. Today, we’re looking at the single biggest factor that influences your credit score – on-time payments. Paying your bills on time is one of the most important steps toward building strong credit. Even a few late payments can have a noticeable impact on your score.

Some helpful ways to make sure your payments are on time are to set up automatic payments or electronic reminders. If you’ve missed payments, get current and stay current. Most credit scores consider repayment history as the number one factor for building a strong credit score.

Source: CFPB - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-keep-a-good-credit-score-en-318/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

04/02/2026

What Factors Affect Your Credit Score

We’re continuing our series on credit and financing basics for future homebuyers. Today, we’re looking at what makes up your credit score. Credit scores are calculated using a few key factors:

• Payment history – Do you pay your bills on time?
• Amounts owed – How much of your available credit are you using?
• Length of credit history – How long have your accounts been open?
• Credit mix – Do you have a variety of credit types?
• New credit – How often are you applying for new accounts?

Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions and strengthen your overall credit profile over time. Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-score-en-315/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

03/25/2026

We’re continuing our series on credit basics following last week’s overview of what a credit score is. Your credit score plays a key role in your financial opportunities. It can impact whether you qualify for credit cards, auto loans, or a mortgage – and it also helps determine the interest rate you receive.

A stronger score can mean lower borrowing costs and more flexibility when it comes to financing.

Learn more here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-scores

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

Your credit score affects whether a company will give you credit and how much you’ll pay for it.

03/20/2026

We’re kicking off a series on credit and financing basics starting with one of the most important numbers in homebuying – your credit or FICO score. A FICO score is a three-digit number that helps lenders estimate how likely you are to repay borrowed money. The higher the score, the more confidence lenders have in your credit history when you apply for things like a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-fico-score-en-1883/

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

A FICO® score is a particular brand of credit score that helps lenders determine how likely you are to pay back a loan. It is used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

02/13/2026

Welcome to the team, Lisa Cook!

We’re excited to welcome Lisa Cook as Controller in the Accounting Department at First Continental Mortgage. With over 20 years of mortgage industry accounting experience, Lisa has led major initiatives including GL system implementations, AP automation, and process improvements that strengthen financial operations.

She’s passionate about mentoring others and building strong, efficient teams with clear checks and balances.

We’re thrilled to have her on board—please join us in welcoming Lisa!

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

01/30/2026

We appreciate the opportunity to work with Mitch Kider, whose perspective is shaped by decades at the intersection of housing finance, regulation, and the rule of law. Mitch brings clarity to complex issues and a principled point of view that helps our industry think more carefully about where it’s headed—and how to protect what already works.

At First Continental Mortgage, we value partners who are willing to be candid, thoughtful, and grounded in both history and law. This piece is a strong example of the insight Mitch consistently provides to mortgage professionals navigating constant change.

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

https://www.chrismancommentary.com/post/housing-finance-rule-of-law

For more than four decades, I have worked at the intersection of housing finance, regulation, and the rule of law, and if there is one constant in mortgage banking, it is change. Yet the forces reshaping the industry today feel as consequential as any I have witnessed. Understanding what comes next....

01/27/2026

Early 2026 housing data is showing encouraging signs—buyer demand is improving, inventory is rising, and pricing remains relatively stable. For homebuyers, this creates more choice and opportunity. And when buyers connect early with our builder partners, they can better navigate today’s market, understand available incentives, and make confident decisions as conditions continue to stabilize.

©2026 First Continental Mortgage, Ltd., 6002 Rogerdale Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77072. NMLS # 56321. www.FCMDisclaimers.com.

Early 2026 housing data shows rising buyer demand, expanding inventory and stable pricing, signaling improving market momentum.