Jackson Brower | First Heritage Mortgage

Jackson Brower with First Heritage Mortgage is a residential loan officer serving Greater Richmond. He helps first-time buyers, move-up sellers, and investors secure the right financing with a clear, stress-reducing process. Programs include Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages; down-payment assistance such as VHDA and FHLB; investor options including DSCR; and non-QM bank-statement loans for self-employed borrowers. For homeowners who need to buy before they sell, Jackson builds practical strategies with HELOCs, short-term bridge loans, and low-cost recasts after sale. The focus is simple: accurate numbers, verified pre-approvals, and responsive coordination with your agent so you can write competitive offers and close on time.

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This episode of Rooted in Richmond; Jackson sits down with Cody Adams, local Realtor and Pro Network member, to break down everything buyers need to know before they ever call a lender.

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Customer Experience: What to Expect When Working With Jackson Brower with First Heritage Mortgage

Jackson’s team operates on three values: compassion, availability, and excellence. The relationship begins with a conversation about goals and context—budget comfort, cash to close, timeline, and life factors that shape the purchase. You can apply online or by phone; either way, documents are reviewed up front so your pre-approval is based on facts, not assumptions. Jackson then schedules a call to explain the recommended loan, alternatives worth considering, estimated payment, and cash to close.

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Competitiveness is built into the process. For every offer, Jackson prepares property-specific numbers and personally calls the listing agent to confirm file strength, timeline, and communication. That call often surfaces practical issues early—like program-specific property conditions—so the offer can address them. Example: a buyer using FHA needed a porch railing to satisfy safety standards; adding that commitment to the offer helped win the home. Behind the scenes, the workflow moves cleanly from pre-approval to clear-to-close, with quick answers on nights and weekends when the market is moving.

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Jackson’s program range supports both straightforward and nuanced scenarios. He originates Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans and works with VHDA/FHLB assistance where eligible. For self-employed buyers, he can evaluate bank-statement options when tax write-offs reduce qualifying income. For investors, he places Conventional or DSCR financing based on the strategy and property. For first-time sellers, he offers three tools to compete non-contingent: a HELOC on the current home, a 6–12 month bridge loan (interest-only, designed to be paid off at sale), and a recast to lower the payment after proceeds are applied—often a fraction of the cost of a full refinance.

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“We only win when our clients win. I’m obsessed with winning.”
— Jackson Brower with First Heritage Mortgage

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Mortgage Lending Tips for RVA Homeowners

• Demand a real pre-approval. If no one asked for pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, bank statements, and full housing costs, it’s not reliable. Strong files win in multiple-offer situations and survive underwriting.
• Have your lender call the listing agent. A brief credibility call about your documents, timeline, and readiness can help your offer stand out.
• Use the right “sell-and-buy” tool. A HELOC can provide down payment funds before you sell. A short-term bridge loan can remove the sale contingency. A recast after you sell can lower the payment without a full refinance.
• Don’t rely on generic online payment estimates. Many portals assume 20% down and top-tier credit. Ask for property-specific numbers before you submit an offer.
• Know program basics that affect property condition. FHA and some appraisals flag items like missing railings or safety concerns. Addressing those in the offer can prevent delays.
• If you’re eligible for VA, confirm entitlement early. Have your lender pull the COE at pre-approval, especially if you have an existing VA loan. Ask about second-tier entitlement and how to reinstate benefits after a sale.
• Self-employed? Explore bank-statement options. When tax write-offs reduce qualifying income, non-QM programs can help—expect thorough documentation and clear terms.
• Investors: match loan to strategy. DSCR loans focus on property cash flow. Conventional remains useful when personal income supports the debt and pricing is favorable.
• Use an amortization calculator. Even modest extra principal payments can cut years off a loan and save significant interest over time.
• Recheck numbers when life changes. New debt, income shifts, bonuses, or timeline changes can alter eligibility. Refresh pre-approval before touring again.

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Bottom line: Jackson Brower with First Heritage Mortgage pairs verified pre-approvals, proactive agent-to-agent communication, and a full slate of loan options—giving Richmond buyers and first-time sellers a clear plan to compete and close with confidence.

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Profile credit: Insights provided by Jackson Brower with First Heritage Mortgage.