How We Create Our Content
Our mortgage guides are written by our in-house senior mortgage writers and reviewed for accuracy by Christopher Arco, President of 1st Nationwide Mortgage (company NMLS #1281). We translate complex, frequently-changing lending guidelines into clear, accurate information you can act on — drawing on primary sources such as HUD, the FHFA, the VA, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, and the CFPB.
When an article carries a “Reviewed by” credit, it means Christopher has personally reviewed that piece for accuracy.
Christopher Arco — President
Christopher Arco is President of 1st Nationwide Mortgage, an Irvine, California lender specializing in financing for real estate investors and self-employed borrowers — DSCR, bank statement, 1099, non-QM, bridge, hard money, and commercial loans. With 27+ years in the lending industry, he reviews 1st Nationwide’s educational content for accuracy. Connect on LinkedIn .
Scott Fitzpatrick — Senior Mortgage Writer
Scott is a Senior Mortgage Writer with more than a decade of experience covering the lending process for homebuyers, real estate investors, and homeowners. Since joining 1st Nationwide Mortgage in 2014, he has written extensively about conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and non-QM financing. Scott specializes in translating complex mortgage guidelines into practical information borrowers can understand and use. When he’s not researching lending trends or writing educational content, he works closely with our licensed loan officers and industry professionals to stay current on changing loan programs, underwriting guidelines, and housing-market conditions.
Ashley Martin — Senior Mortgage Writer
Ashley is a Senior Mortgage Writer with more than 10 years in the residential mortgage industry. Since joining 1st Nationwide Mortgage in 2014, she has written extensively to help readers understand their financing options and the home-loan process. Her writing spans purchase mortgages, refinances, self-employed borrower financing, investment property loans, and specialized programs — breaking down complex topics into clear, straightforward guidance. Through close work with our loan officers, real estate professionals, and lending partners, Ashley stays connected to the challenges facing today’s homebuyers, with the goal of providing practical, accurate information at every stage of the mortgage journey.
1st Nationwide Mortgage · NMLS #1281 · Equal Housing Lender · Irvine, California
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