Let's Get You Closer to
Your Dream Home

James & his team are absolutely phenomenal! This is my 3rd transaction with the Friends First team & it just keeps getting better & better. James is very punctual in... read more all his timelines, reliable, thorough & communicates great. He sets reasonable expectations during the loan process & then exceeds them. He is my go to lender for quality & quick closings. Thank you James!

"James has been an absolute rockstar throughout our home buying journey! With a decade-long partnership as teammates, he's consistently earned the title of MVP. Thanks again, James, for yet another... read more stellar deal. Looking forward to many more successes together!"

Great service and friendly people!!

Mr.James Gardener surpassed my expectations I heard about this company through a friend and when I tell you he was there every step of the way even trough closing and... read more still was available to me afterwards for the questions that I had.Thanks a million !!!!!

I had such an Amazing experience with Aaron . He took his time to figure out my needs and wants and helped me make the best decision for my new... read more home! Thanks again !

Handled it like champs. James and Sylvia made the whole thing smooth and simple.

Working with James was an absolute pleasure! He made the refinancing process smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable. His professionalism, clear communication, and dedication to getting me the best deal were... read more top-notch. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience—highly recommend James to anyone looking to refinance!

My Experience with James Gardner was a mortgage journey full of heart. Buying a home is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences—but thanks to James Gardner at Friends... read more First Mortgage, mine became one of the most heartfelt and reassuring chapters of my life. From our very first conversation, James set a tone of genuine care and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. I wasn’t just another loan application to him—I was a person, with hopes, concerns, and a dream of finding the right home for my future. That distinction meant everything to me. I came into the process with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had questions and James welcomed every one of them with patience and clarity. He explained terms I didn’t understand, walked me through each step, and always made himself available, even outside of typical business hours. It felt like I had a trusted friend and brother in my corner who just happened to be a mortgage expert. There were moments during the approval process when things felt uncertain due to existing circumstances in my own personal life and James provided much needed clarification and never wavered. He was calm, strategic, and always a step ahead, communicating proactively so that I never felt in the dark. What could have been a nerve-racking experience turned into a journey marked by trust and teamwork. What truly set James apart, though, was his kindness. This wasn’t just a transaction for him—it was personal. He celebrated milestones with me, checked in just to see how I was feeling, and reminded me that my dream home wasn’t just a possibility—it was within reach. I can still remember the call when he told me I was clear to close. The joy in *his* voice matched my own. That’s how deeply he cared. Closing day came with a sense of accomplishment, not just because I had secured the keys to my new home, but because I had done it with the guidance of someone who truly believed the process would work out. James turned what could have been a cold, corporate process into a warm, human experience. To James Gardner and the team at Friends First Mortgage—thank you. Thank you for your integrity, your dedication, and most of all, your heart. You helped make my dream a reality, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

What can I say, Aaron Blake is the man. From the moment I spoke with him the first time, he told me everything he was going to do and he... read more didn't disappoint, he delivered. He kept me constantly informed, as well as my client. As an agent, I never had to call him to find out what was going on. He had the answers whenever I or my client had a question. The man know his stuff. This was my first transaction with this company, but it won't be my last. I have found a new go-to loan officer.