With more than 20 years of experience in the title industry, Michelle R. Black is the President and Owner of Home First Title Group, LLC and Commercial First Title, LLC, a trusted provider of residential and commercial title services. Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation for delivering accuracy, professionalism, and client-focused solutions that protect property ownership and ensure smooth real estate transactions. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a respected agency known for its integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to both individual homeowners and commercial developers. Her expertise spans every aspect of the title process, from complex residential deals to commercial closings, giving clients the confidence that their most important investments are protected. Passionate about client service, Michelle emphasizes transparency, responsiveness, and teamwork, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and trusted guidance. She continues to lead with the vision of providing innovative title solutions while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.

With more than 20 years combined experience in finance, operations, and marketing, Monique serves as Chief Financial Officer and Marketing Director of Home First Title Group. Monique’s dual role at Home First Title allows her to combine financial expertise with strategic marketing leadership, ensuring both the stability and continued growth of the company. As CFO, Monique oversees all aspects of financial duties such as balancing wires, and checks assuring a smooth transaction, that supports Home First Title Group’s reputation for reliability and client confidence. In her capacity as Marketing Director, she develops and implements innovative strategies to strengthen the company’s presence, engage clients, and build lasting relationships within the real estate community. Known for her professionalism, creativity, and client-first approach, Monique plays a key role in guiding Home First Title Group’s mission to deliver seamless, accurate, and trustworthy title services. Her leadership reflects a balance of financial stewardship and forward-thinking strategy, helping position the company as a leader in the residential title industry.

Christina Garvey-Berman is Co-Founder/Owner of Velocity Title where she is responsible for leading one of the most innovative and client-focused companies in the industry. With over 35 years of management and underwriting experience, Christina’s unmatched understanding of the title industry allows her to “move clients forward” with the most effective and streamlined services available. Though in charge of business operations, Christina is still extremely hands-on with all her clients’ needs—ensuring their final step in the homebuying process is efficient, easy and informative. Previously, Christina owned Gateway Title Inc., which she founded in 1995. There she was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015 by the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. As a recognized veteran and underwriting expert, Christina regularly trains and educates fellow colleagues on the latest title updates and trends—as well as the basics of real estate practices to those just getting started. Christina holds a Maryland Title Insurance License, is a Notary Public, and a member of the American Land and Title Association (ALTA).

Russell Donaldson Esq., is a seasoned real estate attorney providing in house services to Home First Title Group (HFTG). He is also Founder and President of the Law Offices of G. Russell Donaldson, PA. Prior to joining HFTG, Mr. Donaldson was Co-Founder of Velocity Title Company. With over three decades of experience as an attorney, Real Estate Broker and title expert, Mr. Donaldson understands the industry like no other. As an experienced and trained Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act attorney, Mr. Donaldson can mitigate even the most complex real estate legal issues. He represents clients in wide range of both residential and commercial real estate transactions. Mr. Donaldson provides expert testimony to many law firms and real estate litigators and sits as an arbiter and mediator in real estate contract disputes.  Legal professionals and high-profile celebrities seek out Mr. Donaldson for their legal and title real estate needs. One of the nation’s select few graduates of the Citizen’s Academy of the FBI, Mr. Donaldson has acted as a consultant with the Bureau on real estate and mortgage fraud matters and investigations. Mr. Donaldson has also shared his expertise as a co-host of a MD real estate news show on WNAV Radio in Annapolis/Washington and has been a frequent guest on Channel 9 USA Morning News as legal consultant on various legal and real estate and mortgage finance issues.

As a leading Settlement Coordinator at Home First Title Group, Nicole uses her over 15 years’ experience in the title industry to guide her clients through the closing process. Specializing in residential closings and refinances, Nicole focuses on effective communication and putting her clients first in every transaction. Nicole makes sure her clients have the most information and resources possible—supporting them every step of the way. Her goal is to ensure seamless transactions for all parties involved, every time. Nicole is not only an expert at the closing process, but she also excels in digital marketing development. You can often find her helping the team with technology driven tasks and projects. Prior to her role at Home First Title, Nicole was a Settlement Coordinator at Velocity Title. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University where she Majored in Art & Design, and Minored in Business Admin. When she’s not working you can find her reading, at the movies or a concert, baking and spending time with friends and family.

Stacey Berry has worked in the title industry for over 13 years. As the Office Coordinator for Home First Title Group, Stacey is vital to the success of every transaction. She works tirelessly to leave a positive impression on every client she meets. Stacey is an expert at seamlessly resolving issues, helping staff manage transactions, opening files, directing client communications, and managing the office. She is patient and always willing to help. With a background in customer service, she understands the importance of exceeding clients’ expectations—every time! Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family and three dogs.

Kim Blair is a leading Settlement Officer at Home First Title Group. With an extensive background in both real estate and title, Kim brings a complete understanding of every side of the transaction to her clients. She has conducted settlements all over Maryland, Northern Virginia, and D.C., and is well-versed in remote online notarization (RON) closings—giving clients flexibility and peace of mind. With over 15 years’ experience in the real estate industry, Kim understands the importance of putting her clients first. Her unwavering commitment to client care, strong communication skills and ability to solve problems quickly are what makes her one of the best! Before joining the title industry, Kim spent over a decade as a licensed REALTOR®, helping buyers and sellers navigate all types of markets. As a Licensed REALTOR® and Licensed Title Producer, Kim brings a unique and well-rounded understanding of the real estate market to the table. When she’s not helping clients at the closing table, you’ll find her living the coastal life with her husband, Chris, and spending time with their two sons and her Mom. You can also find Kim in her garage workshop creating for her coastal craft business, Seashells & Sawdust—because a little sawdust (and laughter) makes life better.

As the Communications Director at Home First Title Group, Lauren oversees the brand strategy ensuring consistent and strategic messaging through all channels. Lauren uses her over 15 years of B2B and B2C marketing experience to support Home First Title’s mission to grow by executing campaigns that shape the brand and lead to increase market recognition and ROI. Lauren excels at communication and PR strategy development. These efforts include content creation, website management, collateral development, special events, persona messaging, strategic inbound marketing content development, social media and more. Prior to Home First Title, Lauren spent 5 years as the Director of Marketing for Velocity Title Group. Before that, Lauren worked as a Sr. Communications Specialist for a B2B consulting and technology firm. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mass Communications from Towson University. When she’s not working, she’s spending time with her family or has her nose in a book.  

With over twenty years in the title insurance industry, Alison brings a wealth of knowledge to the Home First Title team as a leading Settlement Agent and Manager of the Southern Maryland branch. Alison oversees each step of the settlement process and ensures that everything is as efficient as possible. She knows how valuable the customer’s time is and has a great ‘Cliff’s Notes’ version of every document for settlement to keep closings streamlined and easy without leaving room for confusion about the paperwork. Prior to joining forces with Home First Title Group, Alison enjoyed eight years with Velocity National Title Company, Legends Title Group for seven years, and Beltway Title & Abstract for five years. Alison is the legal assistant to Home First Title’s on-staff counsel, G. Russell Donaldson. Alison has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the Catholic University of America and a Paralegal Certification from the College of Southern Maryland. Alison also carries a Qualia Expert Certification. When she is not at the office, she’s busy with her high school sweetheart husband, three sons, and her beloved shelter dog, Radar. She is a marathon runner, yoga practitioner, avid reader, photographer, and loves seeing live music. She volunteers her time with Wingate University Men’s lacrosse, Huntingtown High School boys’ lacrosse and Calvert Cannons lacrosse.

As one of the most recognized settlement services providers in Maryland, Tracey DeHaut is Settlement Officer at Home First Title. With over 35 years of experience in the title industry, Tracey is focused on ensuring her clients get the best service possible. Having conducted thousands of closings, Tracey understands the importance of attention to detail, and works hands on with her clients—informing and guiding them through every step of the closing process. Prior to her role at Home First Title, Tracey worked at Velocity Title where she worked directly with the Co-Founder, Christina Garvey, to help build it to become one of Maryland’s top agencies. She also worked with Christina at Gateway Title for over 15 years. Clients often request Tracey to conduct their settlement closings because they trust her experience. A genuine people person, Tracey’s gift of communication sets people at ease in every real estate transaction. She takes pride in her professionalism, and will do everything to move your client forward as efficiently as possible.

Rachel Hall is a leading Title Processor at Home First Title Group. She specializes in managing complex transactions with precision and care—ensuring every detail is handled efficiently and timely. Rachel puts her clients first, and prides herself on being dependable and personable. With over five years processing closings at Home First Title, Rachel has quickly become a top closer. She has successfully helped hundreds of clients reach the finish line in their next chapter of life. Helping clients navigate smooth, stress-free settlements is what Rachel excels at, and she does it every time! Her background in restaurant management and development has equipped her with the skills to multi-task and balance priorities. When Rachel isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and granddaughter.

Richard J. Ham, an attorney at Home First Title Group with over 55 years’ experience in real estate, is one of the most practiced attorneys in the industry. Richard specializes in all types of residential and commercial matters in real estate contracts and settlements. He has acted as Counsel for several area banks in preparing promissory notes, deeds of trust, financing statements and personal loan guarantees on various commercial acquisitions such as apartment buildings and shopping centers.  Also, he provides services related to the preparation of notes and personal guarantees in Seller-financed transactions. Another benefit Richard provides to clients is that he is experienced in the preparation of Wills, Revocable Living Trusts and Health Care Agent Appointments as well as handling the probate of estates. Richard is a graduate of the George Washington Law School in Washington, D.C. and holds a Juris Doctorate of Law. When he’s not helping clients, he enjoys playing competitive golf around the Mid-Atlantic area.

Valerie Hobart is a leading Settlement Processor at Home First Title Group. With over 30 years of experience in the title industry, Valerie understands how to manage even the most complex title transactions. She works hard to ensure every closing is done as efficiently as possible and that her clients leave informed and happy. Prior to joining Home First Title Group, Valerie worked at Velocity Title for seven years. Before that, Valerie spent over a decade at Gateway Title. She is known for her unmatched attention to detail and her ability to keep a closing on schedule even when an issue arises.

Victoria Jarboe comes to Home First Title Group with decades of experience. A known leader in the industry, Victoria has a strong understanding of the specific laws and requirements for title insurances service. Victoria puts her over 32 years’ experience to good use helping clients successfully complete their transactions using the latest in title technology and services. Having started in the industry as a teenager at her Uncle’s company, Jarboe Title, Victoria grew into her own taking over management duties until moving on to take over as President of Pro Title—a division of First Home Mortgage. She joined Velocity Title’s Co-Founder, Glenn Donaldson, in 2013 as VP of Marketing and Settlement Services at Legends Title Group. She then moved on to Velocity Title where she was the Director of the Southeast Division. Victoria is excited to continue putting her clients first to ensure their unique needs are met as efficiently as possible.

With over 40 years of experience in the title industry, Cheryl Latham is an expert Settlement Officer at Home First Title Group. With her vast understanding of the profession, Cheryl is an expert at handling every aspect of real estate closings—from beginning to end. Cheryl’s ability to research title problems and resolve them quickly is an asset to all parties involved in a transaction. Her unmatched focus to detail helps her clients get through the closing process as seamlessly as possible. Cheryl holds a Title Producer’s License in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and Delaware. She is a Notary Public for the State of Maryland and approved to handle Remote Online Notarizations with the State of Maryland. Prior to joining Home First Title Group, Cheryl was the Settlement Manager at Velocity Title. Her decades of experience also include working for a new home builder where she managed the closings from start to finish, in-house. When not working, Cheryl enjoys gardening, movies and spending time with her three grandchildren.

Lauren Malloy is an expert Settlement Officer and Coordinator at Home First Title Group. Bringing over 27 years of experience to the table, Lauren is a veteran in the title industry and has an unmatched knowledge of the closing process. With strong communication skills and a drive for efficiency, Lauren works to ensure her clients are informed and involved in their closings. She understands how to identify potential issues before they arise and keep her clients happy. Lauren is detail-driven and takes pride in keeping everything moving forward seamlessly. Lauren began her career in real estate right after high school, working at Gateway Title. She was also a licensed Real Estate Agent for ten years and was certified in Short Sales. When Lauren isn’t working, you can find her cheering on her favorite sports teams (Go Commanders!) and spending time with her family and friends.

Josiah Thompson is a leading Settlement Officer at Home First Title Group. With over 4 years of experience in the industry, Josiah has a well-rounded understanding of every aspect involved in the settlement process—especially when it comes to title policies. During his time at Home First Title, Josiah has developed an extensive knowledge base on the entire home closing process. He is able to anticipate and resolve issues quickly, keep transactions on schedule and provide clients with confidence and peace of mind. His keen eye for detail and efficiency ensures his clients have a seamless and positive closing experience. Josiah is a licensed Title Insurance Producer in Maryland and a Notary Public. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland and has an extensive background in the arts. In fact, when he’s not at work you can find him singing, reading or hiking.

With over 30 years working in the real estate industry, Stephanie Scott is a leading Settlement Processor at Home First Title Group. Stephanie puts her valuable experience to work by guiding her clients smoothly through the home buying and selling process. With an unmatched understanding of real estate transactions, Stephanie strives to ensure clear communication, effective organization, and attention to detail during every closing. One of the ways she accomplishes this is by making sure all parties involved are educated on the closing process and know what to expect. Before joining Home First Title, Stephanie worked in a fast-paced customer service environment with other title companies and real estate professionals. She has also worked on the mortgage processing side. With a well-rounded history in real estate, Stephanie has a solid understating of the settlement process from start to finish from multiple perspectives. Outside of work, you can find Stephanie spending time with her family and friends or catching up on her favorite shows and Hallmark Christmas movies.

Anne Walsh is a veteran in the title industry with over 40 years of experience handling complex commercial real estate transactions. As the Director of the Commercial Division at Home First Title, Anne is focused on meeting the unique needs of every client as efficiently as possible. Always striving to improve upon her last best, Anne uses her commercial real estate knowledge and resources to get her clients to the settlement table. Known for her energy and attention to detail, Anne is well regarded and sought after in the industry. Her work experiences include a wide variety of commercial transactions, including Golf Courses, Municipal Purchases, Warehouses, Churches, Hotels, Day Care Centers, Subdivisions, Gas Station/Convenience Stores, Retail Sites, SBA Loans and Redevelopment Authority transactions—to name a few. No matter the size of your transaction, you can count on Anne to provide professional service. Prior to Home First Title, Anne spent seven years managing the Commercial Division at Velocity Title. Before that she spent almost eight years managing the Commercial Division at Gateway Title Inc. Anne spent the first two decades of her career working for real estate law firms in the Maryland area.

Heather Weber is an expert Post Closer at Home First Title Group. With over 30 years’ experience in the title industry, Heather understands what it takes to ensure a successful post-closing process. With a focus on detail, Heather reviews documents for accuracy, communicates with clients and lenders to rectify any additional questions, and makes sure the last step in the transaction is as streamlined as possible. Prior to working at Home First Title, Heather was a Title Abstractor for many years. When she’s not busy at work, she loves to sew and craft.

For over 30 years, Glynis Thomas has worked in the title industry. As a Marketer at Home First Title Group, she works directly with real estate professionals across the industry to help meet their unique needs. She specializes in the residential side of real estate and understands how to navigate its complexities. With an eye for detail, Glynis prides herself on solving any issues that may arise. She is a people person and always ensures her clients are informed and happy. As a former title company owner, Glynis brings unmatched experience and focus to all of the transactions she works on. Glynis is also a licensed real estate agent which allows her to better meet the needs of her agent clients. When Glynis is not working, you can find her helping her family with their BBQ restaurant. She’s an amazing cook!