Our Team
Real local people.
Direct numbers. No call centers.
When you call First Choice you reach a person in Augusta — usually the same loan officer who’ll guide you to closing. Same names, same desks, year after year. That’s how 30+ years of relationships in the CSRA get built.
Leadership
Setting the table since 1992.
President
Dirk Merritt
Leads First Choice as an independent Augusta lender and broker — the same model the firm has run since 1992. Dirk is passionate about removing pain points throughout the mortgage process and helping people realize the dream of homeownership.
NMLS# 226717 · GRMA# 34630
The Inner Team
Sr. Mortgage Loan Processor
Janet Rush
Mortgage Loan Closer
Tara Gilbert
Company Mascot
Gus
Good boy. Slept through every closing. Many days of the week Gus will greet you in the lobby of First Choice Mortgage with a happy wagging tail. Also look for his Ask Gus Questions on our Facebook page.
Loan Officers
The team that gets your loan to the table.
Our LOs work as licensed lenders and brokers — meaning they shop the same loan across multiple investors, then bring you the one that actually fits.
Loan Officer
Quentin Dillingham
NMLS# 1727131 · GRMA# 61923
Want to talk to one of us?
Call the office, fill out the form, or stop by Davis Road. Whichever you prefer — we’ll match you with the right loan officer.