As a Salem Spartan Alumni, my roots are planted here - and Freedom First allows me the opportunity to serve my neighbors and give back to my community. From processing in 2008 to originating in 2013, my mortgage experience provides a solid base for understanding and succeeding in the real estate market.

I love educating. I love being of service. I am a problem solver and solution-driven.

I earned the Platinum award for Mortgage Loan Officer in the Roanoke Valley HOME Magazine 2022 & 2023 Readers' Favorites, and my expertise includes Conventional, FHA, Virginia Housing, and USDA mortgages. I have been serving on the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS® Community Service Committee since 2013, I am a founding member of Roanoke Professional Women for Good, and an active member for Professional Women Resources Group. I remain active in many volunteering events throughout our community.

Outside of work you will find me outdoors, volunteering, caring for my small farm, and cheering on my daughter in her horseback riding and travel basketball.

Come see how I can help you determine your best financial choices!


"Wonderful customer service and expertise from start to finish. It was a seamless process and Tessa Rider was excellent!" - Sue
Happy family of 3 standing in front of their new home

Down Payment Assistance

We have a variety of down payment assistance programs for people of all walks of life. Speak with one of our experts today to see if you qualify for one of our programs.

Young parents playing with their daughter in a cardboard box on moving day

Mortgage Resources

Looking for some additional information about buying a home? Browse our resource library!


Note: The HMDA data about our residential mortgage lending are available online for review. The data show geographic distribution of loans and applications; ethnicity, race, sex, age, and income of applicants and borrowers; and information about loan approvals and denials. Visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/hmda.