A Big Change That Could Help You Qualify For A Home Loan Have you ever been told you couldn’t get a conventional loan mortgage because of your credit score — or because you didn’t have a credit score at all? That used to be a deal-breaker. But, as of November 16, 2025, that’s changed. New rules […]
Not every buyer fits the traditional mortgage mold, and in today’s shifting market, you can’t afford to lose a deal just because your client’s income or profile falls outside the standard path. If you’re working with self-employed buyers, real estate investors, or high-asset clients, flexible financing options like bank statement loans or DSCR programs can […]
BankSouth Mortgage loan officer Carol Schretter has been selected for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs 2025 Homebuyer Advocate Award for long-term, community-centered advocacy that helps Georgia renters prepare for first-time homeownership. BankSouth Mortgage is proud to share that Carol Schretter will be honored by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) with its 2025 […]
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and one of the most exciting. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or ready to move up, understanding your mortgage options can make the entire process smoother and less stressful. That’s why we created the BankSouth Mortgage Homebuyers Guide, a comprehensive digital resource that walks you through […]
Many self-employed borrowers assume they can’t qualify for a mortgage without W-2s, but that’s not true. The real challenge isn’t if you can qualify, it’s how you prepare. When you’re self-employed, getting mortgage-ready means organizing your finances so lenders can see the full picture of your income. With the right steps, you can position yourself […]
Picture this: your agent wants your current house spotless and staged so you can snag a top-dollar offer. Perfect—except you need those sale proceeds for a big down payment on your next place before the first one closes. A mortgage recast can bridge that gap and lower your payment after you sell. Welcome to the […]
BankSouth Mortgage is proud to announce that Kim Nelson has once again been recognized by HousingWire as one of its “Women of Influence,” joining the 2025 class of 100 exceptional leaders shaping the future of housing. This marks Nelson’s second time receiving the national honor, having also been recognized in 2022. The “Women of Influence” […]
The Next Generation of Homebuyers Is Here—and They’re Making a Statement First-time homebuyers made up 58% of agency purchase loans in Q1 2025, according to ICE Mortgage Technology. That kind of momentum—driven largely by Gen Z and Millennials—is reshaping the housing market and confirming what we’ve already seen across our BankSouth Mortgage communities: a new […]
BankSouth Mortgage is proud to announce that its Savannah branch has been voted “Best Mortgage Lender” by readers of Best of Savannah HOMES magazine. This annual recognition is part of the publication’s highly anticipated reader poll, which highlights the top-rated professionals and businesses serving the Savannah real estate community. Voted on by the public, this […]
ReadyLoan®, a digital mortgage platform by BankSouth Mortgage, is revolutionizing the home financing experience by offering a streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly solution. With ReadyLoan®, prospective homeowners can easily apply for a mortgage online or via the mobile app, track their loan progress, and securely manage all necessary documentation. Designed with the modern borrower in mind, […]
At BankSouth Mortgage, we understand that the path to homeownership is different for everyone. For many, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a part of that journey, but it’s important to weigh its pros and cons to determine if it’s the right choice for your financial situation. Let’s dive into the benefits and drawbacks of PMI […]
Securing the best mortgage rate can significantly impact your home-buying journey, potentially saving you thousands over the life of your loan. At BankSouth Mortgage, we believe that being informed and prepared is the key to unlocking the best rates. Here are some practical tips to help you understand what influences mortgage rates and how you […]
Welcome, future homeowners! At BankSouth Mortgage, we understand that buying your first home is a major milestone, and navigating the world of mortgage options for first-time homebuyers can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to break down the basics for you. Let’s explore the general types of mortgage options available, so you can make informed […]
Securing the best mortgage rate is a critical step in the home-buying process. Locking in a rate ensures you are protected against market fluctuations during the often lengthy process of finalizing your mortgage. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand how to lock in a mortgage rate effectively. What Does It Mean to Lock […]
The appraisal process is one of the most critical steps in a real estate transaction. This single assessment has the power to either make or break an entire deal and can be stressful for home buyers and sellers alike. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand exactly how a home’s value […]
Are you considering building your dream home? Navigating the new construction landscape can be thrilling, yet understanding the recent market trends is crucial. According to CoreLogic’s latest Quarterly Construction Insights, there’s much to be optimistic about! Key Market Trends Lumber Costs Decreasing: We’ve seen a significant drop in lumber prices, down by 23% in the U.S. […]
In the dynamic realm of real estate, a game-changing trend has emerged, offering prospective homebuyers a direct route to their dream homes. iBuyers, innovative companies revolutionizing the home-selling process, provide a unique opportunity for individuals to expedite the sale of their current homes, enabling them to swiftly secure the funds needed for a down payment […]
For those looking to buy a home, understanding the various mortgage options can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s ever-evolving real estate market. However, it’s essential to explore all the tools and options available to make the best decision for your future. One fantastic loan program that is gaining popularity among homebuyers is the Lender-Paid Buydown. […]
For many prospective homebuyers, the allure of historically low interest rates, particularly the coveted 3% mark, is a dream that seems to have slipped through their fingers as we transition out of the pandemic era. These rates were indeed remarkable, but it’s important to understand that they were a response to the potential economic disaster […]
If you’re a homeowner, you’re most likely sitting on some serious cash with the equity in your home, especially with the significant increases in most property values recently. The amount of equity you have is equal to the current value of your home minus the amount you may still owe on your home. Did you […]
If you’ve been keeping up with the news on interest rates, you might feel discouraged about achieving your dream of owning a home. But fear not! At BankSouth Mortgage, we’re here to empower you with practical solutions that will help you conquer today’s high rates and secure your dream home. In this article, we’ll explore […]
In the constantly evolving landscape of the mortgage industry, many have been swayed by the lure of online lenders with centralized call centers. Yet, as recent industry developments have shown, the wisdom of the traditional approach of having a dedicated, expert loan officer who can guide you and be available when you have questions, combined […]
Happy National Financial Awareness Day! Today, we celebrate the importance of financial literacy and awareness, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their money and investments. At BankSouth Mortgage, we believe that understanding finances and investing wisely is crucial, but today, we want to highlight the exceptional value that homeownership brings to financial security and […]
Are you a veteran, an active-duty service member, or a surviving spouse looking to buy a home that needs a little TLC? Or perhaps you’re a current homeowner who wants to make some updates to your property to increase its value and improve your quality of life. Whatever your situation may be, the VA renovation […]
The home-buying journey can often feel like a thrilling roller coaster ride. From the excitement of browsing through listings to the exhilarating rush when you find ‘the one’, each moment is a blend of anticipation and intrigue…
When you’re applying for a loan, understanding the various costs involved is crucial. One of the significant components of homeownership is property taxes, which can have a significant impact on your monthly payments. However, it’s essential to be aware that property tax estimates can vary among lenders. In this blog post, we will provide you […]
When buying a home, navigating the complex world of real estate transactions can be overwhelming. One term that often arises in the process is “escrow.” But what exactly is escrow, what is it used for, and how does it work in a mortgage transaction? Escrow is an arrangement in which a third party holds funds […]
When navigating the mortgage process, you might come across a term called Loan-Level Price Adjustment, or LLPA. While it may sound complex, it’s essential to understand this concept to make the most informed decisions about your mortgage. In this blog post, we’ll break down the basics of LLPAs in easy-to-understand language, so you can feel […]
If you own a home, you may be eligible for certain tax deductions that can help lower the taxes you owe on your federal income tax return. You may be able to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage loan and any property taxes you pay on your home. Also, if you closed on […]
National Fair Housing month is a time to reflect on the importance of fair housing and fair lending practices in the real estate and mortgage industries. Fair lending laws exist to ensure that all borrowers, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other protected status, have equal access to credit and are treated fairly […]
Fannie Mae HomeStyle® and Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® are two popular renovation loan programs offered by BankSouth Mortgage. There are similarities and differences between the two programs that borrowers should know before choosing which program to apply for. Eligibility: The eligibility requirements for both HomeStyle® and CHOICERenovation® loans are similar. Both programs require the property to […]
Español | 中文 | Tiếng Việt | 한국어 | Tagalog For those who feel more comfortable speaking a language other than English, the mortgage process can be an overwhelming task. Financial institutions often conduct their mortgage application and closing process in English, creating a language barrier that can be intimidating to navigate. However, there’s no need to worry, as […]
Did you know that mortgage interest rates vary from person to person? Interest rates are based on specific criteria, which can vary between financial institutions. Lenders use several factors to determine the interest rate for each borrower. These factors include loan terms, such as the loan-to-value, length of the loan, and program type. Lenders also […]
Purchasing a home is a complex and often stressful process for a buyer. As a real estate agent, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your clients is of utmost importance. Working with excellent partners is one way to make this happen, and your most important partner is your mortgage partner. You […]
Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes warmer temperatures and the anticipation of sprucing up your curb appeal. It’s a time to paint, play in the dirt, or bring out the power washer to clean things up. Whether you plan on staying in your home or considering putting your home on the […]
A seller-paid buydown allows the seller of a home to reduce the buyer’s monthly mortgage payment for an initial period, typically one or two years. To increase their chance of selling their home, sellers will offer this as an incentive to potential buyers. A seller-paid buydown can be offered by the builder of a new […]
We’ve all heard of the term co-signer, but what does it mean, and how can it serve you in purchasing a home? For the right situation, a co-signer can aid in securing a home loan for a purchaser so that he/she can move forward from renting and into home ownership. Here’s what you need to […]
