Empire Team

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Empire Team Lenders

Brian A. Williams
VP, Producing Production Manager
NMLS ID#: 545226
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Shachi Bhardwaj
VP, Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS ID#: 200704
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About Empire Team

We're unique because of our longevity!  We’ve been in the mortgage industry for quite a while and have served as The Empire Team for the last eight years.  We complement each other’s strengths and work together to serve our clients.  Most of our clients are first-time home buyers. It gives us such a feeling of fulfillment to help and guide them during the entire process so that they feel confident and comfortable in making a decision that fits their unique needs the best. Words that are used most often to describe our team and the level of service we provide are experts, patient, and accurate.  This is not a reputation you come by overnight.  It’s a proven means of doing consistent business time and again for each and every client.  We are experts in our market because we are local; we know the neighborhoods; we understand the ebb and flow of the market and have a deep understanding of the products we offer.  Since most of our clients are first-time home buyers, we feel that education is the key element in their home-buying journey.  We are in the process with each applicant from the beginning to the end, making sure they understand what is going on and why.  When serving all parties in the loan process, the client and agents alike, we make it a priority to be available to answer questions in a timely manner and speak to the questions being asked, expertly!

Reviews

5
Ratings
323
Total Reviews

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M
Michael Kumimoto
Posted on December 17, 2025
5.0
This is my second time working with Brian as my mortgage loan professional, and once again he was outstanding. He’s incredibly responsive, explains the process clearly, and always takes the time to make sure every question is answered. Working with Brian makes what can be a stressful process feel smooth and straightforward
A
Andrew Lucero
Posted on November 30, 2025
5.0
An absolute amazing experience! He's very knowledgeable, genuine, does a great job explaining every which way scenario can go. Cannot say enough good things about Brian Williams!! Highly recommend 100/10
N
Nate Condrey
Posted on November 28, 2025
5.0
Brian was great to work with. He communicated quickly, clearly, and with excellent detail. I’d be more than happy to work with him again.
L
Lindsey Thornhill
Posted on November 28, 2025
5.0
Brian provided excellent transparency and guidance throughout the process.
L
Lindsey Thornhill
Posted on November 26, 2025
5.0
Clear, patient, and transparent guidance throughout the home buying process.
L
Lindsey Thornhill
Posted on November 26, 2025
5.0
Excellent mortgage officer. Clear, patient, and transparent guidance throughout the entire home buying process.
J
Joseph Hanson
Posted on November 19, 2025
5.0
Brain went above and beyond to earn my business. I was originally going with a different lender, but Brian offered me too good of a deal with Bank South Mortgage. He explained the numbers very well and made sure I got the best deal from the builder. Brian helped me best allocate the contribution amount from the builder, and was privy to the rules of what I can and can't use the money towards. He is very trustworthy and treats like you are family. I will gladly refer anyone to Brian.
I
Ipshita Abraham
Posted on October 6, 2025
5.0
Brian was amazing to work with on my home purchase! From the start, he made the whole process feel personal and stress-free. He explained everything clearly, was always quick to respond, and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. You can tell he genuinely cares about his clients. I’m so grateful for his help and would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for a loan officer who goes the extra mile.
N
Nathi Apple
Posted on October 5, 2025
5.0
Working with Brian from BankSouth has been an amazing experience from start to finish. As a first-time homebuyer, I had so many questions and concerns, and Brian went above and beyond to guide me through every step of the mortgage process. He was patient, extremely knowledgeable, with Genuine care and always quick to respond with clear explanations that made everything easy to understand. What impressed me most was his ability to simplify complex details around rates, loan options, and closing costs so I could make confident decisions. He was proactive in providing updates, kept everything on track, and made sure there were no surprises along the way. Because of Brian’s support, my closing went smoothly and stress-free. I truly felt like he was looking out for my best interest the whole time. I highly recommend Brian and BankSouth to anyone looking for a professional, trustworthy, and responsive lender partner.
N
Natasha Wilkins
Posted on September 27, 2025
5.0
Brian was PHENOMENAL!! He was more helpful than my real estate agent. He was kind, responsive, knowledgeable, and very patient. He made my home buying process less stressful than it could have been, and answered every question I had along the way. My home buying process took about six months because I was picky about the development and the price. Brian would routinely check in with me and was always available when I would reach out with questions. When I finally put in an offer at the location I had been eyeing and we entered the phase where I had to lock in the interest rate he would call and let me know of market trends, and even in this very tough market, I was able to lock in a great rate with his guidance. Brian, I can’t thank you enough for your professionalism and expertise. If I were able to give you my realtor’s commission I totally would. I hope this review gets you your well deserved flowers and rewards. Thank you again and thank you Bank South.
S
Sara Marbaugh
Posted on September 21, 2025
5.0
Brian was wonderful to work with. I will definitely recommend him to future clients!
D
Darrin Smith
Posted on August 19, 2025
5.0
Brian was great throughout the entire process. He was always responsive and gave me frequent updates along the way. He even checked up on me after the closing.
A
Anthony Williams
Posted on August 14, 2025
5.0
.Brian was great to work with, communicated and follow-up clear and often.
J
J.M. Smith
Posted on July 4, 2025
5.0
Working with Brian Williams and the entire team at BankSouth Mortgage was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Brian is highly experienced, professional, and incredibly kind. He took the time to explain every step of the process clearly and thoroughly, always following through on what he promised. His honesty and integrity were evident throughout, and he truly made the entire home loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Out of all the home loans I’ve had in the past, this was by far the best experience. Brian and his team go above and beyond to provide outstanding service and support. If you’re looking for a trustworthy loan officer who genuinely cares about his clients, I can’t recommend Brian Williams enough. You will be extremely happy with the service and results you receive.
J
JAY SMITH
Posted on July 4, 2025
5.0
Working with Brian Williams and the entire team at BankSouth Mortgage was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Brian is highly experienced, professional, and incredibly kind. He took the time to explain every step of the process clearly and thoroughly, always following through on what he promised. His honesty and integrity were evident throughout, and he truly made the entire home loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Out of all the home loans I’ve had in the past, this was by far the best experience. Brian and his team go above and beyond to provide outstanding service and support. If you’re looking for a trustworthy loan officer who genuinely cares about his clients, I can’t recommend Brian Williams enough. You will be extremely happy with the service and results you receive.
F
Fernando Trujillo
Posted on June 30, 2025
5.0
Greatest loan officer that I have worked with
Z
Zen Bj
Posted on June 21, 2025
5.0
He has been very attentive, helpful knowledgeable in his field. He was also was very patient with us. We truly appreciated working with him.
E
Ethan Lovelace
Posted on April 29, 2025
5.0
E
Elizabeth Rudder
Posted on April 9, 2025
5.0
Brian is an excellent loan officer. He communicates throughout the entire home buying process. I would definitely partner with Brian on all my Transactions.
J
Juhi Mancha
Posted on April 3, 2025
5.0
Brian is an exceptional, genuine, extremely kind, and dedicated loan officer! As a first time homeowner, he went above and beyond to ensure that I felt comfortable, informed, and educated about the home buying process. Brian answered questions outside of working hours, provided detailed responses to all my questions via calls/emails, and maintained a high standard of professionalism. Through his honest conduct, I was able to make the best financial decisions for myself indifferent of the outcome to him/BankSouth. He earned my trust and I would HIGHLY recommend him to all my family/friends/peers in the future as well as continue to keep working with BankSouth. The entire team (Brian/BankSouth) are truly are amazing to work with!
5
Ratings
311
Total Reviews

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A
Alan Sutton
Posted on December 22, 2025
5.0
J
Jami Guinter
Posted on September 8, 2025
5.0
Shachi provided excellent service. She is responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares. I would highly recommend her.
J
Jami Guinter
Posted on September 8, 2025
5.0
Shachi provided excellent service. She is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and genuinely cares. I will definitely reach out to her again when I need another home loan.
S
Saurabh Warke
Posted on July 31, 2025
5.0
A Heartfelt Thank You to BankSouth Mortgage and Shachi’s Incredible Team Navigating the U.S. mortgage process as a newcomer from Canada with no local credit history felt daunting and, at one point, almost impossible. Every lender we approached either declined us outright or didn’t take the time to understand our unique situation. That changed the moment we connected with Shachi and her team at BankSouth Mortgage. From the very beginning, Shachi stood out not just as a mortgage expert, but as someone who genuinely cared. She took the time to thoroughly review our Canadian credit history, understood the nuances of our financial background, and built a strong, compelling case for our mortgage approval. It was her unwavering belief, attention to detail, and persistence that turned our dream into reality. Because of Shachi and her dedicated team, we are now proud homeowners in the U.S. The entire process from initial consultation to final closing was handled with transparency, integrity, and professionalism. It was smooth, stress-free, and most importantly, built on trust. To anyone new to the country, uncertain about securing a mortgage this is the team you want by your side. They don’t just process loans they make possibilities real. Thank you, Shachi and BankSouth, for giving us more than a home, you gave us a new beginning.
P
Prachi Mishra
Posted on April 28, 2025
5.0
Shachi was amazing to work with! As first time home buyers, I was anxious about the process but Shachi was incredibly helpful throughout, often offering guidance and clear reminders & communications through her wonderful newsletters. She made the loan process much more simplified and clear. We are so thankful to have worked with her
P
Prachi Mishra
Posted on April 28, 2025
5.0
Shachi was wonderful! She provided so much guidance throughout. It can be difficult to navigate the home loan process especially as first time home buyers but Shachi did a wonderful job providing insight on the rates and was an incredibly clear communicator. Would highly recommend!
M
Michael V
Posted on April 1, 2025
5.0
We just closed on a refi with BankSouth Mortgage and the second home loan Shachi Bhardwaj and her team helped us with. It has been a pleasant, personalized experience and cost effective transaction from A-Z. Shachi is definitely an experienced professional to have in your corner and I can recommend her to anyone that is looking for assistance with their next real estate transaction.
T
T. Wheeler
Posted on January 26, 2025
5.0
The entire staff at BankSouth went above and beyond in proficiency. Shashi and Sheila were unbelievable in their communication and dedication to making us homeowners.
J
James Cobb
Posted on January 1, 2025
5.0
Shachi was incredible to work with.
N
Nitu Sharma
Posted on December 3, 2024
5.0
We wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for Shachi and her exceptional team. From the very start of our mortgage financing journey in early November 2024, Shachi proved to be a top-notch professional. Her deep understanding of the mortgage financing business, combined with her commitment to fully understanding and catering to our needs and goals, made all the difference. Thanks to Shachi's guidance and regular updates throughout the process, we were able to close on our home just a day before Thanksgiving—a truly special moment for us! Her dedication ensured that we felt supported every step of the way. We would also like to commend her team, who are/were equally impressive and deserving of recognition. Their professionalism and expertise complemented Shachi’s efforts beautifully. We highly recommend Shachi without reservation!
P
Phil Veasley
Posted on November 28, 2024
5.0
Smooth straightforward process
P
Phillip Veasley
Posted on November 21, 2024
5.0
Best real estate transaction experience to date
V
Varun OBEROI
Posted on September 3, 2024
5.0
We had a wonderful experience working with Shachi and her team. Shachi is knowledgeable, responsive and takes the time to explain the entire process from beginning to end. Her commitment was evident from Day 1 resulting in a smooth closing on our home. I would highly recommend her to anyone for their home loan needs.
J
JJ Smith
Posted on June 22, 2024
5.0
Our experience with this Sachi was outstanding. She demonstrated exceptional dedication, working tirelessly to secure the best loan options for our client. Her expertise and commitment ensured a smooth and successful loan process. We highly recommend her for her professionalism and excellent service.
G
Gregg Ardizone
Posted on April 4, 2024
5.0
Shashi and team were incredibly strong partners during the entire process from start to finish. They served as a valuable resource for questions and advice and were always very quick to respond day or night. Their customer service was exemplary and I would recommend Shashi and team to anyone with confidence.
A
Alpesh J Patel
Posted on April 4, 2024
5.0
Thank you very much
S
Shalvi R Shah
Posted on February 1, 2024
5.0
Shachi was great to work with and I was able to close in my house!
Y
Yash Sanjay Mehta
Posted on January 25, 2024
5.0
She did very well keeping things organized and smooth. Very nice to work with and answered all questions we had. Thank you!
J
Jennifer Susanne Goyette
Posted on January 3, 2024
5.0
Shachi and her team were great to work with! Highly recommended.
S
Sharla Engle
Posted on December 21, 2023
5.0
Excellent service.

The Mortgage and Lending Services You Need

There are a lot of different types of mortgages out there. Our job is to find you the right one. We’ll help you understand how your home financing works for you when you close and for decades to come.

Your mortgage isn’t far away. A customized mortgage plan puts you in control with down payments and mortgage payments that make sense for your lending needs. You can take the steps to this investment in your future.

It’s your life. It’s your future. We’re here to make it happen for you.

Multiple, standard mortgage options for qualifying homebuyers and homeowners.

Create your dream home with a loan that provides funds to cover the cost of building or rehabilitating a home.

Mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration requiring lower minimum credit scores and down payments - especially popular with first-time homebuyers.

A USDA home loan helps low to moderate income families buy affordable homes in rural areas.

Replace your old mortgage with a new one to lower your rate, reduce your loan term, or cash out home equity.

Special financing for military veterans, service members, and surviving spouses offering favorable terms with options to buy, build, renovate, or refinance a primary residence.

VA loans, USDA loans, FHA loans and other options that help buyers finance their new home while putting less money down.

For buyers considering higher-end properties – Jumbo loans can help provide the financing you need.

Want to fix up your existing home? A renovation loan gives you the funds to make those renovations updates to your home.

Mortgage Ready When You Are with ReadyLoan®

What can ReadyLoan® do for you?

Explore your mortgage options with calculators that help you understand how much you may qualify to borrow and what future payments might be look like.

Ready to look for a home? A preapproval gives you – and sellers – confidence that you’re ready for the next step.

Apply anytime and anywhere - from your phone or tablet. No waiting, No paper. No need to visit a loan office.

Submit required documents and forms through our state-of-the-art app with our encrypted and secure portal.

Check the status of your mortgage and see what steps are ahead in the process.

Securely communicate with your loan officer and agent if you have questions or need to provide other information.

Review your closing package and sign most documents prior to closing.

Apply Online

Download the App

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Mortgages Don’t Have To Be Scary

Buying a home is a big deal. You deserve clear language, clear timelines, and clear expectations. At BankSouth Mortgage, we believe that your lender should be on your side.

We’ll make sure you feel comfortable with your choices, confident in your decisions, and informed every step of the way.

Learn how the process will work, meet the people you’ll be working with, and get the information you need to move forward.

What Happens After I Prequalify?

 
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Step 1

Initial Mortgage Consultation

When you begin thinking about buying a home, contact BankSouth Mortgage to get prequalified. A prequalification gives you an estimate of the size of mortgage loan you qualify for based on your credit history, income, and assets. At this time, your mortgage banker will discuss loan options, down payment requirements, and current interest rates. Simply follow this link to securely apply online. This will give your loan officer the preliminary information they need to determine your prequalification. This is also the perfect time to get set up with our electronic portal to make it easier to securely exchange documents and information throughout the mortgage process.

Step 2

Initiate Loan Application

Once you go under contract, we will provide you with an initial list of documentation needed to begin processing your loan. Quickly providing all requested documentation is essential to moving through the loan process without delays. Also, your BankSouth Mortgage expert will discuss locking in your interest rate and encourage you to get a hazard insurance quote from an insurance agent.

Step 3

Disclosures

Once we have a complete application, we will prepare a packet of disclosures for you to sign. Included in these disclosures is the Loan Estimate, which contains information on the cost of your loan. It is very important to review this closely and talk to your loan officer about any questions you may have. Revisions to your loan later on in the process may push your closing date back. It is extremely important for you to sign and return all disclosures within 24 hours from receipt. Any delay with returning your disclosures may delay your closing. Fees for your appraisal will be collected once we have received your disclosures and payment information.

Step 4

Estimated Market Value

Once you have received your Loan Estimate and disclosed your intent to proceed, BankSouth Mortgage will order your title work and appraisal. The appraisal process identifies the market value for the property. These generally take at least 10 days from the date requested to delivery. As soon as we receive the appraisal, we will provide you and your realtor* with a copy.

*We commit to providing timely and accurate information to your realtor when prior authorization is received from you.

Step 5

Loan Processing

Next, the loan moves to a loan processor, who reviews the file to ensure all the proper documentation is included. You may be contacted to provide any outstanding or additional items, and verifications of employment, etc. may be obtained. Once all the requested information is gathered, the loan will be passed on to underwriting so that a final determination can be made. By this point in the process, please try to limit changes to your contract to ensure a smooth closing.

Step 6

Underwriting

An underwriter will investigate the information in the file and make the final decision on the loan approval. Underwriting can take as little as one day and up to two weeks, depending on the type of transaction and market conditions. Because each loan is unique, it is common practice for the underwriter to request additional documentation to support what was submitted in the original file. We will notify you if additional items are needed, as well as when a final decision has been made.

Step 7

Review Your Closing Disclosure

A critical component of the loan process is YOUR confirming receipt by signing the Closing Disclosure (CD) a minimum of 3 business days before closing. This document further reviews the cost of your loan. BankSouth Mortgage makes every effort to send you this document with ample time to review. However, due to the often expedited nature of the mortgage process, you may receive this document close to the third day prior to closing deadline. As soon as you are able to review this document, it is imperative you sign and return it as quickly as possible. Signing only confirms your receipt of the CD. This integral step requires close communication with your lender to ensure an on-time closing.

Step 8

Closing!

Three days after you return your signed Closing Disclosure, you are able to close on your loan! Depending on the amount due at closing, you may need to send a wire to the closing attorney. At the closing, you and the seller will be required to sign the final loan closing documents. After the closing documents are signed, BankSouth Mortgage will wire funds for the amount of the loan to the closing agent. The closing agent will disperse the funds. The deed that transfers the title from the seller to you will be sent to the county in which the home is located to be recorded. You will receive the original deed once it has been recorded along with your owner’s title insurance policy if you purchased insurance at closing.

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