GA Lending Team

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GA Lending Team Lenders

Christie Paulk
Loan Officer
NMLS ID#: 588635
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Cathy Thompson
Loan Officer
NMLS ID#: 1110181
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About GA Lending Team

The Georgia Lending Team is unique because we have an extensive background and experience through the entire mortgage process, from origination all the way through to the closing experience.  Our goal when working with a client is that they feel as though they are a partner in the process and that we are with them every step of the way.  We want them to have every assurance that they have a strong team working together to get them into their new home.  It is truly a community here in Athens and surrounding areas; we know the agents, and attorneys by name and they know us. Words that are frequently used to describe our team are experienced, responsive, reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate.  This is not an accident.  We make sure that we meet the expectations that come with the responsibility that those words imply.  We are home-grown experts of our community.  We live, work and play here and are proud of our community’s achievements and accomplishments and we love building it by assisting home buyers moving into the community.  Today’s top need for homebuyers is that they need someone to guide them and advise them on the biggest financial decision they will make.  We meet that need! Finally, we make ourselves accessible to our homebuyers and agents alike.  We understand the nature of the business and make prompt and timely communication a priority.  We look forward to working with you!

Reviews

4.79
Ratings
376
Total Reviews
Powered by Experience.com
C
Colton R R
COLBERT - GA
Posted on June 3, 2023
5.0
for Christie Paulk
verified-review
Christie along with the other supporting staff made our Mortgage Lending process very easy! Very good communication and was very good at responding regardless of what time it was. There were a few times I had questions after normal business hours and Christie would still take the time to answer or acknowledge my question late in the evening. Great customer service!
T
Taylor W
-
Posted on May 19, 2023
5.0
for Christie Paulk
As a first time home buyer, we had a lot of questions, and Christie and her entire team were so helpful! Rather than giving us a rate and just telling us it's the best one, they were transparent about all the different options and let us review each of them and weigh the pros and cons ourselves. They answered every question we had and always got back to us very quickly, which is important in today's market. They made us feel comfortable and confident with our decision, and we feel great about our purchase. Thank you BankSouth!
T
Taylor A
ATHENS - GA
Posted on May 19, 2023
5.0
for Christie Paulk
verified-review
As a first time home buyer, we had a lot of questions, and Christie and her entire team were so helpful! Rather than giving us a rate and just telling us it's the best one, they were transparent about all the different options and let us review each of them and weigh the pros and cons ourselves. They answered every question we had and always got back to us very quickly, which is important in today's market. They made us feel comfortable and confident with our decision, and we feel great about our purchase. Thank you BankSouth!
A
Andrew A
ATHENS - GA
Posted on May 2, 2023
5.0
for Christie Paulk
verified-review
Fast. E sign. Competitive rate. Friendly. Available on the phone and quick to reply on emails.
R
Robin R
BETHLEHEM - GA
Posted on April 30, 2023
5.0
for Christie Paulk
verified-review
Christie and her team were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Communicated what was happening every step of the way. I could not have ask for a better experience from start to finish then what I received.
O
Orlando M D
BETHLEHEM - GA
Posted on June 3, 2023
5.0
for Cathy Thompson
verified-review
Very friendly and constantly looking out for our best interest.
H
Hudson H
BISHOP - GA
Posted on May 15, 2023
5.0
for Cathy Thompson
verified-review
thanks for your help!
Y
Yihao L
WATKINSVILLE - GA
Posted on May 4, 2023
5.0
for Cathy Thompson
verified-review
Awesome experience!
A
A B D
WARNER ROBINS - GA
Posted on March 6, 2023
5.0
for Cathy Thompson
verified-review
Only ones I trust for my mortgage needs!!
T
Tuiana B
BRASELTON - GA
Posted on March 5, 2023
5.0
for Cathy Thompson
verified-review
We were so very impressed with the professionalism they showed. Cathy and Christina were so informative and answered all questions that we had. They truly worked hard and was so happily to save us the most money we can. It was a pleasure working with them.

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.

Conventional mortgages can be the perfect match for those with a good credit history looking for a variety of down payment options and loan amounts.

These mortgages follow the lending guidelines set forth by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. A conventional mortgage can come with super low closing costs and flexible payment options.

Highlights

  • Down payments as low as 3%
  • No mortgage insurance options
  • Low monthly mortgage insurance, if required
  • Multiple mortgage insurance payment structures available, if required

Did You Know?

There are several types of conventional mortgages

Fixed Rate

For borrowers that prefer to keep the same rate and same monthly payments throughout the duration of their mortgage, a fixed-rate mortgage may be right for you. BankSouth Mortgage offers a variety of down payment options for fixed-rate mortgages.

Adjustable Rate

This type of mortgage starts with a fixed rate for a set determined amount of time (3, 5, 7 or 10 years), with the possibility of the rate changing for the remaining life of the loan. ARMs typically offer lower initial rates and, therefore, lower initial monthly payments than fixed rate mortgages, which makes this type of mortgage ideal for borrowers who don’t plan to be in their home very long or who want to take advantage of falling interest rates without refinancing

Jumbo

Mortgages above $548,250 are considered jumbo mortgages and have special rules. Because of the large size of these loans, the interest rates tend to be higher and the approval requirements more stringent. BankSouth Mortgage offers jumbo programs with low down payments.

FHA loans offer many benefits for those seeking a low down payment with less than perfect credit. As an FHA-approved lender, BankSouth Mortgage may offer you this type of loan, which is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, to provide you with more financing options.

With less restrictive qualification guidelines, these loans are designed to benefit many first-time homebuyers. In fact, some borrowers may qualify for down payment assistance. BankSouth Mortgage also offers FHA refinance products, including low documentation or streamline refinance options.

Contact a BankSouth Mortgage expert for more details

Highlights:

  • 3.5% down payments
  • Gift funds allowed for down payment
  • Higher debt-to-income ratios allowed
  • Non-occupant borrowers allowed
  • Thin or alternate credit allowed

Did You Know?

FHA also provides renovation loans! FHA’s Streamline Refinance program allows qualified FHA-insured homeowners to refinance without an appraisal.

BankSouth Mortgage is honored to offer this special financing to our country’s military personnel. VA loan programs offer favorable terms and include options to buy, build, renovate, and refinance your primary residence. Veterans and spouses may also qualify. Contact a BankSouth mortgage advisor for more details.

Highlights:

  • 100% financing options available
  • No monthly mortgage insurance
  • No borrow paid underwriting costs or lender origination fees (optional)
  • Thin or alternate credit allowed

We invite you to speak with one of our Mortgage Bankers about learning if a VA Loan or VA Renovation might be right for you.

Did You Know?

You can request proof of eligibility by contacting the VA Loan Eligibility Center (1-888-768-2131) or by having your BankSouth Mortgage Banker request this certificate on your behalf.

VA loans have a one-time Funding Fee, unless the Veteran/borrower is exempt, with no monthly fee charged.

No downpayment? No problem! Our low to no downpayment options include downpayment assistance options!

Contact a BankSouth mortgage advisor for more details.

97%

  • 3% downpayment
  • Fixed rate loan
  • Available for primary, second and investment properties

FHLB First Time Homebuyer Program

  • Up to 100% financing
  • Up to $7,500 in assistance for first time homebuyers
  • Up to $10,000 in assistance to COVID essential workers, veterans, active-duty military or surviving spouses

Georgia Dream

  • Up to $5,000 in assistance
  • Up to $7,500 for police, fire, educator and healthcare workers
  • Available for first time buyers or those who’ve not owned a home in the last three years

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

  • App-Store
  • Google-Play

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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