Team KW

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Team KW Lenders

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About Team KW

The KW Team is unique because we are a tight-knit group that truly cares about the client’s well-being and overall experience during the home-buying process. We want every client to feel comfortable and know they can trust us! We love the market we serve because this is our home. Some of us were born in Savannah, while some of us moved into the Savannah area and made it home. We are all in love with everything about the diversity, culture, history, and beauty of Savannah and its surrounding communities. Our team has been described as dependable, experienced, compassionate, accountable, nimble, and accurate. We strive to meet this criterion each and every day with each and every client and agent we deal with. A few things that make us an expert in our market is how much we have truly invested in our community with our presence, charity, and true passion for helping homeowners! Today’s top needs for homeowners are understanding what to expect during the loan process, understanding what the market is doing, and knowing that a home purchase is the first step in building a financial investment while simultaneously having a place to call home. We make sure the client knows that purchasing a home is building wealth and that we pair them with the best loan product available to meet their long-term financial goals. Our approach to serving clients is simple: listen and advise with truth and compassion.

Reviews

4.9
Ratings
37
Total Reviews

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S
Stephanie Ashdown
Posted on August 24, 2026
5.0
Preston and his team were referred to me by two different people. They had the funding and deal closed within three weeks! Thank you, Preston and Miriam, for all your hard work and help. Super job!
R
Rachel Martin
Posted on July 30, 2026
5.0
c
cory cohn
Posted on July 25, 2026
5.0
Preston and his team at Bank South were amazing. They got us in our dream home. They made to buy in process super easy thank you all again.
J
Joshua Chun
Posted on July 6, 2026
5.0
I had a very positive experience working with Preston Laird at BankSouth Mortgage. My situation was a little more complex because I was purchasing a home in Savannah while currently living and working overseas, and there were many details to coordinate around income verification, documentation, timing, closing, and communication across time zones. Preston was knowledgeable, responsive, and practical throughout the process. He helped explain the loan options clearly, including the portfolio loan structure, rate options, seller credits, closing costs, and final cash-to-close expectations. I also appreciated that he stayed engaged through the final stretch of closing when several details needed to be clarified quickly. Overall, I am grateful for Preston’s professionalism, experience, and support. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable local lender who can handle a more detailed or time-sensitive mortgage transaction.
J
Joshua Chun
Posted on July 3, 2026
5.0
I had a very positive experience working with Preston Laird at BankSouth Mortgage. My situation was a little more complex because I was purchasing a home in Savannah while currently living and working overseas, and there were many details to coordinate around income verification, documentation, timing, closing, and communication across time zones. Preston was knowledgeable, responsive, and practical throughout the process. He helped explain the loan options clearly, including the portfolio loan structure, rate options, seller credits, closing costs, and final cash-to-close expectations. I also appreciated that he stayed engaged through the final stretch of closing when several details needed to be clarified quickly. Overall, I am grateful for Preston’s professionalism, experience, and support. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable local lender who can handle a more detailed or time-sensitive mortgage transaction.
R
Rick Schwarz
Posted on June 3, 2026
5.0
Preston was great to work with during our home buying experience. Knowledgeable, responsive, prompt, and organized. Everything you need for a successful experience.
S
Samantha Garcia
Posted on June 2, 2026
5.0
My mortgage was handled with the upmost consideration to detail and I experienced consistent communication throughout the entire process. As a first time home buyer, I felt comfortable taking on a home, largely in part to this incredible team, and I am very grateful to have worked with Preston. I will be highly recommending him. Thank you!
T
Tina Dauback
Posted on March 30, 2026
5.0
If we could leave more we would!!! Preston was available for every question big or small and help us understand things if we didn't. Very professional and down to earth! Would definitely recommend him to anyone else looking for a home!
C
Ciara Viar
Posted on March 5, 2026
5.0
It was truly a pleasure working with Preston. His communication was amazing.
J
Jane Henry
Posted on March 3, 2026
5.0
Preston was great. Everyone in the office at Richmond Hill was great. It was a nice and smooth experience.
M
Mark Potzner
Posted on February 6, 2026
5.0
Preston came highly recommended and we were blessed to have his help with the purchase of our dream home. He was great to work with and can't thank him enough.
W
William Hunter
Posted on January 27, 2026
5.0
Preston was great. Very quick and responsive, highly recommend!
A
Anita Ard
Posted on December 25, 2025
5.0
Preston knew that this was our first home, and was very patient with us, and stayed available to help with our plethora of questions and concerns. He communicated with us throughout the entire process. We feel extremely lucky that we were put in contact with Preston!
A
Anita Ard
Posted on December 23, 2025
5.0
Preston and his team were amazing. This was our first home purchase and we had many questions throughout the process. He always made time for us and helped us with next steps. We highly recommend Preston and BankSouth!
R
Robert Wiggins
Posted on November 17, 2025
5.0
I had been trying to get my construction loan and property loan consolidated in one mortgage using my VA option. Several others tried but either had to many additional criteria to meet or just didn't under stand the VA process. Once Preston and the BankSouth team got all my pertinent information they went to work and had my loan ready to close in 30 days. I highly recommend them to anyone needing a mortgage and especially to my fellow vets.
T
Todd Burke
Posted on November 13, 2025
5.0
Preston was great to work with, he helped us when he was with another company to buy our lot to have our home built. When we finished paying off the lot Preston had moved to Bank South Mortgage. He has since helped us with our construction to perm loan and the build will be getting underway shortly. Prestons communication is top notch. I tend to communicate very quickly, so the bar is set pretty high. He has exceeded our expectations at doing a great job.
R
Robert Wiggins
Posted on September 22, 2025
5.0
over the past several years i tried working with different other lenders to consolidate 2 different loans. 1 construction loan for my house and one for my property, and wanted to do it using my VA loan option. Every other lender i approached had some off the wall criteria that had to be meet, IE certain size loan or they didn't wanna loan on the size house or they just plan didn't know how the VA functioned. Preston and his team took all my information, researched it an came up with what i needed and had it done within 30 days. The process was smooth, easy and painless. I would recommend Preston and his BankSouth team to anyone looking for a mortgage and especially to my fellow veterans that wanna use their VA loan option.
D
Donald Brown
Posted on September 15, 2025
5.0
Preston was very helpful and considerate at all times.
P
Porsche Ellis
Posted on July 2, 2025
5.0
Preston delivered on his promise to close on time as contracted, to communicate every step of the way and was very knowledgeable. I will refer other clients to him. Thank you Preston!
B
Brandyn Reagan
Posted on May 22, 2025
5.0
Preston is always a joy to work with and never lets the ball drop. Preston makes himself available to clients around the clock and always delivers in a timely manner. Thank you Preston for hanging in there and for your perseverance and patience with this lengthy process in helping our first time home buyers land the home of their dreams! Looking forward to working with you again on another one!
4.9
Ratings
180
Total Reviews

Powered By

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K
Kathleen Mobley
Posted on August 24, 2026
5.0
Carla was very knowledgeable and so helpful. We really enjoyed working with her!
M
Mallory Updegraff
Posted on May 29, 2026
5.0
Carla Estep has been a great lender to work with on many transactions! She goes above and beyond for her clients and realtor partners. Staying in communication, making all parties comfortable with the lending process, and really showing up are just a few of the reasons that she is so valued. Thank you, Carla!
R
Ryan Hodgson
Posted on May 25, 2026
5.0
Carla Estep at BankSouth Mortgage was outstanding to work with during our home purchase. As an Army family using a VA loan during a PCS move, we needed someone who understood both the mortgage process and the unique challenges that can come with military timelines. Carla absolutely delivered. I shopped multiple lenders before making a decision, and Carla not only matched the best rate we found, but also brought something even more valuable — great communication, personal attention, and strong local knowledge of the area. She was incredibly responsive throughout the process, answering questions quickly and making herself available whenever we needed her. She explained rates, costs, and all the numbers in a way that was easy to understand, which made the process feel much less stressful. What really stood out was her knowledge of VA loans and the personal attention she gave us from start to finish. As a veteran herself, she clearly understands military families and the stress that can come with PCS season. We also ran into a tight insurance deadline before closing, and Carla worked aggressively behind the scenes to help keep everything on track. Thanks to her effort and persistence, we closed on time. If you’re looking for a mortgage lender who is responsive, knowledgeable, and especially experienced with VA loans, I highly recommend Carla Estep and BankSouth Mortgage.
T
Thomas Martin
Posted on November 7, 2025
5.0
Carla and team are simply phenomenal. They personally keep you involved throughout the process even finding me a better rate just days before closing. This is the 2nd time I've used them and will not even venture to call anyone else.
J
Jessica Garcia
Posted on August 10, 2025
5.0
Working with Carla and her team at Bank South was a great experience and I would 100 percent recommend them for your home buying needs. I appreciate how patient they were with us, and how much they did to make this process possible for us. We are now happy home owners.
G
George Brown
Posted on September 10, 2024
5.0
B
Brad Broxton
Posted on July 18, 2024
5.0
Best experience ever. Thanks so much all of you for helping us with our purchase.
L
Leslie Parrish
Posted on July 17, 2024
5.0
I’m a local Realtor in the Savannah, GA and surrounding areas. Most of my clients have chosen to work with Carla because she’s knowledgeable, responsive and works hard for her clients. I don’t hesitate to refer my buyer clients to Carla.
C
Ciara Barrett
Posted on July 17, 2024
5.0
My journey to homeownership for the first time was amazing all thanks to MaMa Bear Carla and her team! She took the time out to speak to me personally and explain details of my loan and answer questions. Although I was nervous, I felt a net of security and reassurance during the process…Now fast forward 2.5 yrs later all the details she explained then make sense now as the economy has changed… I was prepared and for that, I am forever grateful for her and the team’s services. I highly recommend BankSouth and will use their services in the future
W
William Michael Emerson Jr.
Posted on April 25, 2024
5.0
Carla was very helpful & knowledgeable. This was the smoothest loan process I have ever been through.
A
Adrian D Broxton
Posted on April 8, 2024
5.0
BankSouth provided step by step guidance throughout the entire process, starting with Carla Estep (Mama Bear). Carla and team communicated with us every step of the way from beginning to end. Additionally, having ReadyLoan for documents made it easy to upload and easy to review and esign documents.
A
Adrian Broxton
Posted on April 8, 2024
5.0
BankSouth provided step by step guidance throughout the entire process, starting with Carla Estep (Mama Bear). Carla and team communicated with us every step of the way from beginning to end. Additionally, having ReadyLoan for documents made it easy to upload and easy to review and esign documents.
B
Brad F Broxton
Posted on April 6, 2024
5.0
The experience was excellent 👌
D
Duy Liem H Nguyen
Posted on January 30, 2024
5.0
Thank you for all the efforts to make it happen with my new home. Greatly appreciated.
J
James G Keane
Posted on December 10, 2023
5.0
Carla and her team were a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Carla !!
T
Tony Lee Steck
Posted on November 12, 2023
5.0
No comments
E
Eric Newcomb
Posted on November 6, 2023
5.0
Carla was great! We began our process in January 2023. Due to decisions of our own, we closed October 2023. Carla was patient and helpful every step of the way.
E
Eric Newcomb
Posted on November 6, 2023
5.0
Carla was great! We began our process in January 2023. Due to decisions of our own, we closed October 2023. Carla was patient and helpful every step of the way.
J
Joseph Albanesi
Posted on November 5, 2023
5.0
The team was very good
M
Melissa Hope Abrams
Posted on October 30, 2023
5.0
Carla and her team made the entire process easier on us. We appreciate all the kind support and help they provided.

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?

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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