We Are Here To Guide You Home!

At Ameris Bank, we help turn your home buying dreams into reality, and we understand that there is no purchase more important, rewarding or exciting as a new home. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Empire Homes to help guide homebuyers like you through the process and keep you updated with your loan status each step of the way.

We’ve curated some helpful homebuying resources and videos below to help you prepare you for the homebuying process and for you to discover what sets us apart from other lenders. Feel free to take a look around and contact us with any questions about what you can expect.

Remember, when you’re ready, we’re ready.

Apply Now - Ronda Crowe Apply Now - Shannon Erickson

Ronda Crowe

Senior Mortgage Banker, NMLS #416169
1800 Parkway Place Suite 820
Marietta, GA 30067
Phone: 404-992-5626
Email: [email protected]

Shannon Erickson

Mortgage Banker, NMLS #1445603
3500 Piedmont Rd NE Suite 625
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 770-403-1457
Email: [email protected]

Mortgage Calculators

Mortgage Financing

A mortgage with predictable monthly payments making it easier to stick to a budget. Learn More About Fixed-Rate 

A mortgage with variable interest rates which may be a good option if you plan to stay in the home for a short period of time. Learn More About Adjustable Rate

Government-backed mortgages with low down payment requirements. Learn More About FHA Loans

Up to 100% financing for active duty military and veterans. Learn More About VA Loans

Lending for purchases in rural areas where you can borrow up to 100% of the value of the new home. Learn More About USDA Loans

Specialized loan options to help first-time buyers make homeownership a reality. Learn More About First-Time Homebuyer

From medical professional loans to rehabilitation loans, we offer flexible funding for a wide range of situations. Learn More About Specialized Loans

Financial assistance may be available for individuals who lack the resources for a big down payment. Learn More About Down Payment Assistance

It may be possible to save on interest charges or reduce monthly payments by refinancing your home loan. Learn More Refinance

Avoid the hassle of multiple closings on new construction. Instead, you could save on costs and fees with a one-time closing. Learn More About Construction Financing

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Before you Apply

 

Number 1

CREATE A FINANCIAL PLAN AND BEGIN SAVING

When buying, you may need money for the down payment and closing costs for the home.
Learn More

Number 2

UNDERSTAND YOUR CREDIT SCORE AND CREDIT HISTORY

Lenders will review your credit score and history to see how you handle credit. Your credit score may affect the loan you’re eligible for or your interest rate.
Learn More

Number 3

DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU CAN BORROW

Before house hunting, it’s a good idea to get prequalified to help estimate the amount of money you can spend on a home.
Connect with a Mortgage Banker

Number 4

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

There are many different types of mortgages, and your mortgage banker will work with you to find the perfect fit. We have a loan type to fit every need and lifestyle.
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UNDERSTAND THE BASICS

This is the simple way to get a ballpark estimate of how much you are eligible to borrow and help you determine a price range for house hunting. Prequalification has no costs or commitments.

Regardless of the type of home you are purchasing, the documentation needed is the same. Check out our borrower’s checklist for a list of documents needed.

The lending process normally takes several weeks. Understand what happens, when it happens, and the documents needed along the way. Your mortgage banker will keep you informed at every step. Learn More

Both make up your loan payment. The interest portion is the cost of borrowing the money, and the principal portion will go towards paying down what you owe.

These are optional and, if you qualify, will allow you to pay interest at the time of closing to obtain a lower interest rate on a loan.

This is the amount of time to pay off your mortgage.

Charged by the government, your lender may choose to collect a portion of these taxes in every mortgage payment and hold the funds in an escrow account to pay your property taxes when due.

The lender may choose to collect a portion of this insurance payment in every mortgage payment and hold it in an escrow account to pay your insurance when it is due.

PMI may be required, and if so, the lender will hold the funds in an escrow account and pay the insurance when it becomes due.

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When You Apply

Once your application is complete, you will receive a few disclosures to review, sign and return. One of the most important – the loan estimate.

It is a federal law requirement that you receive a loan estimate disclosing all our fees, terms and conditions within three days of submitting your loan application. You have 10 days to review this document and decide if you wish to accept our offer.

After you apply, you will be asked to submit any additional documentation necessary to process your loan. To get started, check out our borrower’s checklist for a list of documents needed.

Just as there are countless home designs, there are many different types of mortgages. Your mortgage banker will work with you to find the perfect fit. See All

Your down payment amount may vary based on the type of loan and your personal situation. You will discuss your down payment options with your mortgage banker. Ameris Bank offers a variety of down payment assistance

There may be closing costs which will be outlined in advance on your loan estimate. In some cases, closing costs can be incorporated into the loan amount.

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After You Apply

 

Number 1

APPLICATION RECIEVED

At this point, a member of our team is busy reviewing the information in your application. Soon, you will receive a loan estimate and will have 10 days to review it to decide if you wish to move forward. In the meantime, review our borrower’s checklist and send us any documents you haven’t already sent our way.

Number 2

LOAN IS BEING PROCESSED

During this phase, we are collecting and reviewing the documents you sent us. Your mortgage processor will reach out to your employer, credit bureaus and other entities that can provide relevant information. Once all the required documentation has been collected, your loan will be sent to our underwriting department.

Number 3

UNDERWRITING YOUR LOAN

An underwriter is reviewing all the information collected to determine if your loan can be approved or denied. It is common for the underwriter to request additional information or ask questions. Try to respond quickly! The underwriter should issue conditional approval within a few days after receiving your loan file.

Number 4

RECEIVING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL

When you reach this point, your loan is approved with conditions. This means the underwriter has reviewed your loan but needs more information to provide final approval. Make sure you are finalizing your home insurance, and if you didn’t lock your rate when you applied, make sure to lock in a rate at this point.

Number 5

GATHERING THE FINAL DOCUMENTS

At this point, your mortgage processor will reach out to you to obtain any additional information needed. They may ask for things such as an updated bank statement, proof of earnest money, or homeowners insurance. At least five days prior to your closing date, you will receive your initial closing disclosure – be on the lookout for these documents because you will need to sign them at least three business days before your closing date.

Number 6

FINAL APPROVAL

After the underwriter has reviewed all the final documents gathered, your loan has now been approved, and you are ready for your closing.

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Welcome Home

  • Set aside enough time.
    Closings typically take 1-2 hours.

  • Documents to bring.
    A government issued photo identification, such as your driver’s license, and the payment to cover your closing costs. Ameris Bank will prepare and provide to the closing attorney, closing agent or title company representative all other necessary documents.

  • A final walkthrough.
    Often buyers can do a final walk-through inspection of the home 24 hours before closing to identify damages or issues that occurred with the property between contract and closing.

  • Who will be there?
    Typically, it will be you and your realtor, the home seller and the seller’s realtor, the closing attorney, closing agent or title company representative, and in some cases your mortgage banker.

  • You’ll sign several documents.
    The three important documents you will sign are: (1) the promissory note, which outlines that you promise to repay the loan under the agreed upon terms; (2) the mortgage, also known as the deed of trust; and (3) the deed. Before signing, make sure everything is correct. You will receive a copy of all closing documents at closing or they will be mailed to your new address.

  • Residence status for property taxes. 
    At closing, you will be advised on steps you may need to take to confirm your residence status with the property tax accessor's office. This will affect the percentage of property taxes you will owe each year. You may need to act to ensure the property is appropriately filed.

  • Your closing documents. 
    Most likely a copy of your closing documents will be filed with your county’s record of deeds. As a best practice, make a copy of your closing documents and store the originals in safe keeping.

  • Transfer utilities. 
    You may need to reinstate your utility services or transfer the services.

  • Change your locks. 
    Consider changing the locks right after closing because more than likely, prior to closing, there was a lot of traffic in and out of your home and many copies of the keys may have been made.

  • Try to avoid scheduling your closing and moving on the same day. Consider closing earlier in the week.

  • ​Schedule a moving company ahead of time, confirming the exact times they should arrive to pack and deliver to your new home.

  • Label moving boxes with the room name.

  • A couple of days before moving in, clean your new home.

  • Plan where the furniture will be placed in each room, saving you and your movers time and energy.

  • Inspect your new home and make sure all appliances and utilities are working.

YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE

We're here to help every step of the way

Mortgage Calculators

See how much you can afford with our easy-to-use calculators.

View Calculators<p>See how much you can afford with our easy-to-use calculators.</p>
Mortgage Articles

How a 15-year fixed rate saved me money in the long run.

Learn More<p>How a 15-year fixed rate saved me money in the long run.</p> - opens in new window
Home Ownership Advice

Which Mortgage Loan is right for you?

Learn More<p>Which Mortgage Loan is right for you?</p> - opens in new window

Ronda Crowe

Senior Mortgage Banker, NMLS #416169
1800 Parkway Place Suite 820
Marietta, GA 30067
Phone: 404-992-5626
Email: [email protected]

Shannon Erickson

Mortgage Banker, NMLS #1445603
3500 Piedmont Rd NE Suite 625
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 770-403-1457
Email: [email protected]

Borrowers have the option to work with a lender of choice and are not obligated to apply for financing with Ameris Bank. Empire Homes is an independent third party and is not affiliated with, or a subsidiary of, Ameris Bank.