Leslie’s Savannah Area Local Lenders
Buying a home in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon or the surrounding area? A knowledgeable lender can make a big difference. Here are local mortgage and banking contacts I share as a starting point, plus a simple checklist to help you prepare.
My advice: get more than one quote. Compare the full loan estimate, not just the advertised interest rate. Ask about lender fees, closing costs and the loan programs available to you.
Three questions worth asking every lender
Ask for a written Loan Estimate showing the rate, APR, lender fees, points, estimated closing costs and monthly payment.
Ask about conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and any down payment assistance programs for which you may qualify.
Discuss preapproval, required documents, communication and whether the lender can meet your target closing date.
Savannah area mortgage and banking contacts
These are contacts from my existing referral list, not an exclusive list of providers. Please confirm current contact details, program availability and licensing directly with each lender.
Jessica Gilstrap / Jessica Lane
Georgia Banking Company · VP of Residential Lending
Mobile: 678-938-0977
Email: jlane@georgiabanking.com
Ask about: Dream Homeowner down payment assistance and current eligibility.
Eric Glick
Southeast Mortgage
Direct / mobile: 912-308-5931
Jason Gallegos
Huntington Bank
Office: 912-659-2935
Email: Jason.e.gallegos@huntington.com
Address: 111 Barnard St., Savannah, GA 31401
Victoria Washington
Truist
Phone: 912-659-9369
Email: victoria.washington@truist.com
Fax: 912-790-3393
Lindsey Cyrilla
Fairway Independent Mortgage
Phone: 770-480-1205
Address: 1253 May River Road, Suite C, Bluffton, SC 29910
Website listed: Lindsey’s Fairway page ↗
Your mortgage document checklist
Don't let the paperwork intimidate you! Your lender will confirm exactly what applies to your situation. You can start gathering these common items now.
For most borrowers
- Recent pay stubs and W-2s from the past two years, if applicable.
- Federal tax returns from the past two years, if requested.
- Statements for checking, savings and investment accounts, including all pages requested by your lender.
- Two years of employment and residential history.
- Government-issued identification and any additional identity documents your lender requires.
- Documentation for your down payment, closing-cost funds, large deposits and any gift funds.
- Purchase contract and earnest-money documentation once you are under contract.
- Documentation for retirement, Social Security or other income you want considered, if applicable.
- Information about other properties and mortgages, if applicable.
If you're using a VA loan
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or the information your lender needs to request it.
- DD214 or other applicable service documentation.
- Any additional service or benefit documents your lender requests.
If you're self-employed
- Personal tax returns with applicable schedules, typically for the past two years.
- Business tax returns, including any applicable K-1s, depending on your business structure and ownership.
- Current year-to-date profit and loss statement and, if requested, a balance sheet.
- Relevant 1099s, W-2s and business account statements as requested.
If you're refinancing
- Current mortgage statement and homeowners insurance information.
- Original loan or closing documents, survey and deed information, if requested.
- Any additional information about your property or other outstanding liens.
For your security, upload financial and identity documents through your lender's secure portal rather than sending sensitive information in ordinary email.
What if your preapproval is lower than you hoped?
Ask the lender what is influencing the amount. Depending on your situation, paying down certain debts, correcting credit-report errors, adjusting your down payment or exploring another eligible loan program may change your options. A lender can run the numbers with you before you make a decision.
And remember, being approved for a payment doesn't necessarily mean it's the payment you'll feel comfortable making. Your real budget is the one that lets you enjoy your new home.
Lender contacts are provided for informational purposes. You are free to use any lender you choose. Rates, products, fees, assistance programs and qualification criteria can change; confirm all details with the lender. This page is not a loan offer or a guarantee of approval.
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