Month: October 2026

Buying a home is a team sport, and together we start AND finish strong.

Meet Alana Avret, Mortgage Loan Originator at Vallant Bank

Alana Avret (NMLS# 640466) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Statesboro office. In this video, Alana explains which documents to start gathering early, like recent pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements, so the loan process moves smoothly once you find the right home. Get in touch with Alana.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Alana Avret with Vallant Bank.

0:04
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make.

0:07
One way to make the process easier is to start gathering documents early.

0:12
Things like recent pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements are commonly needed during the loan process.

0:17
Having those items ready can help everything move more smoothly once you find the right home.

0:23
Buying a home is a team sport. And together we start and finish strong.

0:29
Give me a call and let’s get you that dream home.

0:32
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the best places to start is by reviewing your credit early in the process.
A strong credit profile can help expand your loan options and make the mortgage process smoother from the beginning. It also gives you time to correct errors or improve your score before you apply.

Meet Susan Brandon, SVP of Mortgage Lending at Vallant Bank

Susan Brandon (NMLS# 505078) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Dublin office. In this video, Susan explains why reviewing your credit before you apply for a mortgage can expand your options and help the process move more smoothly. Get in touch with Susan.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Susan with Vallant Bank.

0:02
If you’re thinking about buying a home, here’s a simple tip that many buyers overlook.

0:08
Take time to review your credit before applying for a mortgage.

0:13
A strong credit profile can expand your options and help the process move more smoothly.

0:18
If you’d like to talk through your next steps, reach out to me.

0:23
I’d love to help you start strong.

0:26
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

When buying a home, it’s important to think beyond the monthly mortgage payment.
Costs like insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance all play a role in your long-term budget. Taking time to look at the full financial picture can help you choose a home that fits comfortably into your life for years to come.

Meet Michelle Holder, Mortgage Loan Originator at Vallant Bank

Michelle Holder (NMLS# 1051876) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Perry office. In this video, Michelle explains why it’s important to plan for the full cost of homeownership, including insurance, property taxes, maintenance and utilities. Get in touch with Michelle.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Michelle with Vallant Bank.

0:02
When people think about buying a home, many folks get fixated on the monthly payment, but it’s just as important to plan for the full cost of homeownership.

0:11
Things like insurance, property taxes, maintenance and utilities are all part of the picture.

0:17
Taking time to look at the complete budget helps you choose a home that fits comfortably into your life long term.

0:23
If you’d like help walking through those numbers, give me a call or shoot me an email.

0:30
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but getting pre-qualified early can make the process much smoother.
Pre-qualification helps you understand your budget, strengthens your offer and shows sellers you’re serious when it’s time to make a move. It also gives you time to review your finances before the right home comes along.

Meet Jodi Bowman, Mortgage Loan Originator at Vallant Bank

Jodi Bowman (NMLS# 493633) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Macon office. In this video, Jodi explains how getting pre-qualified before you start house hunting helps you understand your price range and strengthens your offer. Get in touch with Jodi.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Jodi with Vallant Bank.

0:02
Buying a home can feel complicated, but a little preparation goes a long way.

0:07
One of the best first steps is getting pre-qualified before you set out house hunting.

0:12
Pre-qualification helps you understand your price range, strengthens your offer and shows sellers that you’re serious.

0:18
It also gives you time to review your financial picture and make sure everything is ready when the perfect home appears.

0:25
If you’re thinking about buying this year, reach out to me and I’ll be glad to help you get started.

0:31
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

The home search and the financing process should go hand in hand.
If you’re buying in the Jones County area, connect with MLO Casey Gallagher at Vallant Bank to help guide the way.

Meet Casey Gallagher, Mortgage Loan Originator at Vallant Bank

Casey Gallagher (NMLS# 890242) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Gray office. In this video, Casey explains why talking with a lender early in your home search helps you understand what’s realistic and move faster when you find a home you love. Get in touch with Casey.

Transcript:

0:01
Hi, I’m Casey with Vallant Bank.

0:03
Thinking about homebuying this year? Here’s something worth remembering.

0:07
The home search and the financing process should happen together.

0:11
Talking with a lender early helps you understand what’s realistic and what options may be available.

0:16
It can also help you move faster when you find a home you love.

0:20
If you’d like to talk through your plans, give me a call.

0:23
I look forward to hearing from you.

0:25
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

Buying a home soon? Streamline the mortgage process by avoiding big purchases, new credit cards or moving large amounts of money just before you do.

Meet Casey Gallagher, Mortgage Loan Originator at Vallant Bank

Casey Gallagher (NMLS# 890242) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Gray office. In this video, Casey explains why avoiding large financial changes, like opening new credit cards or financing a vehicle, can keep your mortgage process on track. Get in touch with Casey.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Casey with Vallant Bank.

0:02
Are you preparing to buy a home?

0:04
Try to avoid making large financial changes while you’re in the mortgage process.

0:08
Opening new credit cards, financing a vehicle or moving money between accounts can sometimes delay things.

0:15
Consistency is your friend during this time.

0:18
If you have questions about preparing for a mortgage, let’s talk.

0:21
Success starts with good guidance you can trust.

0:24
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

The right home starts with the right team.
Having trusted local professionals like Leslie guide you through the mortgage process can make all the difference.

Meet Leslie Pennington, Mortgage Loan Originator at Vallant Bank

Leslie Pennington (NMLS# 849413) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Dublin office. In this video, Leslie explains how partnering with an experienced real estate professional and a knowledgeable lender can help you avoid surprises and make confident decisions. Get in touch with Leslie.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Leslie Pennington with Vallant Bank.

0:02
Buying a home is more than finding the right house.

0:05
It’s about surrounding yourself with the right team.

0:07
Partnering with an experienced real estate professional and a knowledgeable lender can help you navigate the process, avoid surprises and make confident decisions.

0:17
Not sure where to begin? Let’s start together.

0:20
Give me a call so we can begin building your team.

0:24
Together, we can start strong and finish stronger.

0:28
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

Need help making your homebuying checklist? MLO Melissa Lovingood is here to help. Email her at [email protected]!

Meet Melissa Lovingood, Mortgage Banker at Vallant Bank

Melissa Lovingood (NMLS# 2271300) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Monroe office. In this video, Melissa explains how a simple mortgage application checklist can keep first-time homebuyers on track from start to finish. Get in touch with Melissa.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Melissa with Vallant Bank.

0:02
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, getting started can feel like a lot, but a simple mortgage application checklist can help keep everything on track by giving you a clear path from start to finish.

0:15
Need help making that checklist? That’s what I’m here for.

0:19
Give me a call or send me an email today.

0:22
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

The best homes don’t stay on the market for long. Being ready before you start looking is the best way to ensure you get the house you want.
Got questions on how you can strengthen yourself before beginning? Send a message to Lina at [email protected].

Meet Lina Cook, Mortgage Banker at Vallant Bank

Lina Cook (NMLS# 1273397) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Gainesville office. In this video, Lina explains how lining up your financing early helps you act quickly and gives sellers more confidence in your offer. Get in touch with Lina.

Transcript:

0:01
Hi, I’m Lina with Vallant Bank.

0:03
Buying a home moves fast, especially when the right one comes along.

0:08
That’s why having your financing lined up early can make such a big difference.

0:12
Being prepared helps you act quickly and give sellers more confidence in your offer.

0:17
If you’re thinking about buying soon, let’s talk through your next steps together.

0:22
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.

There’s a lot that happens before closing day, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. You’ve got a friend in MLO Leann Fortson! Send her a message at [email protected].

Meet Leann Fortson, SVP of Mortgage Lending at Vallant Bank

Leann Fortson (NMLS# 370434) works with homebuyers out of Vallant Bank’s Elberton office. In this video, Leann talks about the preparation that happens before closing day, from paperwork to budgeting. Get in touch with Leann.

Transcript:

0:00
Hi, I’m Leann with Vallant Bank.

0:02
Many first-time homebuyers are surprised how much preparation happens before closing day.

0:08
From paperwork to budgeting, there are a lot of moving parts.

0:11
The good news is, you don’t have to figure out how to do it on your own.

0:14
If you’re ready to start planning for your future home, I’d love to help you get started.

0:19
Vallant Bank. Local strength. Limitless reach.