Blog

Mortgage News & Tips from Chris Shumate | Fairway Home Mortgage

Stay informed on rate moves, lending guideline updates, and smart home-financing strategies. Our articles are designed to educate—so you can make confident decisions. Join our email list for concise market updates and practical mortgage tips.

Chris Shumate – Fairway Home Mortgage Voted Best of Gwinnett 2025

Chris Shumate – Fairway Home Mortgage Voted Best of Gwinnett 2025 We are honored and excited to announce that Chris Shumate – Fairway Home Mortgage has been officially Voted Best of Gwinnett 2025 in the Financial Services category! This recognition is especially meaningful because Best of Gwinnett is determined by community votes and customer support…

Using Your Tax Refund for a Down Payment on a Home

Tax season often brings a welcome financial boost. For many buyers, a tax refund can be the extra push needed to move from “thinking about buying” to actually becoming a homeowner. If you’re planning to buy a home in Georgia or anywhere in the Southeast, your tax refund may be a smart way to help…

What Happens After You’re Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-Approval Is a Big Milestone — Here’s What Comes Next Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a huge milestone—and one I love celebrating with my clients. It means we’ve reviewed your financial information and confirmed what you can comfortably afford, whether you’re buying a home in Georgia, Metro Atlanta, or anywhere across the Southeast. That…

Georgia Homestead Exemption: What Homeowners Need to Know for 2026

If you’ve recently purchased a home in Georgia—or you currently own and live in your home as your primary residence—there’s an important tax benefit you should know about: the Georgia Homestead Exemption. A large number of Georgia homeowners qualify for a homestead exemption but never apply. Even fewer understand how much this exemption can reduce…

VA Home Loans: Serving Those Who’ve Served with Fairway and Chris Shumate

Honoring Service Through Homeownership At Fairway Home Mortgage, we take pride in serving those who’ve served our country. The VA mortgage loan is one of the most powerful benefits available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. It offers a path to homeownership that honors their commitment and sacrifice — with financial advantages…

The Fed Rate Cut: What You Need to Know About Mortgage Rates

When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, it always makes headlines — and it’s easy to assume that means mortgage rates are automatically dropping too.But that’s one of the biggest misconceptions in the housing market. Let’s break down what a Fed rate cut really means and how it affects your mortgage options. 🎥 Watch…

Fairway Changes Name to Fairway Home Mortgage

After 29 Years as Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, A New Era Begins…I’m ecstatic to share that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is now Fairway Home Mortgage. Same trusted team, with a bold new name! We’re still your go-to mortgage experts, just with a fresh look that reflects our commitment to helping our clients feel right at…

Smart Strategies for Homebuyers in Today’s Market

Rate Buydowns Help with Affordability, but a Wide Portfolio of Mortgage Options Is the Ultimate Tool Potential homebuyers today face more hurdles than in recent years. Many don’t have a large amount of cash to bring to the closing table, while others are focused on achieving a manageable monthly mortgage payment. In an environment where…

USDA Financing for Manufactured Homes Available Nationwide in March 2025!

Great news for homebuyers! Starting in March 2025, USDA financing will be available nationwide for manufactured homes, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. This expansion opens doors for buyers looking for quality, cost-effective housing with zero down payment options and competitive interest rates. The Shumate Team at Fairway Independent Mortgage, is licensed in Georgia, Alabama,…


Copyright©2025 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. 4750 S.
Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. All rights reserved. This is not an offer
to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and
programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and
property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing
Opportunity. Licensed in: Licensed in Georgia (#43092), Alabama (#62689), Florida (#L031826), Tennessee (#123866), South Carolina (#MLO-627360), and North Carolina (#I-169956). State Disclaimers: 
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #21158.

Contact Us:
Chris Shumate | NMLS: 627360 | Senior Loan Officer and Sales Manager
3453 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite D | Suwanee, GA  30024 | 404-791-3155 | chriss@fairwaymc.com | http://www.chrishumatefairway.com