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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.

Your Mortgage Payment Went Up — Here’s Why

If you’ve opened your mortgage statement recently and thought, “Why did my payment go up?” — you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. The good news? In most cases, there’s a clear explanation—and even better, there are ways to plan for it. 🎥 Watch: Quick Breakdown The Real Reason…

Condo Financing Just Opened Up: What Buyers and Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Condo Financing Is Opening Back Up If condos have felt difficult—or even impossible—to finance over the past few years, you’re not alone. Rising insurance costs, stricter lending guidelines, and project eligibility issues created major roadblocks for buyers and homeowners. The good news? That’s changing. Recent updates from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are opening the…

What’s Really Moving Mortgage Rates Right Now? A Clear Look at the Forces Pushing Up—and Pulling Down

If you’ve been watching mortgage rates lately and wondering, “Why do they seem so unpredictable?” — you’re not alone. Behind the scenes, investors in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market are constantly adjusting expectations. Most recently, we’ve seen a meaningful shift: the probability of a March 2026 Fed rate cut has dropped by more than 10%…

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…


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Contact Us:
Chris Shumate | NMLS: 627360 | Senior Loan Officer and Sales Manager
1810 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 235 Duluth, GA 30097 | 404-791-3155 | chriss@fairwaymc.com | http://www.chrishumatefairway.com