Clear Home Loans · Licensed in GA · NC · SC · TN

Realize Your Dream of Home Ownership

Absolute clarity and transparency in everything we do — your partner for perfect vision in all things mortgage and refinancing. I'll evaluate your full picture and find the loan that truly fits your life and budget.

★★★★★5-star client experience
NMLS #1111313Licensed & accountable
20-dayclosings, when it counts
Christa Votaw, Mortgage Loan Officer
Christa Votaw Mortgage Loan Officer
0Days — fastest closing
0States licensed · GA·NC·SC·TN
0Dedicated to your file
0Rated by real clients
Why work with me

A better way home starts with a better guide

You deserve a lender who’s available, honest, and genuinely in your corner. Here’s what working together feels like.

Clarity & Transparency

No jargon, no surprises. I lay out your numbers, your options, and every step in plain language so you always know exactly where you stand.

Always Available

Flexible appointments and quick responses. When you or your agent have a question, you get a real answer — fast — from the person handling your loan.

The Right Fit & Rate

I thoroughly evaluate your finances to qualify you for a loan that works within your budget — always chasing the most favorable rate available to you.

Our simple process

Four clear steps to your keys

Buying a home shouldn’t feel like a maze. Here’s the straight path we’ll walk together.

01

Application

Your first step. We review your income, credit, debts, and assets to understand your full financial picture — accurate details here mean a smooth ride later, with no surprises.

02

Pre-Approval

Your green light to shop. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious and tells you exactly what you qualify for — a real advantage in a competitive market.

03

Finding Your Home

The fun part. With financing ready and a trusted agent, you tour homes and narrow in on the right fit — free to focus on the home that matches your life and budget.

04

Closing

The finish line. You review and sign, funds transfer, and the keys are officially yours. It’s the most exciting step — because you’re officially a homeowner.

Still have questions? In a quick discovery call, I’ll clearly outline your path — loan options, down payments, and the steps to get you pre-approved with confidence.

Book a Home Loan Discovery Session
Find the right loan for you

Loan options built around your goals

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a veteran, or upgrading to your forever home, there’s a program designed to fit. Filter to find your path.

Conventional

Most popular

One of the most popular options, backed by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac. Flexible terms for primary homes, second homes, or investment properties.

  • Down paymentFrom 3%
  • Credit620+
  • PMIDrops at 20% equity

FHA

First-time friendly

Designed to make homeownership more accessible — great if you’re just starting out or rebuilding credit. Insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

  • Down paymentFrom 3.5%
  • CreditFlexible
  • Best forFirst-time buyers

VA

$0 down

Exclusively for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. One of the best ways to thank our military families for their service.

  • Down payment$0
  • PMINone
  • RatesCompetitive

USDA

Rural & suburban

Helps buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas. Many families are surprised to find they qualify — income limits apply.

  • Down payment$0
  • Mortgage ins.Reduced cost
  • Best forOutside city centers

Not sure which fits? That’s exactly what I’m here for — let’s talk it through.

Mortgage tools

Run your numbers — instantly

Not ready to apply yet? Get a feel for your payment and your budget. Estimates only — your real terms come from a full application.

Estimated monthly payment $0
  • Principal & interest$0
  • Taxes & insurance (est.)$0
  • Loan amount$0
Get my real rate
You may be able to afford about $0
  • Est. comfortable payment$0
  • Est. loan amount$0
  • Based on36% DTI guide
Get pre-approved
What others are saying

Real people. Real closings.

★★★★★
“I had the pleasure of working with Christa again and she went above and beyond for my buyer clients. Communicative, professional, a joy to work with — and she got them a very competitive rate! Highly recommend.”
Shannon · Realtor
★★★★★
“As a self-employed borrower, I was worried about the process, but Christa made everything smooth and stress-free. Her expertise across loan options was evident, and communication was top-notch. If you want a knowledgeable, friendly loan officer in South Carolina, I highly recommend her.”
Ben · Self-employed buyer
★★★★★
“Christa made the home buying process so easy. We closed in like 20 days and I absolutely wouldn’t have been able to do it without her being so on top of things. I felt like I got the princess treatment the entire time. 10/10.”
Cathy · First-time buyer
★★★★★
“The best experience — an absolute rockstar from start to finish. Professional, knowledgeable, incredibly efficient. Her quick response time and attention to detail truly set her apart from other loan officers I’ve worked with.”
Raquel · Realtor
Christa Votaw
Meet your loan officer

Hi, I’m Christa Votaw

I believe the path to your front door should be clear — that’s the whole idea behind how I work. Buying or refinancing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and you deserve a guide who’s honest, available, and genuinely invested in getting it right for you.

From first-time buyers to self-employed borrowers to families upgrading to their forever home, I take the time to understand your full picture and match you with the loan that truly fits — always working toward the most favorable rate available to you, and making the process as smooth and simple as it can be.

  • ✦ Dedicated, one-on-one service from application to keys
  • ✦ Clear communication with you and your agent
  • ✦ Licensed in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Tennessee · NMLS #1111313
Good questions

Frequently asked

How much do I need for a down payment?

Many buyers believe they need 20% down, but that’s often not the case. Conventional loans can start as low as 3%, FHA at 3.5%, and VA or USDA may allow zero down. The right option depends on your credit, income, and the program that fits you best.

What credit score do I need to qualify?

Generally 620 is the baseline for conventional loans, while FHA may allow lower scores with 3.5% down. VA and USDA are more flexible and often don’t have strict minimums. Higher scores can mean better rates and terms.

How much house can I afford?

It depends on your income, debts, down payment, and current rates. Lenders look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to gauge a comfortable payment. Getting pre-approved is the best way to know exactly how much home you can afford before you shop — try the calculator above to start.

What are closing costs, and how much will they be?

Closing costs typically run 2%–5% of the purchase price and include appraisal fees, title insurance, taxes, and lender fees. Sometimes sellers can cover part of these, and some programs offer assistance.

Free resource

Your free Buyer’s Guide

New to the process or just want it all in one place? Grab my free guide and walk in with confidence.

Get the Free Guide
Contact

Let’s find your clear way home

Reach out today and let’s talk about your goals. Whether you’re ready to apply or just have questions, I’m happy to connect.

Prefer to jump right in? Start your application →
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