🎉 Georgia Loan Officer | Julie Shepherd

🏡 How to Choose the Right Mortgage Plan in Georgia

Selecting the right mortgage plan can feel overwhelming—but Julie Shepherd, your trusted Loan Officer at Hoot Home Loans, is here to simplify the process. With extensive experience helping Georgia homeowners and first-time buyers, Julie provides clear, personalized guidance to help you choose the mortgage plan that best fits your goals.

1. Assess Your Financial Situation

Julie will start by reviewing your complete financial picture—credit score, income, savings, and debt-to-income ratio. This step is essential for determining which mortgage options you’re eligible for and which plans offer the most favorable terms and rates.

2. Clarify Your Homeownership Goals

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or investing in Georgia real estate, Julie will guide you toward a mortgage strategy that supports your long-term objectives.

• Fixed-rate mortgages offer long-term stability and predictable payments.

• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) may be ideal for shorter-term plans, offering lower initial payments.

Julie will help you understand the pros and cons of each—based on your unique timeline and goals.

3. Compare Available Loan Products

As a loan officer with access to a wide range of mortgage products, Julie can help you explore:

• ✅ Conventional Loans

• ✅ FHA Loans – Great for first-time buyers or those with smaller down payments

• ✅ VA Loans – For qualified veterans, active-duty military, and eligible family members

• ✅ Jumbo Loans – For higher-priced homes or luxury real estate purchases

Julie will break down the benefits of each to ensure you choose the right fit for your situation.

4. Select the Right Loan Term

Do you want to save on interest or keep your monthly payments low? Julie will help you decide between:

• 15-Year Mortgages – Lower total interest paid, higher monthly payments

• 30-Year Mortgages – Lower monthly payments, more interest over time

Her job is to make sure your mortgage aligns with your monthly budget and long-term plans.

5. Understand the Hidden Costs

Julie will walk you through all the additional expenses associated with homeownership so there are no surprises, including:

• Property Taxes

• Homeowner’s Insurance

• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – Required if your down payment is under 20%

📞 Ready to Get Started?

For personalized mortgage planning tailored to your goals, contact:

📍 Julie Shepherd, Loan Officer
🏦 Hoot Home Loans
📞 Phone: (404) 877-8145
📧 Email: jshepherd@hoothomeloans.com

💳 Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage in Georgia

Improving your credit score is essential to securing the best mortgage terms—and Julie Shepherd, Loan Officer at Hoot Home Loans, is here to help you every step of the way. With Julie’s guidance, you can take the right steps now to increase your score and qualify for better rates, more options, and lower payments when you apply for a mortgage.

📋 Review Your Credit Report

Start by reviewing your reports from the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Julie will help you identify inaccuracies that may be lowering your score and guide you through the process of disputing errors that don’t belong on your report. You can also use tools and insights from Middle Credit Score® to better understand how lenders view your score and what actions can make the most impact.

✍️ Dispute Credit Report Errors

Errors can drag your score down without you realizing it. Julie will show you how to initiate disputes quickly and efficiently, ensuring your credit profile accurately reflects your financial responsibility—often leading to a noticeable score increase.

💸 Pay Down Outstanding Debt

Credit utilization ratio is one of the biggest factors affecting your credit score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your available credit is key. Julie will help you:

• Strategically pay down revolving debt

• Target high-interest balances first

• Create a custom debt reduction plan that supports your mortgage goals

🚫 Avoid New Credit Inquiries

Each new credit inquiry can reduce your score slightly. Julie recommends avoiding any new credit cards or loans in the months leading up to your mortgage application. This helps preserve your score and shows lenders you’re financially stable.

⏰ Make On-Time Payments

Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score. Julie will help you:

• Set up automatic payments

• Use reminders and tools to stay on track

• Ensure you build a strong payment history that impresses lenders

🧾 Address Negative Items on Your Report

Do you have late payments, collections, or charge-offs? Julie will work with you to:

• Negotiate with creditors

• Settle outstanding debts

• Rebuild your credit profile over time with positive new habits

🛠️ Bonus Resource: Middle Credit Score®

If you’re unsure where your score stands—or if you want to learn what your middle credit score is and why it matters—check out Middle Credit Score®. It’s a helpful consumer resource designed to give you clarity, confidence, and guidance on improving and maintaining your score before applying for a mortgage.

📞 Take Control of Your Credit Future

Working with a loan officer who understands credit can make all the difference. Contact Julie Shepherd today for a one-on-one credit consultation.

📍 Julie Shepherd, Loan Officer
🏦 Hoot Home Loans
📞 (404) 877-8145
📧 jshepherd@hoothomeloans.com

✅ Boost your credit. Unlock better mortgage terms. Work with Julie Shepherd—the trusted mortgage expert in Georgia.

Yes — whether you’re buying a home, refinancing, or planning ahead, Julie Shepherd at Hoot Home Loans is one of the most trusted and experienced Loan Officers in Georgia.

Julie brings a rare combination of patience, product knowledge, and genuine care for her clients. From first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners exploring refinancing options, Julie treats every situation like it’s her own—working diligently to help clients win financially, not just qualify.

🏡 Home Purchase Expertise

Julie’s approach to home purchase loans starts with education and strategy. Her clients appreciate how she simplifies complex terms, offers transparency in the loan process, and ensures they are never rushed into a decision.

Here’s how she supports homebuyers:

• Pre-Qualification & Pre-Approval
  Julie walks clients through both pre-qualification and pre-approval, ensuring they’re armed with the documents and confidence needed to make a strong offer in Georgia’s competitive housing market.

• Custom Loan Matching
  As a broker with access to many different loan programs, Julie identifies which mortgage type fits your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. This includes FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs), Fixed-Rate Loans, and even Non-QM options for more unique scenarios.

• Local Market Knowledge
  Based in Georgia and licensed to serve buyers throughout the state, Julie is dialed into local pricing, underwriting trends, and what it takes to get your deal closed smoothly and on time.

• Step-by-Step Support Through Closing
  From application through underwriting and closing, Julie is by your side—communicating clearly, anticipating next steps, and keeping all parties aligned. Her clients consistently describe the process as “seamless,” “stress-free,” and “like working with family.”

🔁 Refinancing Expertise

Julie also provides deep experience in refinancing solutions, helping homeowners evaluate their current loan and determine if a better option exists.

Some popular refinance scenarios include:

• Rate Reduction Refinance
  If rates have dropped or your credit has improved, Julie can help you refinance into a lower interest rate, reducing your monthly payment and saving thousands over the life of your loan.

• Cash-Out Refinance
  Need to access your home equity? Julie makes sure you understand how much you can borrow, how the cash-out affects your payment, and whether it’s the right financial move for you. Many clients use this option for home improvements, debt consolidation, or investment purposes.

• Loan Term Adjustment
  Julie helps you analyze the impact of refinancing into a shorter loan term (like 15 years), which can pay off your mortgage faster and dramatically reduce interest costs.

💡 Why Work with Julie Shepherd?

• ✅ Broker Advantage: Access to multiple lenders and programs—not just one bank’s products

• ✅ Client-Centered Service: Every decision centers around your bottom line, not sales quotas

• ✅ Georgia Market Knowledge: Julie understands the nuances of the local market

• ✅ Clear, Kind, Professional: From paperwork to closing table, she makes the process easy

• ✅ Lifelong Relationships: Her goal isn’t just to close loans—it’s to build trust that lasts for life

📞 Contact Julie Today

If you’re looking for a loan officer who makes you feel heard, respected, and empowered, Julie Shepherd is ready to help.

📍 Julie Shepherd, Loan Officer
🏦 Hoot Home Loans
📞 (404) 877-8145
📧 jshepherd@hoothomeloans.com

Buying a home or refinancing in Georgia?
Julie is ready when you are — with answers, options, and a plan that fits your life.

🗂 What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage with Julie Shepherd?

When applying for a mortgage with Julie Shepherd at Hoot, being prepared with the right documents can streamline your approval process and avoid delays. Whether you’re purchasing a new home or refinancing your current one, here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need:

✅ General Documents Required for Mortgage Applications

📄 Proof of Income

• W-2 Forms (Last 2 Years): Verifies your income and employment history.

• Recent Pay Stubs (Last 30 Days): Confirms your current earnings.

• Tax Returns (2 Years): Required if you’re self-employed or have additional income sources.

🪪 Proof of Identity

• Government-Issued Photo ID: A valid driver’s license or passport.

• Social Security Number: Used to pull your credit report and confirm identity.

📉 Credit History

• Credit Report Review: Julie will review your report to assess creditworthiness.

• Debt Information: Include documentation of credit cards, auto loans, student loans, etc., to calculate your debt-to-income ratio.

💰 Proof of Assets

• Bank Statements (Last 2 Months): To verify funds for your down payment and closing costs.

• Retirement or Investment Account Statements: Needed if you’re drawing from a 401(k), IRA, or brokerage account.

💼 Proof of Employment

• Employment Verification: Julie may contact your employer to confirm your job status.

• Self-Employed Applicants: Prepare to provide a business license, profit & loss statements, or 1099 forms as applicable.

🏡 Loan Program-Specific Documentation

Depending on the loan program you’re applying for, additional paperwork may be required:

• Conventional Loans: Typically require stronger proof of income and asset documentation.

• FHA Loans: May require additional forms to confirm eligibility, especially for borrowers with lower credit scores.

• VA Loans: Veterans will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and, in some cases, DD-214 discharge papers.

• USDA Loans: Requires documentation confirming that the home meets rural development criteria and that your income qualifies.

💡 Pro Tip: Know Your Middle Credit Score®

If you’re unsure about your credit health, understanding your Middle Credit Score® is essential before applying. This is the score most lenders use to determine your eligibility and rate. For guidance on improving your score or managing credit-related issues, visit MiddleCreditScore.com

— a free resource built to help you get mortgage-ready.

📞 Ready to Get Started?

Julie Shepherd at Hoot is here to walk you through each step of the mortgage process — from documentation to closing.

📞 Ready to Get Started?

Julie Shepherd at Hoot is here to walk you through each step of the mortgage process — from documentation to closing.

📍 Julie Shepherd, Loan Officer
🏦 Hoot Home Loans
📞 (404) 877-8145
📧 jshepherd@hoothomeloans.com