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Meet Your Local Mortgage Experts

Born in Franklin, Virginia, Paul currently resides in Windsor. He graduated from Southampton High School and Virginia Tech. Married to Julie, he has 3 children named Stephen, Kenneth, and Laura. In his spare time, Paul enjoys watching football and basketball (rooting for the Hokies!), gaming, and reading.
Paul Branch profile picture
Paul Branch
Senior Mortgage Advisor
NMLS# 421350

757-925-1333
757-377-9660 
pbranch@tidewaterhomefunding.com

1108 Eden Way North
Chesapeake, VA 23320
State Licenses: NC, VA

Ready to Fund Your Dreams?

Reach out to our team of local mortgage specialists and take the initial step towards homeownership. Our team is ready to assist you throughout the process, offering you the necessary information and guidance to help you make informed decisions for your unique needs. Don't delay any longer - apply today to begin.

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We offer a variety of programs, so you’re matched with the one that suits you best.

We are a full-service mortgage lender. You’ll be working with a team of experts who are leaders in our industry. More importantly, our loan consultants bring years of experience to your transaction. We’re here to advise you every step of the way, just as we’d help a family member or friend. We’ll set you up with a loan program that feels good and right for you.

Loan Programs
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Home Buying Loan Process

Buying a home may be the biggest investment you ever make in your life. We’ll guide you through the mortgage pre-approval checklist, ensuring you have the documents needed for your mortgage application. From there, our processors, underwriters, and closers unite to get your loan processed and ready for closing. But we don’t stop there. We service our loans, which means we’ll be managing your loan from the day of closing until it’s paid off. If you ever have a problem with your loan, we are right here to help you. This is a lifetime partnership.

Loan Process

What Our Customers Say About Us

We care what our customers think of us and so should you. We are partners in your business and your success is ours.

Rating
4.9
81 reviews
Chris Hansen
Michelle was very helpful in assisting me with all of the details regarding my first home mortgage! She explained everything to me even after I repeatedly asked her to go over it again. I am very thankful for all of her help.
Michelle was very helpful in assisting me with all of the details regarding my first home mortgage! She explained everything to me even after I repeatedly asked her to go over it again. I am very thankful for all of her help.

Chris Hansen

3 weeks ago

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J Warren
We had a fantastic experience working with Michelle Phillips at Tidewater Home Funding during our home buying process! From start to finish, Michelle was patient, kind, and incredibly thoughtful. She took the time to explain everything, answered all of ou ...
We had a fantastic experience working with Michelle Phillips at Tidewater Home Funding during our home buying process! From start to finish, Michelle was patient, kind, and incredibly thoughtful. She took the time to explain everything, answered all of our questions, and made sure we felt comfortable every step of the way. Michelle’s communication was excellent—she always kept us in the loop, responded quickly, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. On top of that, she worked hard to get us the best possible rate, and we truly felt she had our best interests at heart. We’re so thankful to have had Michelle by our side during such an important time. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, caring, and truly committed to helping you succeed, we highly recommend Michelle Phillips at Tidewater Home Funding!
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J Warren

3 months ago

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Sean Mitchell
Gee and her team were phenomenal every step of the way. Highly recommended.
Gee and her team were phenomenal every step of the way. Highly recommended.

Sean Mitchell

3 months ago

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painted circle
Susanna Thomson and the team at Tidewater Home Funding are absolute Professionals and,in my opinion, the best organization in the area. Susanna worked tirelessly with me, a new home buyer, to educate me beyond the basics of home buying to insure I was p ...
Susanna Thomson and the team at Tidewater Home Funding are absolute Professionals and,in my opinion, the best organization in the area. Susanna worked tirelessly with me, a new home buyer, to educate me beyond the basics of home buying to insure I was prepared. I cannot Thank her and Cyndi enough for their help!
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painted circle

4 months ago

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Max Ptas
As a new homebuyer, the process was made easy and simple. Michelle was always available if I had a question or needed more information to make a decision. A fantastic home buying experience by far.
As a new homebuyer, the process was made easy and simple. Michelle was always available if I had a question or needed more information to make a decision. A fantastic home buying experience by far.

Max Ptas

4 months ago

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Bobby Larew
We were blessed to work with Susanna Thomson for the purchase of our new home in Virginia. She is knowledgeable and friendly and she always responded swiftly. You won't be disappointed to work with her and Tidewater!
We were blessed to work with Susanna Thomson for the purchase of our new home in Virginia. She is knowledgeable and friendly and she always responded swiftly. You won't be disappointed to work with her and Tidewater!

Bobby Larew

5 months ago

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Casey Taylor
Gee helped us every single step of the way in getting a mortgage for our new home. Any questions we had she was able to answer and in a very timely manner. We could not have asked for a better lender.
Gee helped us every single step of the way in getting a mortgage for our new home. Any questions we had she was able to answer and in a very timely manner. We could not have asked for a better lender.

Casey Taylor

5 months ago

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Pete Sheng
Gee was amazing through this whole process. Thank you Gee!!
Gee was amazing through this whole process. Thank you Gee!!

Pete Sheng

6 months ago

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Philip McAlpin Jr.
Gee was absolutely wonderful to work with! She and her Team had everything before we ever requested it. Walked us throught the process and couldn't have been happier with the experience. Thank you again Gee, and Tidewater Home Funding!
Gee was absolutely wonderful to work with! She and her Team had everything before we ever requested it. Walked us throught the process and couldn't have been happier with the experience. Thank you again Gee, and Tidewater Home Funding!

Philip McAlpin Jr.

7 months ago

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Quayeshaun Hamilton
Michelle Phillips I love her , Communication, Skills, Hospitality,everything about her was very welcoming and she is very truthful/honest with every question you ask her . And a great god fearing woman she will not point u n the wrong direction.
Michelle Phillips I love her , Communication, Skills, Hospitality,everything about her was very welcoming and she is very truthful/honest with every question you ask her . And a great god fearing woman she will not point u n the wrong direction.

Quayeshaun Hamilton

10 months ago

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Patty Malone
Shikma Rubin did an outstanding job with our son on the purchase of his first home. We could not have done it without her. She was willing to explain everything in detail as the process went along. Thank you for being both professional and kind!
Shikma Rubin did an outstanding job with our son on the purchase of his first home. We could not have done it without her. She was willing to explain everything in detail as the process went along. Thank you for being both professional and kind!

Patty Malone

11 months ago

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Kirbi Baxley
Michelle at Tidewater Home Funding is amazing. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She was there for me from the moment I called her. I was a first-time homebuyer, and she answered all my questions quickly and thoroughly. She made me feel ...
Michelle at Tidewater Home Funding is amazing. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She was there for me from the moment I called her. I was a first-time homebuyer, and she answered all my questions quickly and thoroughly. She made me feel comfortable with the process and protected by her and her awesome team. Even after I closed on the home, Michelle was still there, answering any questions I had. She is super responsive and knowledgeable. I do not think I would have had the wonderful experience I had, if it were not for her and our amazing realtor. Please, if you are buying a home, reach out to Michelle, you will not regret it.
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Kirbi Baxley

1 year ago

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Ryan Buttacavoli
Michelle has been very helpful and transparent and supportive to us in our home application and buying. Highly recommend her! :)
Michelle has been very helpful and transparent and supportive to us in our home application and buying. Highly recommend her! :)

Ryan Buttacavoli

1 year ago

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Casey Shalkowski
Susanna Thompson was very easy to work with. She was very prompt with communication and patient.
Susanna Thompson was very easy to work with. She was very prompt with communication and patient.

Casey Shalkowski

1 year ago

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Anthony Bider
Guided me through the process and secured a loan for my families dream home. What more could you ask for?
Guided me through the process and secured a loan for my families dream home. What more could you ask for?

Anthony Bider

1 year ago

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lia walker
She is amazing and explains everything and has great communication. All around 5 stars
She is amazing and explains everything and has great communication. All around 5 stars

lia walker

3 years ago

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Wendy Hay
Michelle made our whole home financing process so easy and worry free. My husband and I could t have gotten through selling one house and buying our new one without her. I would 100% recommend her to anyone.
Michelle made our whole home financing process so easy and worry free. My husband and I could t have gotten through selling one house and buying our new one without her. I would 100% recommend her to anyone.

Wendy Hay

4 years ago

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Janine Garibay
Michelle was great in the process of purchasing our home! I couldn’t have asked for a better lender! Thanks Michelle for always being on top of everything!
Michelle was great in the process of purchasing our home! I couldn’t have asked for a better lender! Thanks Michelle for always being on top of everything!

Janine Garibay

4 years ago

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Kelly Justice
Michelle went above and beyond! She was always quick to answer emails/phone calls and made the entire process seamless and stress-free!! We will be repeat customers!
Michelle went above and beyond! She was always quick to answer emails/phone calls and made the entire process seamless and stress-free!! We will be repeat customers!

Kelly Justice

4 years ago

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NitroTheChamp Zach
Helpful
Helpful

NitroTheChamp Zach

4 years ago

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Alexis Colon
Love Michelle! So helpful & quick to respond to any questions you may have.
Love Michelle! So helpful & quick to respond to any questions you may have.

Alexis Colon

4 years ago

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Brian Harris
If you are even thinking about purchasing a home, please contact Michelle Greene Phillips (Licensed Senior Mortgage Loan Officer) to get your pre-approval to start (but she stay with you until you go to the closing table and even after) and yes she go abo ...
If you are even thinking about purchasing a home, please contact Michelle Greene Phillips (Licensed Senior Mortgage Loan Officer) to get your pre-approval to start (but she stay with you until you go to the closing table and even after) and yes she go above and beyond to help you get the best rates for everything, answer your millions of questions, answers your phone calls when you stressed out and need to be calmed down even if she in the middle of dinner with her family! We have absolutely NO regrets from working with her and now she is the ONLY one we will do business with or refer family or friends too!
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Brian Harris

4 years ago

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Corah Michelini
Deb Olmstead was an absolute gem to work with. She was on the ball and always kept us updated. We would highly recommend Deb to anyone.
Deb Olmstead was an absolute gem to work with. She was on the ball and always kept us updated. We would highly recommend Deb to anyone.

Corah Michelini

4 years ago

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Olivia Tufts
I absolutely enjoyed my time working with Michelle Phillips. She never missed a text or phone call. She answered all my questions and assisted me in all aspects of purchasing my first home. Even when I had home owners insurance questions after I bought my ...
I absolutely enjoyed my time working with Michelle Phillips. She never missed a text or phone call. She answered all my questions and assisted me in all aspects of purchasing my first home. Even when I had home owners insurance questions after I bought my house, she was only a text message away. If you’d like a smooth home buying experience I recommend working with Michelle.
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Olivia Tufts

4 years ago

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Teresa Palmer
This was a learning experience for both my husband and I. We appreciate all the hard work Michelle and her team did for us. Although at times, it was stressful, we appreciate everything; especially the financial advice about homebuying. Thank you again ...
This was a learning experience for both my husband and I. We appreciate all the hard work Michelle and her team did for us. Although at times, it was stressful, we appreciate everything; especially the financial advice about homebuying. Thank you again. We love our new home and we are in the process of still unpacking and trying to decorate. It feels good to wake up to being a homeowner, not a renter. This gives us joy and happiness.
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Teresa Palmer

4 years ago

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Daylin Paulino
Great service and communication. My husband and I have worked with them twice and both times we have been grateful for their hardwork. They are more than willing to answer all of the questions we had and always kept us updated. Would definitely recommend!
Great service and communication. My husband and I have worked with them twice and both times we have been grateful for their hardwork. They are more than willing to answer all of the questions we had and always kept us updated. Would definitely recommend!

Daylin Paulino

4 years ago

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R B
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience purchasing our home , Michelle Phillips and Emily Sherman are the best at what they do! Our agent was also impressed with how fast and responsive they where . Thank you both for making this a reality for us a ...
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience purchasing our home , Michelle Phillips and Emily Sherman are the best at what they do! Our agent was also impressed with how fast and responsive they where . Thank you both for making this a reality for us after 13 years of renting
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R B

4 years ago

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Christian Paulino
This is my second time dealing with Tidewater with Michelle Phillip, and she is the best. She helped my family purchase our first home and she made the process extremely easy and worked with my schedule. I also recently refinance my home and went through ...
This is my second time dealing with Tidewater with Michelle Phillip, and she is the best. She helped my family purchase our first home and she made the process extremely easy and worked with my schedule. I also recently refinance my home and went through Michelle again, and she again did a great job. She helps you the best she can and tries to look for the best option for you. Highly recommend!
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Christian Paulino

4 years ago

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FAITH WATROUS
Michelle Phillips with Tidewater Funding was amazing! She is very knowledgeable and was very supportive throughout the whole process. She goes above and beyond for her clients and I highly recommend her for all your mortgage needs.
Michelle Phillips with Tidewater Funding was amazing! She is very knowledgeable and was very supportive throughout the whole process. She goes above and beyond for her clients and I highly recommend her for all your mortgage needs.

FAITH WATROUS

4 years ago

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eddis ramirez
Tide Water Funding made me home buying journey as easy and smooth as possible. They guided me through the whole journey, taking the stress away from the loan process. I highly recommend this company to any one looking for a legit and easy to work with loa ...
Tide Water Funding made me home buying journey as easy and smooth as possible. They guided me through the whole journey, taking the stress away from the loan process. I highly recommend this company to any one looking for a legit and easy to work with loan company. Special shout out to Michelle Phillips for being so easy to work with and always staying in touch with me to help me out. She was also very honest and helped have realistic expectations on what i could afford or couldn't afford.
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eddis ramirez

4 years ago

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Kelci rogers
Michelle did such an amazing job making sure our first home buying process was as smooth as possible. Michelle made sure to thoroughly explain everything in a way I understood. My husband and I are very grateful we got set up with her, and her years of ex ...
Michelle did such an amazing job making sure our first home buying process was as smooth as possible. Michelle made sure to thoroughly explain everything in a way I understood. My husband and I are very grateful we got set up with her, and her years of experience. Would highly recommend!
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Kelci rogers

4 years ago

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Amberly Alston
Michelle Phillips was awesome to work with. She went out of her way to help find me loans and grants to save thousands of dollars and I could not thank her enough. Michelle responds very quick. She explained everything in a way more simple way so that I c ...
Michelle Phillips was awesome to work with. She went out of her way to help find me loans and grants to save thousands of dollars and I could not thank her enough. Michelle responds very quick. She explained everything in a way more simple way so that I could understand. She is very genuine and does GREAT at what she does! I was so lucky to be able to work with her.
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Amberly Alston

4 years ago

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Brittany Drake
We had the pleasure of working with Colby Raymond to obtain a mortgage loan for our first home. She was great at explaining the different advantages or disadvantages of the types of loans we qualified for. More importantly, if not for her, we would have b ...
We had the pleasure of working with Colby Raymond to obtain a mortgage loan for our first home. She was great at explaining the different advantages or disadvantages of the types of loans we qualified for. More importantly, if not for her, we would have been essentially "scammed" out of $11k by our realtor who was trying to have us borrow money from family to bring to closing- not for the purpose of making the sale, but to increase her commission. She literally saved us 11 grand just by being attentive and good at her job.
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Brittany Drake

4 years ago

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757MusicLover
Michelle Phillips took the time to explain all my loan options in full detail, as a first time home buyer. She outlined the steps for me so I could prepare in advance, and guided me along the process until closing. I'm grateful for her assistance. Thank y ...
Michelle Phillips took the time to explain all my loan options in full detail, as a first time home buyer. She outlined the steps for me so I could prepare in advance, and guided me along the process until closing. I'm grateful for her assistance. Thank you Michelle, I'm very appreciative! L. Sanders
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757MusicLover

4 years ago

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Zack Gomoke
This group is extremely knowledgeable and helped me through every step of my loan process while buying my first home. Everything went smoothly and I highly recommend them!
This group is extremely knowledgeable and helped me through every step of my loan process while buying my first home. Everything went smoothly and I highly recommend them!

Zack Gomoke

4 years ago

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Rob Anderson
Michelle Phillips was excellent from start to finish ! Always professional yet warm and friendly. Communication response time was almost immediate.
Michelle Phillips was excellent from start to finish ! Always professional yet warm and friendly. Communication response time was almost immediate.

Rob Anderson

4 years ago

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Elizabeth Zwisler
I am so thankful to have worked with Michelle Phillips in securing the loan for my first home! She has been such a valuable resource not only during, but even after closing on my home. She walked me through the process step by step and was always availabl ...
I am so thankful to have worked with Michelle Phillips in securing the loan for my first home! She has been such a valuable resource not only during, but even after closing on my home. She walked me through the process step by step and was always available to answer my questions and ease my concerns. Thank you again for making this such a smooth experience for me!
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Elizabeth Zwisler

4 years ago

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Sheila Howell
We worked with Lori and had an amazing experience. She was able to answer all of our questions with expert experience. Something that has always bugged me is when people treat you like a number instead of a person with real needs. Lori made sure we were t ...
We worked with Lori and had an amazing experience. She was able to answer all of our questions with expert experience. Something that has always bugged me is when people treat you like a number instead of a person with real needs. Lori made sure we were taken care of and understood every step of the way. Thank you Lori
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Sheila Howell

5 years ago

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Caroline Daley
Michelle Phillips and the team at Tidewater Home Funding make you their priority. They are professional, efficient, communicative and LOCAL! We actually ended up switching from the bank we usually use to Tidewater Home Funding because the bank's loan dep ...
Michelle Phillips and the team at Tidewater Home Funding make you their priority. They are professional, efficient, communicative and LOCAL! We actually ended up switching from the bank we usually use to Tidewater Home Funding because the bank's loan department was too big to get our closing done on time. I would use this company again and recommend them to my family.
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Caroline Daley

5 years ago

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Alicia Penn
I cannot thank Michelle Phillips, and the folks at Tidewater Home Funding enough for everything they’ve done throughout the home buying process. I was a first time homebuyer and Michelle made the mortgage process easy and ALWAS had my back! She guided me ...
I cannot thank Michelle Phillips, and the folks at Tidewater Home Funding enough for everything they’ve done throughout the home buying process. I was a first time homebuyer and Michelle made the mortgage process easy and ALWAS had my back! She guided me through the process, reassured me when I was nervous, and never made me feel like I was a bother or asking a stupid question. I cannot recommend her highly enough!! If you are looking to get a mortgage or refinance - you absolutely need to contact Tidewater Home Funding, and ask for Michelle!
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Alicia Penn

5 years ago

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nora leonard
We recently refinanced with Tidewater Home Funding. Our advisor was Madison McCutcheon. She made the process easy and quick. She was very responsive to emails and calls and provided excellent customer service during and beyond the refinance. I would h ...
We recently refinanced with Tidewater Home Funding. Our advisor was Madison McCutcheon. She made the process easy and quick. She was very responsive to emails and calls and provided excellent customer service during and beyond the refinance. I would highly recommend THF and Madison.
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nora leonard

5 years ago

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Lional Pickett
Michelle Phillips made the process of buying a home easy for me. Now with COVID-19 almost everything was done via Doc you sign. Michelle kept in constant contact with me and guided me throughout the whole process. Being a first time home buyer can be frus ...
Michelle Phillips made the process of buying a home easy for me. Now with COVID-19 almost everything was done via Doc you sign. Michelle kept in constant contact with me and guided me throughout the whole process. Being a first time home buyer can be frustrating at times but Michelle was right there like I said guiding me through the whole process. Her professionalism is unmatched and at the end felt like family. If I ever need another loan I will be contacting Michelle Phillips. The best!
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Lional Pickett

5 years ago

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Michael Thomson
Michelle helped make the home buying process stress free. She was extremely helpful in the whole process, from getting pre-approved all the way to closing. Always willing to answer all my questions at any time of the day.
Michelle helped make the home buying process stress free. She was extremely helpful in the whole process, from getting pre-approved all the way to closing. Always willing to answer all my questions at any time of the day.

Michael Thomson

5 years ago

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Don Williams
Tidewater was the absolute best. Michelle Phillips and the whole team worked tirelessly to help my family in buying a home. I would recommend 10 times over. I cannot say enough how supportive their were and genuine.
Tidewater was the absolute best. Michelle Phillips and the whole team worked tirelessly to help my family in buying a home. I would recommend 10 times over. I cannot say enough how supportive their were and genuine.

Don Williams

5 years ago

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Taylor DeFord
My fiance and I had a wonderful experience working with Tidewater Home Funding to purchase our first home! We worked closely with Michelle Phillips, who do an amazing job getting all of our paperwork processed and in order for our close date. She was also ...
My fiance and I had a wonderful experience working with Tidewater Home Funding to purchase our first home! We worked closely with Michelle Phillips, who do an amazing job getting all of our paperwork processed and in order for our close date. She was also wonderful about breaking everything down for us and holding our hand the entire step of the way. Purchasing your first home (or any home) can be intimidating and a lot of information, so we were extremely thankful to have Michelle to guide us through the process. Would HIGHLY recommend Tidewater Home Funding!
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Taylor DeFord

5 years ago

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Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions

For a pre-qualification, the loan officer asks you a few questions and provides you with a pre-qualification letter. A pre-approval includes all the steps of a full approval, except for the appraisal and title search. 

A rate lock is a contractual agreement between the lender and buyer. There are four components to a rate lock: loan program, interest rate, points, and the length of the lock.

 

Points are an upfront cash payment required by the lender as part of the charge for the loan, expressed as a percent of the loan amount. For example, "2 points" means a charge equal to 2% of the loan balance

Borrowers pay fees at closing for services provided by the lender and other parties, such as title companies. Lenders are required to provide a written estimate of these costs within 3 days of receiving a loan application.

Lenders require proof of income and assets, including bank statements, tax returns, W2 statements, and recent paystubs. More documents may be needed to show your down payment and ability to pay closing costs.