Keep more flexibility
Eligible buyers may purchase with no down payment, depending on entitlement, the property’s value, and lender requirements. Closing costs may still apply.
SAVANNAH & COASTAL GEORGIA · VA HOME LOANS
You served.
Now let’s get
you home.
VA loan expertise rooted in Savannah, Hunter Army Airfield, and Fort Stewart.
Helping Veterans and nonmilitary buyers across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama with VA, conventional, FHA, and other mortgage options.
Questions first. No application needed to talk.
Ready to apply? Start your secure application
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO START?
U.S. Army, retired
MEET YOUR LOAN OFFICER
Before mortgages,
there was a mission.
I’m Jake Ellison, a retired Army CW4, Apache Pilot and Flight Instructor. I served 23 years on active duty in the Army, including nine years stationed at Hunter Army Airfield across two assignments. After retirement, my family and I chose to stay in the community we call home.
My family used our VA benefit through multiple PCS moves. I know what it’s like to plan a home purchase around orders, changing timelines, and family needs. That experience shapes the questions I ask and the guidance I provide.
As your loan officer, I’ll help you understand your payment, estimated cash to close, and financing options before you commit. We’ll talk through what fits your plans, explain the next steps, and coordinate with your agent when you’re ready.
VA loans are my focus, with mortgage options for Veterans and nonmilitary buyers across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama through Edge Home Finance.
Talk with JakeJake Ellison NMLS #2572241
23 years of Army service.
Retired CW4 · Apache Pilot & Flight Instructor
Veteran-led mortgage guidance for your next chapter.
Certified Military Housing Specialist (CMHS) — USA Cares
Completed training focused on serving military borrowers and understanding military rank and pay.
About the CMHS programIN THEIR OWN WORDS
What clients say
about working with Jake.
★★★★★
Clear communication
“Jake communicated everything clearly, and was very helpful from start to finish!”
★★★★★
Confidence throughout the process
“His calm demeanor and vast knowledge helped us feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire home buying process.”
★★★★★
First-time VA loan guidance
“We used the VA loan for the 1st time and he answered all of our questions regarding the process, sent us additional information and explained everything in detail to make sure we understood it all from start to finish.”
★★★★★
Local homebuying support
“Jake was great to work with during our home buying process in the Savannah area! He was recommended to us by a friend and we are so glad we chose Jake as our loan officer.”
★★★★★
Support for first-time buyers
“He was knowledgeable, patient, responsive, and truly went above and beyond to help us achieve our goal of becoming homeowners. We always felt supported and confident knowing Jake was in our corner.”
★★★★★
Helpful even when the timing wasn’t right
“He worked tirelessly to provide us with payment projections and explanations of all possible purchasing scenarios. Even though we decided not to buy at this time we will definitely be reaching out to him next year when we resume the search for our forever home.”
★★★★★
Questions answered along the way
“Knowledgeable, patient, and always available to answer my questions throughout the entire process. I truly appreciated their honesty, guidance, and dedication to making sure everything stayed on track.”
★★★★★
A team that keeps you informed
“It was a great experience working with Jake and the team over at Edge. You can tell right away they’re a hardworking group that really stays on top of things and keeps you in the loop.”
Selected Google review excerpts. Names are shortened or withheld for privacy. Individual experiences vary.
Let’s talk about your next moveKNOW THE AREA. PLAN THE MOVE.
New orders.
Familiar ground.
From a first assignment to a final PCS, get local mortgage guidance for the communities around your duty station.
SAVANNAH, GEORGIAHunter Army
Hunter Army
Airfield
Explore your VA loan plan around Savannah, Pooler, and Richmond Hill.
Hunter homebuying guide HINESVILLE, GEORGIAFort Stewart
Prepare for your move to Hinesville, Richmond Hill, and nearby communities.
Fort Stewart homebuying guideServing all eligible buyers. Local references describe service areas, not on-installation offices or military endorsements.
MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU’VE EARNED
Your VA benefit.
Explained in plain English.
A good mortgage starts with understanding your options. We’ll look at the full picture, including the payment, cash to close, and your plans for the home.
No monthly mortgage insurance
VA-backed loans don’t require monthly mortgage insurance. We’ll still account for property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any association dues.
A benefit you can use again
Already used your VA loan? We can review your remaining or restored entitlement and explore what another purchase could look like.
NO GUESSING WHAT COMES NEXT
Know your numbers.
Know your next step.
Not ready to buy yet? We can start with a plan for the months ahead and revisit it as your timing becomes clearer.
Your first conversation
Tell me where you are in the process, when you hope to move, and what payment feels comfortable. Bring your questions. We’ll discuss a practical next step, even if you’re not ready to apply.
Application & analysis
Complete your secure application so we can review your income, assets, credit, and VA entitlement when applicable.
Phone, video or in person, your choice
Review your payment, estimated cash to close, and financing options with us. Choose a phone call, a video call through Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet, or an in-person meeting. We’ll coordinate a time that works for you.
Pre-approval discussion with your agent
With your permission, we discuss your pre-approval, budget, and financing plan with your agent so you’re prepared to shop and make an offer. Any remaining approval conditions will be explained.
What happens after you apply?
Our team reviews your information, follows up with questions or document requests, and coordinates a conversation about your options. Use the secure portal for sensitive documents.
Prequalification or preapproval is not final loan approval.
How I help you compare your options
Lender choice
Through Edge Home Finance, we compare available lender options to find a fit for your circumstances. Product availability and qualifications vary.
Costs you can understand
We explain lender charges, third-party costs, and prepaids so you know what you’re paying and why. We’ll review your Loan Estimate together.
A team that keeps you moving
Clear document requests, proactive communication, and coordination with your agent help your purchase stay on track from application to closing.
ALREADY OWN A HOME?
A refinance should
make sense for you.
We’ll compare your current loan with available options, including closing costs, the new balance, loan term, and how long you expect to keep the home. A lower payment alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
VA IRRRL
The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, often called a VA streamline refinance, is for an existing VA-backed loan. It may help lower your interest rate or move from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate, subject to eligibility and program requirements.
Official VA IRRRL guidanceVA cash-out refinance
Eligible homeowners may use this option to access equity or refinance a non-VA mortgage into a VA-backed loan. Occupancy, credit, income, and lender requirements apply.
Official VA refinance guidanceOther refinance options
Ask about conventional, FHA, and investment property refinance options. We’ll discuss your goals and compare the costs and benefits of changing your current loan.
Refinancing involves costs. Financing costs into the loan increases the balance; extending the term may increase total interest paid. Savings and approval are not guaranteed. A VA funding fee may apply unless exempt.
FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS
A lending partner for
your next buyer.
Military move or local purchase, VA or another loan type: let’s work together to help your client understand their financing before the home search gets ahead of the plan.
Talk through the scenario
Discuss a buyer’s goals, timeline, and financing questions before they begin making offers. Start with a general scenario; we’ll arrange secure next steps for personal documents.
Coordinate the offer
With the buyer’s permission, we can discuss their pre-approval, payment goals, and financing considerations so the offer reflects their plan.
Keep the conversation going
Reach me by call, text, or email for questions along the way. Let’s coordinate around PCS dates, document needs, and the next steps toward closing.
Payment scenarios & open-house support
Help buyers understand the numbers behind a listing. Ask about property-specific payment scenarios, financing comparisons, and open-house materials. We’ll discuss the price, loan assumptions, taxes, insurance, and any proposed seller assistance before preparing an example.
Public-facing examples need appropriate assumptions and disclosures and are subject to company review. Scenarios are estimates, not loan approvals or guaranteed terms.
BUILD YOUR HOMEBUYING TEAM
Need a real estate
agent recommendation?
I work with trusted local agents around Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Hinesville, Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, and surrounding areas. Tell me where you’re looking, your timeline, and what matters to you, and I can help you connect.
Already have an agent? I’m happy to work with them. The choice of agent is always yours, and an introduction comes with no obligation to use me for financing.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND MY WHY
Home is personal.
Emerald and I have been married for over 22 years, and we’re raising Alyssa and Alexander here in coastal Georgia. After years of military moves, choosing to stay here was a decision about the life we wanted for our family.
We enjoy spending time outdoors together—biking, hiking, swimming, and camping. For us, home is the starting point for those everyday moments.
That’s what I want to understand when we talk: what matters to you beyond the house itself. We’ll discuss a payment you feel comfortable with, the timing of your move, and how a mortgage fits into the rest of your life. Whether you’re ready now or still working out your plans, you can start with a conversation.
Let’s talk about your next move
USEFUL BEFORE YOU MAKE AN OFFER
Start with the
right information.
Your BAH is one part of your budget. We’ll help you consider the full monthly cost of owning a home.
Hunter & Fort Stewart PCS homebuying checklistA practical checklist you can read, print, and share. No email required.Hunter Army Airfield BAH lookupOfficial DoD tool · Enter your permanent duty station ZIPFort Stewart BAH lookupOfficial DoD tool · Select year, pay grade, and dependency statusRequest your COEEmail Jake for help obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility and understanding your available benefit.
For COE help, send a simple email to get started. Please do not email Social Security numbers or military records; we’ll explain how to provide any needed documents securely.
MORTGAGE RATES & NEWS
Follow the market.
Understand your options.
Explore current market information, then talk with Jake about what it means for your purchase or refinance.
DAILY RATE DATA
Current mortgage rates
View Mortgage News Daily’s rate index and trends.
MORTGAGE NEWS DAILYMortgage & housing news
Read the latest mortgage headlines and market commentary.
FREDDIE MACWeekly rate trends
Explore national conventional mortgage averages over time.
Market averages are not a personalized quote. Your rate and costs depend on your loan, credit, property, timing, and other factors. External resources may include advertising and have their own privacy policies.
Ask Jake about my rate & paymentSTRAIGHT ANSWERS
VA loan questions?
You’re in the right place.
Have a situation that doesn’t fit a simple answer?
Let’s talk it through.
Who can qualify for a VA home loan?+
Eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify. A Certificate of Eligibility confirms service eligibility; credit, income, entitlement, and occupancy requirements still apply. VA guidance
Do I need a down payment?+
Many eligible buyers can purchase without a down payment. Available entitlement, the appraised value, purchase price, and lender requirements affect your options. Closing costs and prepaid expenses may still be due. VA guidance
Do VA loans have monthly mortgage insurance?+
VA-backed loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any applicable association dues still need to be included in your budget. VA guidance
Will I pay a VA funding fee?+
A one-time VA funding fee may apply unless you qualify for an exemption, including certain borrowers receiving VA disability compensation. The fee depends on your loan type, prior use, and down payment. We review your exemption status and costs with you. VA guidance
Can I use my VA benefit again?+
Yes. VA home loan benefits can be used more than once. We review your Certificate of Eligibility, any existing VA loan, and remaining or restored entitlement before planning another purchase. VA guidance
Can I buy before arriving on PCS orders?+
Possibly. We review your orders, expected income, closing date, and occupancy plan together. VA purchase loans are for a primary residence; timing and spouse-occupancy provisions depend on your circumstances. VA guidance
Can the seller help with closing costs?+
Seller assistance may be negotiated in your purchase contract, subject to VA rules and lender requirements. Ordinary buyer closing costs and seller concessions are treated differently. We will help your agent structure the request around your actual costs. VA guidance
What if I’m six months or a year away from buying?+
That’s a good time to start a conversation. We can discuss your comfortable payment, savings, moving timeline, and questions about your loan options. You don’t need to complete an application just to talk. Call, text, or email Jake, and we’ll plan the next steps around your timing.
What is a VA IRRRL, and could it help me?+
An Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, often called a VA streamline refinance, replaces an existing VA-backed loan. It may help lower your interest rate or move you from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. Eligibility requirements and closing costs apply. We’ll review the costs, potential benefit, and your plans before you decide whether refinancing makes sense. VA guidance
A CONVERSATION IS A GOOD PLACE TO START
Talk through your plans
with Jake.
We’ll talk about your timeline, a monthly payment you feel comfortable with, and the questions on your mind. Together, we’ll identify the next steps that fit your plans, whether you’re buying soon or six months to a year away. You don’t need to have everything figured out or complete an application just to talk.
Prefer a video call or an in-person meeting? Let’s arrange a time.
Call Jake: (912) 312-9873Text JakeEmail JakeReady to apply? Start your application
Please use the secure application portal for financial documents, not text or email.
GOOD GUIDANCE IS WORTH SHARING
Refer someone to Jake.
Know a friend, family member, or Realtor who could use a mortgage resource? Share my website so they can explore their options and reach out when they’re ready.
For an introduction, check with them first. Keep financial details and sensitive documents out of email.