In-House Underwriting means faster loan approvals and higher pull through.
Communication
We communicate throughout the loan process, explaining it clearly, while educating you on the product choices that fit your individual needs.
Experience & Integrity
Over 100 years of combined residential lending experience, Element Home Loans will seamlessly guide you through the home buying process.
Customer Service
We are committed to providing excellent customer service that you deserve.
Meet our Team
NMLS #16401
Frank Bennett has been involved in the mortgage Industry since 1986. Upon learning the business from the ground up, he has served as a Sales Manager, Branch Manager and Regional Production Manager. His extensive expertise ranges from the first-time homebuyer to the repeat customer Purchasing, Refinancing, building their dream home or developing a wealth portfolio plan through Real Estate.
Frank and his wife Karen, of 38 years, are actively involved in their beautiful community on The Emerald Coast helping to serve those in need. They love the beach, boating, and spending time with their children and 5 amazing grandchildren.
After a quarter century in the mortgage business, Frank still loves to deliver exceptional service to his Clients and Real Estate Agents taking pride in ensuring all share an amazing experience in the home purchasing process.
Allow Frank to show you that “Experience isn’t expensive, it’s priceless!”
Kari Painter, Director of Business Development, has an extensive background in marketing and sales throughout her career as well as many years of business management experience and as a business owner. Kari’s strong suit is being intentional with building business relationships and connecting professionals together to build their quiver of business referrals. She is very active in her community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, Chair’s the Business Success Group Committee and serves as a Chamber Ambassador. She also serves on the Board of Directors at Fresh Start for Children and Families and the Emerald Coast Foundation.
We look forward to the momentum she brings to our business with her expertise and enthusiasm! And with all of the people she knows locally!
Frank Bennett
Karen Bennett NMLS #215566
Kari Painter
Melanie Drake
Loan Officer Assistant
Melanie Whobrey Lead Processor
Reviews
Great communication throughout the process. Quick responses and follow up. Pleasant to deal with, very patient with us and our schedule. “Zero” problems at closing. Closing attorney extremely complimentary on Element Home Loans Teams process, preparation, and timelines. Attorney commented on how rarely she ever has a closing go without a “Hitch.” Great job Element Home Loans Team. Once again your Team has made another purchase for us a success. Cynthia C
Frank has been a valuable part of my financial team for years. I use him myself and frequently recommend him. I’ve seen him help folks get into a home where others thought it was impossible. Frank gets it done and gets it done on time. John K.
Frank Bennett and his team helped the procedure go very smoothly and quickly taking care of the paperwork. It was a pleasure working with them. Phyllis M.
I was turned down by another lender very upset. My daughter had use Frank so I call him give him my information he said everything look good to him I was so excited he mad this happen for me single lady first time home buyer was going to give up Frank answer all my questions very helpful always call me back will call him will call again on next purchase and tell anyone I know looking to purchase a home about him. Teresa C
Frank is the man!!!! I am a longtime customer of Frank Bennett and his team. I and my entire family have used Frank’s team for over 30 years. We would not use anyone else. The personal attention to detail and almost daily communication puts us at ease and we never have to wonder where we stand during the loan process. Richard C.
Frank and his team are the best! Julie W.
Frank, Karen and their team did a great job following up and communicating so we were able to close on time! Gary D.
Frank and his team at Element Home Loans were a great help during the home buying process. Everything ran smoothly without and hiccups and they were extremely easy to work with. I would highly recommend this team for anyone looking to purchase a home. Lucas M.
Frank was great with his response times to any questions we had and very informative. He not only helped us through the loan process he also referred me to an insurance agent who in turn not only saved us but some of my other family members a great deal of money as well. Frank and element made the whole process fast and easy. I will be referring Frank to anyone I know that is looking for a great loan experience. Frank and his team went ABOVE AND BEYOND! Thank you Frank.
Don & Jean H.
Application Checklist
Application Checklist
ALL BORROWERS:
W-2’s for last two years
Most current paycheck stubs
Checking and Savings account statements to include all pages even if blank (last 2 months)
Quarterly or semi-annual statements for checking, savings, IRA’s, CD’s, money market funds, stocks, 401K, profit sharing etc.
Copy of fully executed sales contract
Employment history for last two years
Residency history for last two years complete with landlord or mortgage company contact information
Canceled earnest money check when it clears
Social security card and driver’s license for all borrowers and non-purchasing spouse
Tax returns from the past two years
Copy of Note, Deed of Trust, Settlement Statement, and Survey if refinancing.
Any assets used for down payment, closing cost, cash reserves, and large deposits must be documented by a paper trail.
Loan Application Documents
Needs List
SELF EMPLOYED BORROWERS:
Copies of most recent 2 years tax returns with all schedules including K-I’s if applicable
Current profit, lost statement, and balance sheet
Copy of corporate/partnership tax returns for most recent 2-year period if owning 25% or more of company-copies of W-2’s and/or 1099 forms
MISC. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Agreement if financed by employer, i.e.buyout agreement plus documentation outlining company, and paid closing costs benefits
Previous bankruptcy, need copies of petition for bankruptcy and discharge, including supporting schedule
Divorce Decree signed by judge if applicable
Copies of sold properties if paid off mortgage in last two years
Documentation supporting moneys received from social security/retirement trust income, i.e. direct deposit bank statements, awards letter, evidence of income
DOCUMENTS FOR VA LOANS:
Original Certificate of Eligibility and copy of DD214
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Name and address of nearest living relative
The Mortgage Process Mortgage Process
The Mortgage Process, Step by Step
Before you purchase a home, get acquainted with the basics of the home loan process. Follow these steps to familiarize yourself with common terms and milestones, and for a smoother overall buying experience. You’ll be glad you did!
Preapproval: A preapproval helps you know in advance how much home you can afford. To start, you may be asked to complete a loan application. Completing this step will also increase your negotiating power when making a purchase offer.
Documentation: Paperwork supporting the application must also be submitted, which includes income and asset documents.
The Hunt: Begin shopping for a house. Once you find the right one, the terms of the sale will be negotiated, including the price and potentially the terms of the loan being sought. A professional real estate agent can make this part of the process fun and less frustrating.
Inspection and Appraisal: Lenders require an appraisal and may require certain inspections on all home sales. By knowing the true value of the home, the borrower is protected from overpaying. During this time, a title examination is also performed to determine whether any liens exist on the property’s previous owners. Loan Decision: The loan is approved or declined. A conditional loan approval may be contingent on additional documentation or actions. In some cases a counter approval may be provided with alternative loan options.
Closing: All final loan and escrow documents are signed. The lender confirms and completes the transaction with the necessary loan funds.
If you or anyone you know has questions regarding the home loan process, I’m happy to help. Get in touch today.
A GUIDE TO PREVENT LOAN DELAYS AND POSSIBLE REJECTION your Loan Originator. time off. set aside for closing. new credit accounts. or appliances. other type of vehicles. for anyone. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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