Don Oakes - Highlands Residential Mortgage

03/11/2026

Pre-approval causing anxiety? It can sound complicated and time-consuming, but once we break it down, it's really just about gathering documents you already have. Paystubs, W-2s, bank statements, and your ID. That's it. Most people realize they're far more prepared than they thought. And once those pieces are in place, things can start moving quickly!

If getting pre-approved has been what's holding you back, let's make it simple. Reach out and we'll walk through it together.

03/11/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Karen Sims by Tammy A J - Consistency! As a real estate agent I never have to worry if Karen is going to take up any challenge brought to her. I can guarantee my buyers that Karen will not only take care of their lending questions and needs but does so with such great personal interaction. That means a great deal to agents! Karen is so consistent time after time in communication, availability, the respect she treats buyers, the time she spends trouble solving any issues that pops up and not only gets us to the closing table but gets us to the closing table on time! I always get "thank you's" from buyers for providing them with Karen's contact info. They always tell me how she made the process so much less stressful with just how she communicates with them. So again, THANK YOU KAREN!!

Click to see all 421 reviews of Karen Sims, Loan Officer | NMLS # 150336|TN: 108129| AL: 59063| GA: 28150

03/10/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Jessica Upshaw by Lindsay F - Wonderful experience! Great communication, very friendly, answered any questions quickly, and very easy to work with. I highly recommend!

Click to see all 829 reviews of Jessica Upshaw, Branch Manager | NMLS # 179250

03/10/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Jessica Upshaw by Mallory V - Easy to reach, and broke down answers to be understood easily

Click to see all 828 reviews of Jessica Upshaw, Branch Manager | NMLS # 179250

03/09/2026

Tax season gets most people thinking about refunds and write offs. Homeownership can play a role in that bigger picture. Things like mortgage interest and property taxes can factor into your overall tax situation, depending on your scenario.
I am not a tax advisor, but I can help you think through how buying a home fits into your long-term financial goals and connect the dots between homeownership and your bigger money picture.
If you are weighing whether buying makes sense for you this year, let's talk it through.

03/09/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Karen Sims by Brittany C - Communication was top notch! Speed of transaction and flow was easy to follow.

Click to see all 420 reviews of Karen Sims, Loan Officer | NMLS # 150336|TN: 108129| AL: 59063| GA: 28150

03/08/2026

Breaking down a mortgage payment is one of my favorite conversations to have with clients. It usually starts with confusion or concern, and then there's that moment when everything clicks. The numbers stop feeling intimidating, and the questions turn into confidence.

Once you understand what goes into your payment and why, the fear fades. You're no longer guessing or bracing for surprises. You're in control, making decisions from a place of clarity instead of uncertainty.

If you've ever felt unsure about what a mortgage payment really includes or how it would fit into your life, let's talk.

03/07/2026

Tax season is more than paperwork, it's a financial reset and a great checkpoint for future goals. Updated income numbers, potential refunds, and clearer budgets can help you take real steps toward homeownership. This is a smart time to set actionable goals, like using a refund toward savings or a down payment, paying down high-interest debt, reviewing your credit, and estimating a comfortable monthly payment. Even if buying isn't immediate, early planning now can make the process smoother and far less stressful later.

Send me a DM to review how this tax season fits into your home plan.

03/06/2026

Being told "no" by another lender can feel discouraging, especially when you were excited about buying. What I see often is that "no" usually means the timing or structure was not the right fit, not that homeownership is off the table.
Sometimes it just takes a second look, a clearer plan, or a different approach to move things forward. If you have been turned away or felt stuck before, I am always open to taking a look and talking through what options might still be available.

03/06/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Karen Sims by Larry D W - Karen and Mary Ann did a great job communicating and guiding my wife and I through the whole mortgage experience. We are very thankful we had Karen and Mary Ann, it was a pleasure working with them. Thank you!

Click to see all 419 reviews of Karen Sims, Loan Officer | NMLS # 150336|TN: 108129| AL: 59063| GA: 28150

03/06/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Karen Sims by Kathy M W - Karen Sims was an absolute pleasure to work with as a lender. She is extremely organized, communicative, and keeps everyone in the loop throughout the entire process. One thing that really stands out about Karen is that she answers her phone and is always available to help when questions come up. Her professionalism and responsiveness make transactions smoother for everyone involved. I always appreciate working with someone who is so dedicated to providing great service to both clients and agents.

Click to see all 418 reviews of Karen Sims, Loan Officer | NMLS # 150336|TN: 108129| AL: 59063| GA: 28150

03/04/2026

A lot of buyers assume there is one hard credit score they have to hit to qualify. In reality, guidelines like Fannie Mae look at the full picture, not just one number.
That means there can be more flexibility than people expect.
If you have written yourself off because of credit, it may be worth taking a second look. I am happy to review your options with you.