All loans are subject to underwriting, collateral review, documentation, and approval. Not all applicants or properties may qualify. Loan terms, structures, and product availability vary based on underwriting review, collateral, and market conditions.
How the Mortgage Department Works
The Mortgage Department works directly with clients throughout the review process. Lending officers review requests and present available options within the Bank's credit framework.
No Commission-Based Compensation
Mortgage lending officers are not compensated on a commission basis and do not receive incentives tied to individual loan transactions.
Internal Processing and Underwriting
Loan applications are processed and underwritten by Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. personnel. Credit decisions for portfolio mortgage loans are made internally.
Review of Varied Income and Asset Profiles
The department reviews a range of income and asset profiles, including business owners, self-employed borrowers, partnership income, investment income, and other complex sources.
Portfolio Lending in Appropriate Cases
The Bank may retain a residential mortgage loan on its balance sheet, which may involve different eligibility criteria, documentation standards, or loan terms.
Mortgage Loan Types and Products
The Bank offers fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans. Product availability varies based on the property, borrower profile, requested loan structure, and other underwriting considerations.
Purchase and Refinance Loans
Home purchase and refinance transactions with fixed-rate and adjustable-rate structures, subject to current product parameters and underwriting standards.
Conforming and Jumbo Loans
Conforming and jumbo loan requests reviewed based on loan size, collateral, underwriting standards, and current program availability.
Primary, Second Home, and Investment
Loan requests for owner-occupied primary residences, second homes, and certain investment properties, subject to underwriting and eligibility.
Residential Construction Loans
Construction loans for residential building projects, including review of plans, specifications, budgets, contractor information, and insurance.
Renovation Loans
Financing for residential renovation and home improvement projects, structured similarly to construction loans with project scope and contractor review.
Bridge Loans
Short-term bridge financing for certain purchase and sale transactions, subject to collateral, identified repayment sources, and credit evaluation.
Home Equity Loans and HELOCs
Home equity lending for qualified borrowers. HELOCs typically include a 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment period.
Cooperative (Co-op) Share Loans
Financing for shares in cooperative housing corporations. Secured by proprietary lease and cooperative shares, not real estate.
Loans Secured by Marketable Securities
Loans and lines of credit secured by eligible marketable securities. Proceeds may be used for real estate purchase, construction, or renovation.
2026 Conforming Loan Limits
Based on limits published by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Loans above the applicable conforming limit are jumbo loans.
| Area Type | One-Unit Conforming Limit |
|---|---|
| Most U.S. Counties | $832,750 |
| Designated High-Cost Areas | Up to $1,249,125 |
What to Expect
The mortgage process typically begins with an initial discussion and proceeds through application, underwriting, and closing. Timing varies depending on the transaction, property, and documentation.
1
Initial Discussion
A lending officer discusses the purpose of the request, property type, borrower structure, income sources, liquidity, and other relevant factors.
2
Application and Documents
Borrowers may submit an application through the Bank's mortgage application platform. Supporting documents are collected through secure channels.
3
Processing and Underwriting
Bank personnel review the application, documentation, collateral, and other relevant information in accordance with underwriting standards.
4
Closing Coordination
If approved, the Bank coordinates next steps toward closing with the borrower, settlement parties, and other participants.
Mortgage Team
Joe Nelson
EVP and Chief Mortgage Banking Officer, NMLS #368727Mr. Nelson has more than 30 years of mortgage banking experience, including residential mortgage lending, construction lending, underwriting, and the evaluation of borrower income and asset profiles.
Marv Stanger
SVP and Senior Mortgage Lending Officer, NMLS #189967Mr. Stanger has more than 30 years of lending experience, including residential purchase and refinance lending, consumer lending, and construction lending serving clients throughout the Washington area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mortgage loans does Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. review?
The Bank offers residential mortgage financing for purchase and refinance transactions and may also offer conforming, jumbo, construction, renovation, bridge, and home equity lending, subject to underwriting standards and current product parameters.
Can the Bank review requests involving self-employment or other non-standard income?
Yes. The Mortgage Department reviews a range of income sources and borrower structures, consistent with the Bank's underwriting standards. Evaluation is based on the nature and stability of the income, available documentation, collateral, liquidity, and other relevant underwriting factors.
Can Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. work with business owners or borrowers with complex income sources?
Yes. The Mortgage Department has experience reviewing requests involving business income, partnership income, investment income, self-employment, and other complex income sources. Review depends on the nature and stability of the income, available documentation, liquidity, collateral, and other relevant underwriting factors.
Does the Bank offer construction, renovation, and home equity lending?
The Bank may offer residential construction loans, renovation loans, home equity loans, and home equity lines of credit. Availability and product structure depend on underwriting standards and current program terms.
What is portfolio lending?
In certain cases, the Bank may retain a residential mortgage loan on its balance sheet rather than structuring the request solely to secondary-market standards. This may result in differences in loan terms or eligibility. Availability depends on the transaction and the Bank's underwriting standards.
Does the Bank require escrow accounts for property taxes and insurance?
For portfolio mortgage loans, the Bank generally does not require escrow accounts for property taxes or homeowners insurance. For certain secondary market loan programs, escrow accounts may be required or available depending on program guidelines. For properties located in designated flood zones, escrow of flood insurance premiums may be required where mandated by applicable law.
Is flood insurance required?
Flood insurance is required for properties located in designated flood zones, as required by applicable law. When required, borrowers must maintain appropriate flood insurance coverage for the term of the loan.
How do I begin?
Borrowers may begin by contacting the Mortgage Department to discuss their loan request. Those ready to proceed may also submit an application through the Bank's mortgage application platform.
Contact the Mortgage Department
To discuss a mortgage request, contact the Mortgage Department directly. Borrowers who are ready to begin may submit an application through the Bank's mortgage application platform.
Apply Now will connect you to the Bank’s mortgage application platform, which is hosted through a service provider. You will leave chainbridgebank.com and may be redirected through service-provider domains used to authenticate and process your application.
This page is provided for informational purposes only. All loans are subject to underwriting, collateral review, documentation, and approval. This page is not a commitment to make a loan. Not all applicants or properties may qualify. Loan terms, structures, and product availability vary based on underwriting review, collateral, and market conditions. For adjustable-rate mortgage products, the interest rate and resulting monthly payment may increase after closing. NMLS #405543. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
