Few purchases give you a sense of pride and accomplishment like buying a new home. From white picket fences and lush green grass to cookouts with neighbors and holidays with the family, owning a home is magical. Like most great things, though, enduring the home-buying process takes a lot of work. There are many steps to take and difficult decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions is what type of home loan and mortgage broker to choose. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you're a seasoned owner with multiple properties, you will need a trusted mortgage broker in Beaufort, SC, with your best interests at heart.
If you're like most people, you need a mortgage professional whose top priority is their customers - an expert who can provide accurate advice and guidance so you can make educated decisions. That's where Mission One Mortgage comes into the picture.
Whether you want the best interest rates or don't know where to start in the home-buying process, Mission One Mortgage can set you up in the right direction. From getting you pre-qualified to buy a home to securing a veteran's loan, Mission One Mortgage is the trusted solution you need. As Beaufort natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Beaufort, SC, we bring years of high-level experience and insight to the table. Having worked with hundreds of clients during our time in business, we know you're probably going through a range of emotions right now. Buying a new home can be a scary process, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we make every effort to make ourselves accessible and available for clients. Our primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage for your family and your budget.
We know that many home loan officers have horrible reputations. Some brokers only see their clients as transactions, and a means to make quick money. They come off as impatient and pushy, failing to understand that this is a very big decision for you. At Mission One Mortgage, we take the opposite approach. We encourage our clients to take as much time as needed to ask us questions and review mortgage documents. We could say that our mission is to exceed your expectations, but we'd rather just show you. From assistance finding FHA, VA, or other loans to refinancing your current mortgage, Mission One is the team you can trust.
Here are just a few reasons why home buyers choose Mission One Mortgage:
Most people simply don't have access to the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to purchase a home with cash. Instead, they take out a mortgage loan to buy a home. Unfortunately, many homebuyers are anxious to get the ball rolling and, due to their excitement, fail to shop around for the best mortgage rates. To some degree, avoiding this step makes sense, as it requires a lot of legwork and research to get the job done. For those not wanting to spend hours researching a reasonable mortgage, there's an alternative to consider - working with a mortgage broker.
To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.
Your mortgage broker is a third party that works to connect you with mortgage lenders. Essentially, a mortgage broker works as an intermediary between a person who wants to buy a home and the entities offering loans to buy a home. The mortgage broker works with both the borrower and lender to get the borrower approved. They also verify and collect paperwork from the borrower that the lender needs to finish a home purchase. Typically, mortgage brokers have relationships with several home loan lenders. Mission One Mortgage, for example, has access to 50 different lenders, which gives us a wide range of home loans in Beaufort, SC, from which to choose.
In addition to finding a home loan lender, your mortgage broker will help you settle on the best loan options and interest rates for your budget. Ideally, your mortgage broker will take a great deal of stress and legwork off your plate while also potentially saving you money.
If you're ready to buy a home, getting pre-qualified is a great choice that will streamline the entire process. Your mortgage broker makes getting pre-approved easy by obtaining all the documents needed to get you pre-qualified. In taking a look at your application, they will determine if you're ready for the pre-approval process. If your application needs additional items, the mortgage company will help point you in the right direction to ensure your application is as strong as it can be. Your mortgage broker will also walk you through the different types of loans, from Conventional and FHA to VA and USDA.
In order to be pre-approved for a home in South Carolina, you must have the following:
Most people choose to use a mortgage broker because they have access to different lenders and interest rates. But a great mortgage broker brings more to the table than a choice of lenders.
Save You from Unneeded Stress:One of the biggest advantages of hiring a mortgage broker is that they can find and vet loans while managing the mortgage process on your behalf. The best mortgage companies, like Mission One Mortgage, hire brokers who are experts at keeping underwriting on track, coordinating with relevant parties, and handling all paperwork involved. At the end of the day, mortgage brokers save you stress and time and often expedite the closing process.
More Access: We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: A mortgage broker provides access to a range of loans, rates, and lenders. In fact, many mortgage brokers can get rates lower than what the average person could get from a lender.
Save You Money: There's a chance that your mortgage broker can get your mortgage fees reduced or waived by the lender, which could save you a good deal of money.
Help with Unfavorable Financial Situations: Expert mortgage brokers can often assist in challenging financial situations, like when a buyer has inconsistent income or less-than-perfect credit. Experienced brokers, like those at Mission One Mortgage, are often aware of lenders willing to will work with nontraditional borrowers.
Provide Key Insights: Mortgage brokers share important insights, such as your chances for a home loan approval and exactly how much house you can afford. They can also save you from making costly mistakes based on their years of expertise in the mortgage industry.
While settling on the best type of home loan isn't as exciting as searching for the home of your dreams, it's equally important. Yes, your Mission One Mortgage loan officer in Beaufort, SC, will be happy to help explain the differences between home loans. But understanding the basics ahead of time will save you stress and time in the long run.
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Conventional loans can be used to purchase a new home or refinance your current one. Conventional loans include fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. Generally, borrowers must put down a 3% down payment for owner-occupants, 10% for a vacation property, and 20% for an investment home. If you are able to pay 20% of the total cost of the home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance, which is otherwise required. Conventional mortgages are often preferred by buyers with good credit or people needing a non-owner-occupied mortgage.
FHA mortgages are issued by the U.S. government and backed by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This loan is often preferred by first-time homebuyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment and offers more flexibility with credit requirements and underwriting standards. FHA loans have several requirements you must meet to qualify. Contact Mission One Mortgage today to learn more about FHA loans and whether or not they're best for your financial situation.
Also backed by the government, these loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don't require money down. These loans have lower insurance requirements when compared to FHA loans, offer 100% financing if you qualify, and allow for closing costs to be covered by the seller. In order to qualify for a USDA loan, you must live in a rural area, and your household income must meet certain standards. These loans are often preferred by low-income citizens who live in rural parts of South Carolina.
Also known as VA or Veteran's Affairs loans, these mortgages are reserved for the brave men and women who served in the military. VA loans help provide our military members, veterans, and their families with favorable loan terms and an easy home ownership experience. Often, those who qualify are not required to make a down payment on their home. Additionally, these loans often include less expensive closing costs.
If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, contact Mission One Mortgage today to speak with our Vetted VA Professional, Debbie Haberny. Debbie helps our military members, veterans, and their family members obtain home loans utilizing veteran benefits and would be happy to help as you search for a home.
Do you have questions about the complexities of mortgages and home loans? As your advocate, Mission One Mortgage is here to answer any questions you have about mortgages and the home-buying process. We encourage you to call our office to speak directly with one of our mortgage experts or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. I was talking to my spouse about mortgage brokers, and they mentioned the phrase home loan originator. What's the difference between a broker and a loan originator?
A. The mortgage industry is full of confusing jobs and titles, making it easy to confuse roles and responsibilities. Such is the case with mortgage brokers and home loan originators. Though their roles share similarities, a home loan originator in Beaufort, SC, works for a bank or credit union, while a mortgage broker works for a brokerage company. Home loan originators and mortgage brokers are both licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Q. I've heard from everyone that you must have mortgage insurance to buy a home. What is mortgage insurance?
A. Essentially, mortgage insurance helps protect lenders if a borrower forecloses on the home they bought. One advantage of mortgage insurance is that when borrowers pay it, lenders can often grant loans to buyers when they might not have otherwise. Though not always required to buy a home, mortgage insurance is often needed for down payments of less than 20%.
Q. I have just been pre-approved to buy a beautiful home in South Carolina. Is there anything I shouldn't do now that I'm pre-qualified?
A. Mortgage companies like Mission One Mortgage, make getting pre-qualified for a home easy. However, as your loan process continues, your lender is required to run a new credit report before closing on a home. For that reason, it's to avoid any activity that might affect your credit score, such as:
Q. My brother-in-law recently refinanced his home in South Carolina. What is refinancing, and should I consider refinancing my home too?
A. Refinancing your home basically means you're swapping your current mortgage for a new one, most often with a lower interest rate. If you would like to reduce the term of your loan, lower your monthly mortgage payments, or consolidate debt, refinancing may be a smart option. Many homeowners also choose to refinance if they want to switch from adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate mortgages or to get cash back for home renovations. To learn whether refinancing is a viable option for your situation, contact Mission One Mortgage ASAP, as loan rates change frequently.
Here at Mission One Mortgage, we believe that the best communities begin with the dream of home ownership. Our mission is to make those dreams come true, with personalized service, expert guidance, and good old-fashioned hard work. As one of the most trusted mortgage companies in Beaufort, SC, we have years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time buyers and investors to self-employed borrowers and non-native English speakers.
Though every mortgage situation is different, one thing never changes: our commitment to clients. Contact our office today to get started on an exceptional home-buying experience.
(843) 822-5685
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - St. Helena Island residents voiced their concern about a proposed RV park coming to the island.They attended the Beaufort County Design and Review Board meeting.The project was attempting to get final approval for its design before going to the county council.At this meeting, the board discussed the final design for the project and received comments from residents in the area, who had just learned about it and felt it could cause more harm than good to the island.“We want our i...
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - St. Helena Island residents voiced their concern about a proposed RV park coming to the island.
They attended the Beaufort County Design and Review Board meeting.
The project was attempting to get final approval for its design before going to the county council.
At this meeting, the board discussed the final design for the project and received comments from residents in the area, who had just learned about it and felt it could cause more harm than good to the island.
“We want our island to remain as it is,” One concerned resident said.
The RV Park would be located off Sea Island Parkway behind The Lowcountry Store.
A 100-plus lot park with a pavilion, pickleball courts, and other amenities.
One resident owns a horse farm that works with special needs children near the proposed location and claims it would create significant problems.
“Who is going to stop a child from crossing that piece of property and coming onto my yard?” Denise Bishop said. “Who is going to come up there and say, ‘Oh, I want to feed this horse carrots, apples, what have you?’ Then my horse colics.”
The project developer, John Trask, states that they will have personnel policing the property, and he will work with the property owners to reach a compromise on the other issues.
He was also asked if the land had a CPO, or Cultural Protection Overlay Zone, which aims to conserve the island and retain its heritage.
Trask and the board said the land did not.
“I am here to listen, aiming to try and accommodate people,” Trask said.
People also have concerns that the project could mess with wildlife in the area.
“How do we protect the marsh and wildlife from the chemicals that will be in the runoff?”
And neighbors worry the park could also add to the already busy roadway -- the only road that lets people on and off the island.
“Until there are two roads on and off this island, we should not be approving any development that assumes there are,” Willie Turral said.
Residents also questioned the board to see if the project would interfere with the island’s CPO, or cultural protected overlay Zone, which aims to conserve the island and retain its heritage.
The board tabled the final design vote on the RV Park.
They say that the developer didn’t make all the necessary changes the board asked him to make last time, and also recommended that he talk to residents about the project before bringing it back to the board.
By Delayna EarleyThe Island NewsThe holiday season is here, and Beaufort has no shortage of festive events available to help everyone celebrate the season, beginning this week.On Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., history comes alive in this interactive full-stage musical about the last Christmas before the Civil War. South Carolina has just seceded from the Union, talk of war is in the air and talk of freedom is spreading among servants in the Quarters. Tickets are av...
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
The holiday season is here, and Beaufort has no shortage of festive events available to help everyone celebrate the season, beginning this week.
On Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., history comes alive in this interactive full-stage musical about the last Christmas before the Civil War. South Carolina has just seceded from the Union, talk of war is in the air and talk of freedom is spreading among servants in the Quarters. Tickets are available for purchase.
A Night on the Town – Downtown Beaufort
On Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Beaufort. Kick off the season with music, shopping, holiday treats, performances and Beaufort’s beloved Christmas tree lighting. Beaufort’s downtown streets come alive with cheer – perfect for making memories, strolling under the lights and supporting local shops.
Movie Night Meets Night on the Town – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Pavilion
The fourth annual Christmas Double-Feature will begin at 6 p.m. and will end at 9 p.m. and will show the movies Elf and The Grinch.
14th Annual Nativity Celebration – 1201 North Street
On Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort will be holding their 14th Annual Nativity Celebration where they will be celebrating the Christmas story with more than 150 nativities from around the world. All ages are welcome to the free event.
Gullah Taste of Christmas – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
On Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 11 a.m., at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park guests will be able to taste authentic Gullah cuisine and enjoy live holiday entertainment. Included in this event will be the Gullah Rice Cookoff.
The Polar Express – Port Royal Library
On Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., join Port Royal Library for a Santa meet and greet following a screening of the film.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Santa will be available for complimentary photos at Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal.
Light Up the Night Boat Parade – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. Gather along the waterfront as brilliantly decorated boats glide across the Beaufort River in a dazzling procession of lights. Bring your chairs, your cocoa and your holiday spirit – this is a Beaufort favorite for a reason!
Hosted by Sprenger Health Care Port Royal and running from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 6, all are invited to the annual Breakfast with Santa where kids enjoy a magical morning filled with delicious food, fun games and photos with Santa himself.
Beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, the market will feature local vendors, food trucks, a visit and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus and live holiday spirit on Bladen Street.
Christmas Parade – Downtown Beaufort
On Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. in downtown Beaufort a festive lineup of floats, performers, community groups and of course Santa Claus, himself will make their way along the City of Beaufort’s traditional parade route with one small detour due to the construction at the intersection of Bay and Charles Streets. It’s one of Beaufort’s longest standing traditions and a joyful way to wrap up the weekend.
Mistletoe Market – The Beaufort Inn’s Tabby Place
Running from Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. each day, come sip, shop and support the local businesses that make Beaufort home. Shop local and support the local businesses that are feeling the impact of the ongoing construction downtown that is causing a shift in visitor patterns.
Jingle All the Way 5K – Coleman Hall (Building 2) of Technical College of the Lowcountry
Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. and hosted by the TCL PTA Club. The 5K run is open to all ages and all proceeds benefit TCL’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. There is a $30 donation per racer and deadline to register is Dec. 9 at www.tcl.edu/jingle.
Jingle Jammie Jam Dance Party – Revolution Ballroom
On Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. get cozy for some dance lessons, hot chocolate and cozy holiday PJ’s. Open to the public (18+), singles and couples are welcome. Admission is $20 at the door or online.
On Dec. 13, carts must be lined up at Helena Square by 5:45 p.m. and will head to Shellring after for the official After Party and Awards.
Free event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 in the Port Royal Pavillion. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and treats, facepainting and bounce houses.
On Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. join Santa at Mongolia Cafe for tea, house made soup and a chef curated savory and sweets tower. Reservations required. Call 843-816-8535 for more information.
Running through Dec. 27, the Cadd Family will be lighting up their area of Lady’s Island with their annual Christmas lights display. The display will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. except when it rains.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
On Dec. 31, at 9 p.m., bring in the New Year in downtown Beaufort at the Waterfront Park while watching fireworks along the Beaufort River.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at .
Three Beaufort County food businesses received B grades and one received a C grade in November’s health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. No locations in Jasper County received B or C grades this November.Here is a rundown of the restaurants that received the lowest ratings and why they scored poorly:Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila: 1742 Ribaut Road, Port RoyalPedro’s Tacos & Tequila had a routine inspection on Nov. 18 and scored a 75% (C). Issues noted by inspecto...
Three Beaufort County food businesses received B grades and one received a C grade in November’s health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. No locations in Jasper County received B or C grades this November.
Here is a rundown of the restaurants that received the lowest ratings and why they scored poorly:
Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila had a routine inspection on Nov. 18 and scored a 75% (C). Issues noted by inspectors included:
A reinspection is required within 10 days, but it has not occurred as of Dec. 1.
Jameson’s Charhouse had a routine inspection on Nov. 17 and scored an 83% (B). Issues noted by inspectors included:
Jameson’s Charhouse was reinspected on Nov. 24 and scored 100% (A).
Bowdie’s Chophouse had a routine inspection on Nov. 18 and scored an 81% (B). Issues noted by inspectors included:
Bowdie’s Chophouse was reinspected on Nov. 25 and scored 100% (A).
Speedway had a routine inspection on Nov. 19 and scored an 84% (B). Issues noted by inspectors included:
Speedway was reinspected on Nov. 24 and scored 100% (A).
Inspectors give restaurants a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for various infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score in a reinspection.
The grade scale is as follows:
In November, the SCDA recorded 196 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores, and other food establishments in Beaufort County and 31 in Jasper County.
The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.
Newer food-grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.
If there is an establishment for which you wish to request an inspection, you can submit a concern to the SCDA by filling out this Food Safety Complaint Form.
To learn more about how the grading system and inspections work, click here.
Take a look up to the heavens starting on Wednesday and you’ll see the last supermoon of the year light up the sky over Beaufort, SC. December’s cold moon will be the next full moon and it will be the final supermoon of 2025, making it one of the biggest full moons of the year, illuminating the sky for several nights.The moon will turn full at 8:20am on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Named for the chilly temperatures at this time of year in North America, this moon is not only the second-biggest full moon of 2025 — a &ldquo...
Take a look up to the heavens starting on Wednesday and you’ll see the last supermoon of the year light up the sky over Beaufort, SC. December’s cold moon will be the next full moon and it will be the final supermoon of 2025, making it one of the biggest full moons of the year, illuminating the sky for several nights.
The moon will turn full at 8:20am on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Named for the chilly temperatures at this time of year in North America, this moon is not only the second-biggest full moon of 2025 — a “supermoon” — but it reaches higher into the sky than any other.moon
It will look full the night before and the night after, but the best time to watch it rise in Beaufort will be at moonrise during dusk on Friday, Dec. 5, when it will appear on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.
It will be the third of three supermoons this year. The three supermoons in 2025 occured on October 6, November 5, and this one on December 4. The first was the Harvest Moon. The second was the Beaver Moon, and this one is the Cold Moon.
In addition, the near coincidence of this full moon with perigee will result in a dramatically large range of high and low ocean tides. Any coastal storm at sea around this time would almost certainly aggravate coastal flooding problems at high tide, or, in the case of a strong wind pushing the water offshore, it would create a very low water situation at low tide.
Supermoons by definition happen “when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee,” according to NASA.
“During every 27-day orbit around Earth, the Moon reaches both its perigee, about 226,000 miles (363,300 km) from Earth, and its farthest point, or apogee, about 251,000 miles (405,500 km) from Earth.”
Supermoons in general appear 17% bigger and 30% brighter than when the moon is at its farthest point away from Earth, according to NASA. Supermoons are slightly bigger and brighter than most full moons, too. Just because it’s bigger and brighter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll see it unaided, so binoculars may give you a better view.
You’ll be able to step outside and enjoy the view with the supermoon brightly illuminating our late autumn evening sky.
The town is getting ready for the holidays and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming City of Beaufort Holiday Weekend Celebration. But there’s a few other happenings that will help you show your holiday spirit.The weekend of December 6th through 8th will be packed with music, food, entertainment, shopping, parades – and Santa, of course!Friday night, December 5th The weekend kicks off with Night on the Town at 6 p.m. on Friday. Bay Street will be closed to traffic. Downtown retailers will be o...
The town is getting ready for the holidays and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming City of Beaufort Holiday Weekend Celebration. But there’s a few other happenings that will help you show your holiday spirit.
The weekend of December 6th through 8th will be packed with music, food, entertainment, shopping, parades – and Santa, of course!
Friday night, December 5th The weekend kicks off with Night on the Town at 6 p.m. on Friday. Bay Street will be closed to traffic. Downtown retailers will be open. Roving choirs will be singing Christmas carols and other performers will also be taking the stage as well.
The Community Bible Church Soul Patrol Puppet Team will perform at Bay and Carteret streets. LOTS OF FOOD will be available along Bay Street from various vendors. Parents can bring their kiddies to have their pictures taken with Santa from 6-8 p.m. And, a recital of “The Night Before Christmas” will occur on the main stage just before the Christmas tree lighting culminates the evening around at 8pm
Saturday, December 6th The Gullah Taste of Christmas kicks off at 11 a.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. With live music, a Rice Cookoff, food vendors, a kid’s village and more, the event is a beautiful celebration of Gullah traditions that will have you singing and dancing with joy.
Then, the super-popular Christmas Boat Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. – grab a seat at the park to get a great view.
Sunday, December 7th The annual Christmas Parade, led by Santa and featuring local bands and lots of floats, begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Beaufort.
There’s more!
During the Night on the Town Celebration, catch a Christmas double feature under the stars at the downtown waterfront as J.P. Signature Group at Keller Williams Realty is hosting its annual Movie Night Meets Night On The Town, featuring two free movies with The Grinch and Elf. Refreshments, hot cocoa, and popcorn will be served.
Also, capture the magic with Santa himself as jolly ol’ St. Nick is available for photos outside the Beaufort Candy Shoppe on select dates. Share your wishes and spread joy with Santa on November 29th (1-5pm), November 30th (12-4pm), December 6th (12-4pm), December 13th (12-4pm), and December 20th (12-4pm).
Christmas in the South is amazing, and so is all of the fun at Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend.
Find more Holiday fun in Beaufort SC