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 Brevard, FL, 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 Brevard natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Brevard, FL, 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 Brevard, FL, 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 Brevard, FL, 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.
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 Brevard, FL, 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 Brevard, FL, 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.
Just days after the news that World of Beer Viera would close for good, two more Brevard brew restaurants have shut down their operations, too.Both Mr. Brews Taphouse in Melbourne and ...
Just days after the news that World of Beer Viera would close for good, two more Brevard brew restaurants have shut down their operations, too.
Both Mr. Brews Taphouse in Melbourne and Village Bier Garten Restaurant in Cocoa Village announced closures this week.
This means the loss of three local brew venues in one week, as World of Beer Viera's last day was Dec. 31.
More:World of Beer Viera closes after 15 years: Here's what owner says led to decision
A Thursday evening social media post regarding the Bier Garten stated, "We are closed until further notice. Thank you to all of our loyal patrons."
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FLORIDA TODAY spoke with Blake Copperud, an analyst working with the Bier Garten who said he is currently assessing the situation regarding the closure and exploring potential options for selling the lease. Cooperud acknowledged the challenges posed by the competitive and tough industry.
Village Bier Garten was in the heart of Cocoa Village at 415 Delannoy Ave., offering a wide variety of German foods, beers and live entertainment five days a week.
More:Grand opening: Brevard native brings innovative Asian fare to new Cocoa Beach restaurant
Mr. Brews owners Brent and Gina Phillips announced this week's shutdown of their Melbourne pub in a short Facebook post. Located at 3945 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Mr. Brews opened in 2021.
"After 1,351 incredible days of shared laughter, struggles, and unforgettable connections, the time has come to say goodbye. With a heavy heart, we announce the closure of Mr. Brews Taphouse – Melbourne," they said.
"To our loyal customers, amazing staff, and supportive business partners: thank you from the depths of our hearts. Your unwavering support through every high and low has meant the world to us."
Mr. Brews had an extensive selection of beers on tap, craft burgers and wings, as well as special events and the NFL Sunday Ticket for game days.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY's food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com
10-foot great white shark pinged off Florida coastAn OCEARCH tracker pinged a 10-foot, 522-pound great white shark this week off the Florida coast. The data shows the shark near the Brevard County area as recently as 11 a.m. Friday morning.The BriefAn OCEARCH tracker pinged a 10-foot, 522-pound great white shark this week off the Florida coast.The data shows the shark near the Brevard County area as rece...
An OCEARCH tracker pinged a 10-foot, 522-pound great white shark this week off the Florida coast. The data shows the shark near the Brevard County area as recently as 11 a.m. Friday morning.
An OCEARCH tracker pinged a 10-foot, 522-pound great white shark this week off the Florida coast.
The data shows the shark near the Brevard County area as recently as 11 a.m. Friday morning.
The shark, who has been named Penny, was first pinged Dec. 23, 2023, off the coast of Boynton Beach, Florida. She then traveled further southwest into the Florida Keys before heading into the Gulf of Mexico.
Penny was pinged again southeast in the Florida Keys area before circling up to waters off Sanibel Island.
The data shows Penny was last pinged in the Florida Keys area on March 23 before next being picked up on April 17 on the northeastern Florida coast. She appears to have traveled as far north as New Brunswick, Canada, before again heading south towards Florida.
Dr. Toby Daly-Engel, the director of the shark conservation lab at Florida Institute of Technology, said sharks typically swim south for the winter.
"When the prey fish seek out the warmer water in the wintertime when the water up north gets cold, the sharks will follow," Daly-Engel said.
Daly-Engel said the pings allow researchers to track how animals adapt to climate change.
"Just like birds, they're relying on their temperature cues to say, 'Ope, it's time to get back up north. Pack up your stuff, we're going back,'" Daly-Engel said. "If those temperature cues start coming earlier in the year, they're going to start moving earlier."
Penny is OCEARCH's 92nd great white shark tagged in western North America.
OCEARCH named Penny after residents of the Salty Penny Canvas in North Carolina, who helped the organization with custom marine canvas projects that provide a comfortable experience on the water and allow them to operate in tougher conditions.
Penny and other great white sharks, as well as loggerhead sea turtles, can be tracked using OCEARCH's tracking tool here.
Noon Year's Eve at Brevard ZooThe whole family can celebrate the new year without staying up past anyone's bedtime at Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Noon Year's Eve will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. It will feature a ball drop and a complimentary sparkling juice toast. Enjoy crafts, games and music as well. All activities are free with zoo admission. Visit brevardzoo.org....
The whole family can celebrate the new year without staying up past anyone's bedtime at Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Noon Year's Eve will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. It will feature a ball drop and a complimentary sparkling juice toast. Enjoy crafts, games and music as well. All activities are free with zoo admission. Visit brevardzoo.org.
Rock & Roll Revue, a 12-piece ensemble of Melbourne Municipal Band, presents an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Hilton Melbourne, 200 Rialto Place. The festivities open with a three-hour open bar, followed by an elegant dinner and floor show featuring the Swingtimers Vocal Trio. Afterwards, the band will play for guests’ dancing pleasure until 12:30 a.m. Black tie attire is suggested. Tickets are $140. Call 321-339-7705 or visit mmband.org.
Celebrate New Year's eve in style at The Landing at Hotel Melby, 801 E. Strawbridge, Ave., Melbourne, on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enjoy premium food and beverage offerings, dancing with DJ Shane and a champagne toast. Tickets are $179, and VIP tickets that include early check-in, a private lounge area and a bourbon tasting are available for $229. Visit hotelmelby.com or eventbrite.com.
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Celebrate New Year's Eve at Cadillac Cove, 1462 Hwy. A1A, Satellite Beach, on Dec. 31 starting at 7:30 p.m. The event will include a buffet, dancing, signature cocktails and drinks and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $40 in advance, or $45 at the door. Visit cadillaccovebarandeatery.com or eventbrite.com.
Lourdes Library, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Unit 105, Melbourne, will host a "Pretty in Pink" party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with a glamourous pink-tinted soiree, including pink-themed decor, a champagne toast at midnight and other surprises. Dress in elegant attire with a pop of pink. Visit facebook.com/events/1278538673472320 or lourdeslibrary.com.
The Salty Fox, 602 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, will host a neon glow party to ring in the new year on Tuesday, Dec. 31 starting at 7 p.m. Dance the night away under glowing neon lights with electrifying vibes, specialty cocktails and a midnight champagne toast. Dress to glow in neon and white attire. Visit facebook.com/events/504225921950804 or thesaltyfox.net.
Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.
Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.
Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.Holiday bike parade in Cocoa VillageThe parade will be at Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, on Friday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This unique experience features holiday music and refreshments. Prizes will be awarded for best-decorated individual, young family, adult group, best use of Hot Cocoa, and best Cocoa Village business. Admission is free with a donation...
Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
The parade will be at Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, on Friday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This unique experience features holiday music and refreshments. Prizes will be awarded for best-decorated individual, young family, adult group, best use of Hot Cocoa, and best Cocoa Village business. Admission is free with a donation of hygiene or clothing items. Visit visitcocoavillage.com.
The House Church and the City of Palm Bay host this Christmas party at Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Road, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include food, entertainment, inflatables, pony rides, face painting and more. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/events/818001649934227 or familychristmasextravaganza.com.
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TubaChristmas will give a free Christmas concert at First Baptist Church of Cocoa, 750 Brevard Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Tuba, baritone and euphonium players of all ages are welcome to participate. Player registration is from 2 to 2:30 p.m., with a rehearsal following from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit tubachristmas.com.
The Galmont Ballet will perform their annual production of “The Nutcrackercocoavillageplayhouse.com.
The 1946 classic film will be shown at Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, on Monday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. In the film, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman (James Stewart) by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Tickets are $10. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.
Christmas Eve morning is Santa's last chance to catch some waves before his big midnight sleigh ride, and hundreds of Santa-costumed surfers take part of this popular annual tradition in front of Coconuts on the Beach, at the end of Minuteman Causeway in Cocoa Beach. Admission is free, both for surfers and spectators. It will start at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 24. Visit surfingsantas.org for event updates.
Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.
Vintage vibes:'It's a Wonderful Life' hits the stage - and the 'airwaves' - at Melbourne Civic Theatre
No humbug here:One man, one stage, and the spirit of 'A Christmas Carol' at Titusville Playhouse
On a budget?Thoughtful, creative gifts don't always come with a big price tag
How to cope with the holidays:For introverts, the holidays can mean social overload.
Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
Christmas is knocking on the door and whether you're desperate for a last-minute gallon of milk or batteries for the grandkids' newest motorized toy, knowing in advance which stores are open Dec. 25 can ease the panic.We've made a list of local stores' hours for Christmas Day — convenience stores and drugstores as well as grocery stores. Happy hunting!AldiAldi stores are closed...
Christmas is knocking on the door and whether you're desperate for a last-minute gallon of milk or batteries for the grandkids' newest motorized toy, knowing in advance which stores are open Dec. 25 can ease the panic.
We've made a list of local stores' hours for Christmas Day — convenience stores and drugstores as well as grocery stores. Happy hunting!
Aldi stores are closed on Christmas Day.
Most locations are open 24/7.
More:Pre-order a just-like-home Christmas takeout meal from these Brevard restaurants, stores
Many locations will remain open on Christmas; others may be closed or have reduced hours. Call ahead to confirm.
Locations are open on Christmas Day.
Fresh Market will be closed on Christmas Day.
Publix will be closed on Christmas Day.
Store operation hours on Christmas Day vary by location.
Target will be closed on Christmas.
Many locations will remain open on Christmas; others may be closed or have reduced hours. Call ahead to confirm.
Walmart will be closed on Christmas.
Wawa is open on Christmas Day.
Winn-Dixie will be closed on Christmas Day.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY's food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.