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 Charleston, 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 Charleston natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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.
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The UNC Wilmington Seahawks (25-4, 14-2 CAA) bring a six-game winning streak into a home contest versus the Charleston (SC) Cougars (20-10, 13-4 CAA), who have won four straight. It starts at 7 p.m. ET (on CBS Sports Network) on Sunday, March 1, 2026.In its previous game, UNC Wilmington were winners at home over N.C. A&T, 88-65. Its top performers were Patrick Wessler (19 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Jahnathan Lamothe (15 PTS, 55.56 FG%, 5-8 from 3PT). In its previous game, Charleston (SC) won on the road over Hampton 85-71, with Martin Ka...
The UNC Wilmington Seahawks (25-4, 14-2 CAA) bring a six-game winning streak into a home contest versus the Charleston (SC) Cougars (20-10, 13-4 CAA), who have won four straight. It starts at 7 p.m. ET (on CBS Sports Network) on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
In its previous game, UNC Wilmington were winners at home over N.C. A&T, 88-65. Its top performers were Patrick Wessler (19 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Jahnathan Lamothe (15 PTS, 55.56 FG%, 5-8 from 3PT). In its previous game, Charleston (SC) won on the road over Hampton 85-71, with Martin Kalu (21 PTS, 58.33 FG%) and Connor Hickman (16 PTS, 60.00 FG%, 2-3 from 3PT) the standout performers.
To prepare for this college hoops showdown, here is everything you need to get ready for Sunday's action.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 3:34 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
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Charleston (SC) aims to continue its three-game road win streak with a victory over N.C. A&T. Thursday's matchup is the first of the season between the two...Charleston (SC) Cougars (17-10, 10-4 CAA) at North Carolina A&T Aggies (10-14, 3-10 CAA)Greensboro, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Charleston (SC) will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the Cougars play N.C. A&T.The Aggies have gone 6-4 in home games. N.C. A&T averages 11.9 turnovers per game and is 3-4 wh...
Charleston (SC) aims to continue its three-game road win streak with a victory over N.C. A&T. Thursday's matchup is the first of the season between the two...
Charleston (SC) Cougars (17-10, 10-4 CAA) at North Carolina A&T Aggies (10-14, 3-10 CAA)
Greensboro, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Charleston (SC) will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the Cougars play N.C. A&T.
The Aggies have gone 6-4 in home games. N.C. A&T averages 11.9 turnovers per game and is 3-4 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.
The Cougars have gone 10-4 against CAA opponents. Charleston (SC) is the CAA leader with 25.5 defensive rebounds per game led by Christian Reeves averaging 5.1.
N.C. A&T averages 74.7 points per game, 0.8 more points than the 73.9 Charleston (SC) gives up. Charleston (SC) averages 6.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.3 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game N.C. A&T allows.
The matchup Thursday is the first meeting of the season for the two teams in conference play.
TOP PERFORMERS: Lewis Walker is averaging 19.1 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Aggies. Trent Middleton is averaging 13.1 points over the last 10 games.
Jlynn Counter is scoring 16.0 points per game and averaging 5.3 rebounds for the Cougars. Reeves is averaging 14.7 points and 9.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Aggies: 3-7, averaging 71.8 points, 32.1 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 5.4 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.0 points per game.
Cougars: 6-4, averaging 74.6 points, 33.7 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 5.2 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.5 points.
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Jump into another weekend with some spectacular S.C. events.Pamper your palates and support a good cause at AMOR Fest or find your next read at Captain's Comic Expo.Then, enjoy some good eats for a good cause at Home Team's Rock the Block, head to Folly Beach for their Sea and Sand Festival and throw some beads at the upcoming Mardi Crawl in Park Circle.SATURDAY (FEB. 21)21st Annual Mardi CrawlThrow on a quick fit of beaded necklaces and feather boas, and march across Park Circle like it'...
Jump into another weekend with some spectacular S.C. events.
Pamper your palates and support a good cause at AMOR Fest or find your next read at Captain's Comic Expo.
Then, enjoy some good eats for a good cause at Home Team's Rock the Block, head to Folly Beach for their Sea and Sand Festival and throw some beads at the upcoming Mardi Crawl in Park Circle.
SATURDAY (FEB. 21)
Throw on a quick fit of beaded necklaces and feather boas, and march across Park Circle like it's the "Big Easy" at the annual Mardi Crawl this Saturday, Feb. 21. Take part in a silent auction starting at noon at Commonhouse Aleworks, 4831 O'Hear Ave., North Charleston, peruse a sprawling vendors market and try your hand at the Mardi Crawl, which will take you to many local hot spots. Participating locations include Commonhouse Aleworks, Dig in the Park, Wyrd Sisters, Tattooed Moose and more. Each location will be raising funds for their own designated charities and nonprofits, including Carolina Children's Charity, Pet Helpers, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston and more. The event culminates in a special headlining set from Dave Landeo and the Sol Beats. Tickets are $35 per person. For more info on the bar crawl and vendor details, head to tinyurl.com/bs88tpxk.
SATURDAY (FEB. 21)
Hope you've got an appetite this weekend, because Home Team is hosting their annual Rock the Block fundraiser this Saturday, Feb. 21. The pitmasters will be firing up their smokers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with all forms of barbecue and Lowcountry delights. Enjoy dishes from award-winning guest chefs and tasty Southern favorites from Swig and Swine, Home Team BBQ and more. There will also be live music from Sam Morrow, the Brandon Boone Band and Eddie 9V on stage. This fundraiser generates proceeds for local nonprofits Hogs for the Cause and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston. General admission is $30 ahead of the event, $35 at the gate and $225 for VIP tickets that provide exclusive access to a VIP Lounge with an open bar. Hungering for some more details? Then take your taste buds over to tinyurl.com/3s374ucv.