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 Columbia, 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 Columbia natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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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COLUMBIA, SC – No. 4/4 South Carolina opens play in the NCAA Tournament on Sat., March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks will play the winner of the First Four game between Southern and Samford in a 1 p.m. tipoff on ABC. vs. Gamecock NotablesBy the Numbers7 – Multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status for the seventh-straight season.9 – South Carolina has posted at least 30 wins in nine of the last 12 season...
COLUMBIA, SC – No. 4/4 South Carolina opens play in the NCAA Tournament on Sat., March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks will play the winner of the First Four game between Southern and Samford in a 1 p.m. tipoff on ABC.
vs.
Gamecock Notables
By the Numbers7 – Multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status for the seventh-straight season.
9 – South Carolina has posted at least 30 wins in nine of the last 12 seasons, including each of the last five.
12 – Senior Raven Johnson needs 12 points to reach 1,000 in her career.
Gamecocks Against the FieldThis season, South Carolina has faced 13 of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament field, four of which are also in the Sacramento 4 Region, including both of its potential second-round opponents. The Gamecocks went 13-3 against those 13 teams.
In addition to their nine league rivals in the field – Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt – South Carolina played non-conference games against Clemson, vs. Southern Cal, vs. Duke and at Louisville.
The 13 teams include a No. 1 seed, two No. 2 seeds, two No. 3 seeds, a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds, a No. 6 seed, a No. 7 seed, a No. 8 seed, a No. 9 seed and a No. 11 seed.
Home Sweet HomeThe Gamecocks are 562-168 (.770) in home games (some records prior to 1976-77 did not include location of games). Current head coach Dawn Staley is 250-35 at home for a program-best .877 winning percentage.
Playing in its 24th season at Colonial Life Arena, South Carolina boasts a 313-68 (.822) record in the building, including four undefeated seasons since 2013-14. Staley’s share of that record is 247-35 (.876).
South Carolina is 28-5 (.848) in postseason play at home, including a 20-8 (.714) mark at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks are 21-2 (.913) in NCAA Tournament games at home.
Tournament TalkSouth Carolina is in its 22nd NCAA Tournament and its 14th straight under head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks are 55-18 overall in the event with 15 Sweet 16 appearances, nine Elite Eight seasons, seven Final Four showings and three National Championships.
The Gamecocks have been a regional No. 1 seed 10 times, including three seasons as the overall No. 1 seed (2022, 2023, 2024). They are 39-5 as a No. 1 seed.
In her 26th season as a head coach, Staley has taken a team to the NCAA Tournament 20 times. She is 49-16 at the event, including a 47-10 mark at South Carolina and a 21-2 mark over the last four tournaments.
All-American GirlsA trio of Gamecocks have received All-America honors this season, led by forward Joyce Edwards who has been on every list’s second team. She is just the eighth Gamecock sophomore all-time to earn All-America status, most recently joining Staley-era greats Aliyah Boston (2021), A’ja Wilson (2016) and Tiffany Mitchell (2014).
Senior Raven Johnson earned third-team honors from the Associated Press and honorable mention nods from USA Today and the USBWA. It is the first season she has received the label.
Senior Ta’Niya Latson claimed All-America recognition for the fourth straight season as she drew honorable mention honors from the Associated Press.
This season marks the seventh-straight that multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill regulating hemp products in South Carolina cleared its hurdle inside the state Senate after weeks of discussion and debate.Wednesday night, Senators failed to pass the hemp regulation bill, leaving it’s future uncertain, but then revived it on Thursday evening.Senators then passed an amended bill on Thursday under a deal that would allow low-potency, canned THC beverages to be sold at retail stores that have beer and wine licenses. Those beverages could include up to five milligrams of THC in...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill regulating hemp products in South Carolina cleared its hurdle inside the state Senate after weeks of discussion and debate.
Wednesday night, Senators failed to pass the hemp regulation bill, leaving it’s future uncertain, but then revived it on Thursday evening.
Senators then passed an amended bill on Thursday under a deal that would allow low-potency, canned THC beverages to be sold at retail stores that have beer and wine licenses. Those beverages could include up to five milligrams of THC in a 12 oz. can and would need to be kept behind a counter.
Under the bill, higher-potency drinks like 12 oz. cans with up to 10 milligrams of THC, and 750 milliliter bottles would be allowed to be sold at liquor stores alongside gummies. The gummies, restricted to packs of four that are 10 milligrams each of THC, 40 milligrams total in a pack, would also need to be kept behind the counter at liquor stores.
“That’s the number one thing,” said Sen. Michael Johnson (R-York). “We want to regulate this product, make sure those who shouldn’t be around it aren’t and so that was the entire intent of today.”
“We are going to force alcoholics into liquor stores to get gummies,” said Sen. Ed Sutton (D-Charleston). “I think that is a very bad mistake.”
The measure would still need to formally pass the Senate through a third reading on Tuesday. The amended bill would then need to pass the South Carolina House of Representatives, which struggled to pass its own hemp regulations earlier this year.
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The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the opening of the first vertical farm inside a U.S. prison, launching a new agricultural training initiative at the Camille Graham Correctional Institute in Columbia.The four-container vertical farm, developed through a partnership with nonprofits Impact Justice and farm equipment manufacturer AmplifiedAg, is expected to produce more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. The harvest will be used to supply the prison, as well as low-income communities, with crops grown and...
The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the opening of the first vertical farm inside a U.S. prison, launching a new agricultural training initiative at the Camille Graham Correctional Institute in Columbia.
The four-container vertical farm, developed through a partnership with nonprofits Impact Justice and farm equipment manufacturer AmplifiedAg, is expected to produce more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. The harvest will be used to supply the prison, as well as low-income communities, with crops grown and maintained by incarcerated women.
The workforce development project aims to bring modern agricultural practices into rehabilitation programs inside prisons. Program participants will get classroom instruction and hands-on training, officials said at the project’s unveiling March 19.
Leaders said the initiative is designed to increase access to nutritional foods within the facility and give prisoners a chance to learn employable skills, including operating and maintaining advanced farming systems.
Impact Justice CEO Alex Busansky hopes the vertical farm will be a catalyst for “a national movement” to prove that these farms work, create opportunities and improve lives.
The organization will also work with S.C. agribusiness partners to help connect inmates with job opportunities upon release. The goal is to create a pipeline to employment.
The opening was attended by S.C. Department of Corrections Director Joel Anderson, S.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and AmplifiedAg CEO Dave Flynn.
The farm is built out of retrofitted shipping containers and outfitted with LED grow lights, climate control systems and vertical growing racks. Crops such as leafy greens and herbs can be grown in the controlled environment. Vertical farming is the process of growing groups in vertical layers within an enclosed environment, using soilless systems like hydroponics. Vertical farms enable year-round high crop yield with up to 95 percent less water and significantly less land.
The greens grown in the vertical farms mature within a 36-day period, as opposed to the average 55 days in a traditional field.
Two other farms in Oakland and Chowchilla, California, are poised to receive a similar system. A third farm will be opened at the Impact Justice office in Oakland, as well.
Officials emphasized that programs like this play a role in reducing recidivism rates — or someone returning to prison after release — by providing practical skills and a sense of purpose. They hope the initiative will serve as a model for programs nationwide.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with an Immersive Business Conference for Women Authors and Publishing Professionals — March 26–28, 2026 • Columbia, SCCOLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Women in Publishing Summit announces the inaugural in-person WIP LIVE: #WIPCON conference, March 26–28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC—a deliberate choice to honor Women’s History Month! Founded to amplify women’s voices, Women i...
Celebrating Women’s History Month with an Immersive Business Conference for Women Authors and Publishing Professionals — March 26–28, 2026 • Columbia, SC
COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Women in Publishing Summit announces the inaugural in-person WIP LIVE: #WIPCON conference, March 26–28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC—a deliberate choice to honor Women’s History Month! Founded to amplify women’s voices, Women in Publishing Summit was built on the belief that women who have a story to tell deserve every resource, connection, and strategy necessary to bring that work into the world at full volume. With 35,000+ email subscribers, 8,000+ Facebook group members, 1,000+ annual virtual summit attendees, and 200,000+ podcast downloads, WIP has become one of the most engaged communities in independent publishing. WIPCON is its fullest in-person expression.
“WIPCON was built differently. You leave with work done—content created, collaborations identified, a revenue strategy mapped. Not plans. Results.” —Alexa Bigwarfe, Founder A Working Conference — Not a Passive One WIPCON is not a traditional writing or publishing conference. Over 2.5 days, women authors and publishing professionals stop consuming and start building — leaving with real content, a mapped revenue strategy, identified collaboration partners, and a 90-day action plan.
Thursday, March 26: Welcome Happy Hour and networking mixer (6:00–8:00 PM)
Friday, March 27: LEARN: Expert-led sessions on storytelling, social media strategy, visibility, and revenue — closing with the Genius Games, an interactive experience to identify strengths and collaboration partners.
Saturday, March 28 — BUILD: Small-group implementation labs with the same experts: Social Media and; Content, Sales and Collaboration, and Visibility and Speaking. Closes with a 90-Day Collaborative Action Plan.
Sunday, March 29 — VIP Day (capped at 15): 1:1 strategy sessions, mentorship, and content filming.
Featured Speakers: Alexa Bigwarfe • Porsché Mysticque • Julie Lokun • April Pertuis • Tayler Simon • Annette Flavel • Cayce LaCorte • Raewyn Sangari • Jennifer Wilkov • Tara Abbott • Parchelle and; Portia Michele Osumaré.
Event Details: Dates: March 26–28, 2026 • Location: Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC, 630 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201
Tickets: $347 General Admission • Register: writepublishsell.thrivecart.com/wincon-26/ Info: womeninpublishingsummit.com/columbia • Media: support@womeninpublishingsummit.com
About Women in Publishing Summit: Founded by Alexa Bigwarfe, Women in Publishing Summit exists to amplify women’s voices, elevate women’s stories, and build a community where women in publishing are better together. WIP hosts an annual virtual summit with 40+ workshops, monthly programming, and a growing ecosystem of resources for authors and publishing professionals at every stage.
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NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.LEXINGTON 3Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.The district says there will be no work for students to do on Mo...
NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.
LEXINGTON 3
Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.
The district says there will be no work for students to do on Monday. Instead, students will receive their make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, March 17th. Students will have the option to complete their eLearning assignments on their own time. All assignments will be due by no later than Thursday, April 2nd.
All after-school events, including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc., scheduled for Monday, March 16th, are cancelled.
LEXINGTON ONE
Lexington One is switching to eLearning on Monday, March 16, 2026
All after-school events and activities are canceled, and campuses are also closed for the day.
You can click here to review the district’s eLearning guidelines and directions.
LEXINGTON TWO
Lexington Two is closing all offices and schools on Monday, March 16.
All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled on Monday, including athletic events, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and adult education classes.
DISTRICT 5 OF LEXINGTON AND RICHLAND COUNTIES
LR5 will not have school due to previous scheduling.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day. All after-school programs, extracurricular activities, athletic practices, and games scheduled for tomorrow are canceled due to the expected weather conditions.
LEE COUNTY
Lee County School District has designated Monday, March 16, 2026, as an eLearning Day.
KERSHAW COUNTY
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an e-Learning Day for Monday. All Monday after-school activities and sporting events are also cancelled.
WIS will update this article with more school changes once announced.
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