Your Path to Homeownership Starts Here - Expert Mortgage Assistance

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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:

No Additional Fees

No Additional Fees- Providing our client's services free of charge, using a mortgage broker like Mission One Mortgage can help you scout the best price on loans without a hefty price tag.

Access to 50 Lenders

Access to 50 Lenders- With access to a range of loans and interest rates available, Mission One Mortgage can shop for the best loans for your unique needs.

Accessible to Our Clients

Accessible to Our Clients- Providing a transparent and communicative service to all our clients, Mission One Mortgage ensures all phone calls are answered or returned in a timely manner.

Setting You Up for Success

Setting You Up for Success- Helping you prepare all your documents for pre-approval and the loan application, Mission One Mortgage will provide you with all the necessary information to secure the best loan.

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Free Consultation phone-number (843) 822-5685

To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?

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.

Help with the Pre-Approval Process

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:

  • Two Years of W2 Forms
  • 30 Days of Pay Stubs from Employer
  • 60 Days of Bank Statements
  • A Valid Driver's License

Conventional Mortgages

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.

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Mortgage Lending Service Columbia, SC

FHA Loans

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.

USDA Loans

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.

Refinancing Columbia, SC
Refinances Columbia, SC

Veteran Mortgages

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.

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:

  • Do not become a co-signer on a loan with someone else.
  • Do not quit or change your job.
  • Do not apply for new credit cards, automobile loans, or any other lines of credit.
  • Do not use your credit card to pay for large purchases, like furniture for your new house.
  • Do not avoid payments on current lines of credit, loans, or utility bills.

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.

Mission One Mortgage: Turning Dreams into Reality, One Mortgage at a Time

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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.

Contact Us For Service !

phone-number (843) 822-5685
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Latest News Near Me Columbia, SC

A&W Expands in Columbia SC Franchise Opportunities

A&W Targets Columbia and Nearby Cities for New Franchise GrowthLEXINGTON, KY – June 12, 2025 – A&W Restaurants, the iconic all-American QSR brand with over 105 years of heritage, has announced strategic franchise expansion plans targeting Columbia, South Carolina, and nearby markets like Darlington. This move creates fresh opportunities for local entrepreneurs to invest in a proven business model while growing a trusted brand in ...

A&W Targets Columbia and Nearby Cities for New Franchise Growth

LEXINGTON, KY – June 12, 2025 – A&W Restaurants, the iconic all-American QSR brand with over 105 years of heritage, has announced strategic franchise expansion plans targeting Columbia, South Carolina, and nearby markets like Darlington. This move creates fresh opportunities for local entrepreneurs to invest in a proven business model while growing a trusted brand in their own communities.

Why Columbia, SC is a Prime Market for Franchise Growth

Columbia stands out for its strong economy and increasing population, making it a key market for business growth. The region’s surge in housing, retail, and dining demand is fueled by steady economic gains. As more people move into the area, the need for high-quality, recognizable dining options grows. A&W plans to meet this demand by developing single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities, potentially creating up to 100 jobs per location.

A&W Brings All-American Flavor and Community Spirit

“A&W Restaurants has become part of communities across the country by serving classic all-American food and offering a welcoming, hometown experience,” said Betsy Schmandt, CEO and President of A&W Restaurants. “We’re excited about the potential in Columbia and surrounding cities. It’s the perfect region for driven, community-minded franchisees who want to build something meaningful and long-lasting.”

Growth Continues Across South Carolina

This expansion isn’t A&W’s first move into the state. The brand entered South Carolina in 2023 with the opening of its Rock Hill location. Most recently, Darlington welcomed its first A&W on June 4, 2025. The company now plans to open three additional restaurants in the coming years. With over 850 locations worldwide, A&W continues to focus on partnering with local entrepreneurs who align with its core values: quality, service, and community.

Franchise Opportunities Now Available in Columbia

A&W is actively seeking franchise partners in Columbia who are passionate about local business and dedicated to delivering top-tier guest experiences. New franchisees will benefit from more than a century of brand trust, ongoing support, and a roadmap for long-term growth.

Franchise Requirements Include:

If you’re ready to join a legacy brand with a commitment to local communities, now is the time to invest in A&W.

To learn more about franchising with A&W Restaurants, visit our franchise website here.

About A&W Restaurants

A&W Restaurants, one of the world’s best-known and most beloved quick-service brands, is experiencing a dramatic revival as more Americans discover – or rediscover – its famous Root Beer and high-quality All American Food® favorites. Based on the original 1919 recipe, A&W’s signature Root Beer is made fresh in each restaurant with real cane sugar, water, and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices, and berries and served in a frosty mug. Founded over 100 years ago, A&W Restaurants has over 850 locations in 35 U.S. states and Asia, of which over 600 are single-brand A&Ws and 230 are co-branded with KFC or Long John Silver’s.

South Carolina bracing for sizzling heat this weekend with high humidity

South Carolina braces for sweltering weekend as temperatures rise above average with high humidity.Credit: WLTXCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Just when you thought it's going to get hot now that Summer officially starts June 20th this Friday, it is going be much hotter. This weekend, South Carolinian communities are going to be hotter than normal.The average high temperature for mid Ju...

South Carolina braces for sweltering weekend as temperatures rise above average with high humidity.

Credit: WLTX

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Just when you thought it's going to get hot now that Summer officially starts June 20th this Friday, it is going be much hotter. This weekend, South Carolinian communities are going to be hotter than normal.

The average high temperature for mid July is exactly 90 degrees. There has been a few days in June thus far when the high temperature was slightly higher than the seasonal average.

Saturday and Sunday, most of the Palmetto State will reach high temperatures a few degrees high than average, from 93 to 96 degrees in the afternoon. Next week, many locations will have high temperatures flirting close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Credit: WLTX

There's more to the sizzling temperatures expected in South Carolina in the coming days. It's the humidity. The humidity has been elevated for over a week.

The dew point temperature, measures the amount of moisture in the air. Dew points were in the upper 60s, to low 70s last week, the second week of the month. That kept a lot of the moisture in the atmosphere to make it rain every day last week.

Credit: WLTX

The atmosphere is going to stay very saturated over the next week but there's only a chance for precipitation Thursday and not for many in South Carolina.

So where's the moisture going to go? Nowhere. It's going to keep the weather conditions very humid. That makes the heat indexes in the afternoon to reach in some areas reach as high as 107 degrees.

Credit: WLTX

Most of South Carolina for the National Weather Service offices have a criteria of 108 degrees heat index to issue a heat advisory.

National Weather Service offices for the Upstate and the Grand Strand has a heat advisory criteria of 105 degrees.

Pay attention to the advisories that may be issued and stay heat safety when you're outdoors this and next week.

SLED: SC teenager expressed support for ISIS, threatened to commit ‘act of terrorism’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A South Carolina teenager is behind bars and accused of planning what authorities described as an “act of terrorism.”The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division said 17-year-old Daniel Fischer, of Conway, was arrested June 9 and charged with one count each of threatening or conspiring to threaten real or personal property using a destructive device and possessing or using a weapon of mass destruction in an act of terrorism.Warrants released by SLED on Tuesday state Fischer allegedly &ldq...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A South Carolina teenager is behind bars and accused of planning what authorities described as an “act of terrorism.”

The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division said 17-year-old Daniel Fischer, of Conway, was arrested June 9 and charged with one count each of threatening or conspiring to threaten real or personal property using a destructive device and possessing or using a weapon of mass destruction in an act of terrorism.

Warrants released by SLED on Tuesday state Fischer allegedly “conspired with individuals, foreign and domestic, to threaten or conspire to threaten to cause damage, injury or death to real or personal property by use of a destructive device.”

Documents state that between April 2024 and August 2024, Fischer voiced his intent to join a foreign terrorist organization. Warrants also state authorities found photos of Fischer expressing support for ISIS while “wearing a vest similar to an explosive vest.”

Fischer is also accused of taking “proactive steps” with others to “obtain the technical expertise to carry out an attack.” Warrants go on to state he obtained videos and instructions for making an explosive device, information about RCIED, details on how to make the explosive C4 and “terrorism training materials and electronic communications supporting terrorism activities.”

SLED also said in its warrants that confidential information from a reliable witness and electronic records indicated Fischer’s intent “to use a destructive device against targets within this state.”

As of Tuesday, records show Fischer is being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County with no bond set.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.

Columbia City Council votes to take first step toward repealing city’s ban on conversion therapy

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia City Council voted Tuesday to take a step toward repealing the city’s ban on conversion therapy.The city voted 4-3 on a first reading to strike down the ordinance passed in 2021. The vote came after residents continued raising concerns about repealing the ordinance during a public input session.It was previously deferred twice by the council during separate meetings in May. The ban put state funding at risk due to a proviso, or temporary law, in this year’s state budget.The rep...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia City Council voted Tuesday to take a step toward repealing the city’s ban on conversion therapy.

The city voted 4-3 on a first reading to strike down the ordinance passed in 2021. The vote came after residents continued raising concerns about repealing the ordinance during a public input session.

It was previously deferred twice by the council during separate meetings in May. The ban put state funding at risk due to a proviso, or temporary law, in this year’s state budget.

The repeal would have to pass an additional reading before going into effect, which means Columbia remains the only city in South Carolina with a ban on conversion therapy.

It’s unclear when that second vote would take place.

“We are encouraged that Columbia City Council took a step forward today toward repealing its unconstitutional ordinance,” South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said in a statement following Tuesday’s vote. “This ordinance was never truly about ‘conversion therapy,’ but stifling faith-based speech and targeting counselors guided by their religious convictions. Even this initial step is a meaningful victory for faith-based institutions. This is also about the rule of law, because regardless of how you feel about so-called conversion therapy, state law does not allow cities or counties to pass ordinances regulating licensed professionals like therapists and counselors.”

In a joint statement released Tuesday, the ACLU of South Carolina and the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center called the vote to repeal “nothing less than an abandonment of the city’s moral responsibility to protect its most vulnerable residents.”

“The financial pressures Columbia faces are real — but manufactured,“ the statement continued. ”The state’s decision to threaten municipal funding because the city chose to protect LGBTQ+ youth is a political act of retaliation, not fiscal necessity. The funding in question represents just 0.8% of Columbia’s annual budget — a small fraction of the overall budget that should not dictate whether the city abandons its moral obligations."

BACKGROUND

The push to repeal the ban was sparked by a letter from Wilson to Columbia City Council, threatening legal action if it were not repealed.

State Rep. Bruce Bannister later told reporters that city officials supported a proviso, or a temporary law included in the state budget, revoking state dollars from any local government that enacts a ban on minors undergoing conversion therapy.

According to state estimates, the city could lose about $3.7 million in funding from the General Assembly if the ban remains in place.

The council first deferred a decision on a first reading at a May 20 meeting, then did so again one week later.

At the May 27 meeting, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann argued the ordinance has “no teeth” and doesn’t provide proper protections since religious organizations are exempt.

He also denied claims he was involved in conversations with state lawmakers regarding the proviso that threatened state funding over the ordinance.

In a response to WIS following the May 27 meeting, a city spokesperson said the council “has been seeking clarity regarding the state budget proviso related to the conversion therapy ordinance primarily due to its impact on the city’s budget timeline to approve a balanced budget.”

The proviso, introduced by state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, was not included on a list of vetoes by Gov. Henry McMaster when he signed off on the budget earlier this month. The budget is set to go into effect on July 1.

Conversion therapy, which the city’s ordinance defines as “any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” has been largely dismissed as harmful and lacking scientific credibility by the medical community.

This is a developing story. Stay with WIS News 10 for updates.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.

A new dairy bar is open where a Zesto near Columbia used to be. What to know

A legendary building that was home to a Zesto restaurant for nearly eight decades is once again open as a new dairy bar.Mel’s Dairy Bar opened this week at 3239 Forest Drive in Forest Acres. Customers were lined up at the location ordering burgers, ice cream cones and more when a reporter stopped by Tuesday afternoon.The spot along Forest Drive had previously been home to a Zesto Drive-In for 75 years, but that location clo...

A legendary building that was home to a Zesto restaurant for nearly eight decades is once again open as a new dairy bar.

Mel’s Dairy Bar opened this week at 3239 Forest Drive in Forest Acres. Customers were lined up at the location ordering burgers, ice cream cones and more when a reporter stopped by Tuesday afternoon.

The spot along Forest Drive had previously been home to a Zesto Drive-In for 75 years, but that location closed in December amid the retirement of its owner.

Mel’s Dairy Bar is the latest effort from Columbia restaurateur Mohammad Saadeddin, who owns Main Street’s Noma Bistro and the recently opened Cat Daddy Cafe. A city of Forest Acres business license hanging in the window at Mel’s on Tuesday was issued to Saadeddin.

Visitors to Mel’s who had previously visited the Zesto at that location will find the experience comfortably familiar. It continues to have dining room and patio seating and a blue-and-white color scheme. Customers can order from cash registers inside or from the windows in the front of the building along Forest Drive.

The menu at Mel’s features burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken dinners and snacks, salads and Philly sandwiches. There also are several gyros on the list, including lamb and chicken.

The Mel’s lineup also includes a roster of ice cream treats, including cones, dipped cones, sundaes, milkshakes and floats. This reporter purchased a chocolate milkshake on Tuesday, a cold treat that helped quell the blast furnace heat of a June afternoon in the Columbia area.

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