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 Cumberland, NC, 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 Cumberland natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Cumberland, NC, 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 Cumberland, NC, 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 Cumberland, NC, 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 Cumberland, NC, 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 Cumberland, NC, 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 Public Utilities Department is requesting that the Board of Commissioners establish a Water and Sewer District for the Cedar Creek community for the purpose of applying for grants and low-interest rate loans. The first step in this process is to hold a public hearing pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 162A-86 to receive comments from the public. The Cedar Creek community has been impacted with contaminated wells due to PFAS from the Fayetteville Works Site. This contamination poses health and safety concerns for the community....
The Public Utilities Department is requesting that the Board of Commissioners establish a Water and Sewer District for the Cedar Creek community for the purpose of applying for grants and low-interest rate loans. The first step in this process is to hold a public hearing pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 162A-86 to receive comments from the public. The Cedar Creek community has been impacted with contaminated wells due to PFAS from the Fayetteville Works Site. This contamination poses health and safety concerns for the community.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Room 118 in the Cumberland County Courthouse located at 117 Dick Street, Fayetteville, NC, to consider creating a Water and Sewer District for the East Central area pursuant to NCGS 162A-86. The proposed district is generally described as follows:
The proposed East Central Water and Sewer district begins at the intersection of Maxwell Road (NCSR-1006) and the Cumberland and Sampson County boundary line thence proceeds southerly along the Cumberland and Sampson County boundary line to its intersection with Hollow Bridge Road (NCSR-2030); thence westerly along Hollow Bridge Road to its southern-most intersection with Ava Road (NCSR-2028); thence westerly along Ava Road to its intersection with NC Highway 210; thence northwesterly along NC Highway 210 to its intersection with Macedonia Church Road (NCSR-2014); thence northwesterly along Macedonia Church Road to its intersection with John B Carter Road (NCSR-2010); thence northwesterly along John B Carter Road to its intersection with Maxwell Road; thence northeasterly along Maxwell Road to its intersection with the Cumberland and Sampson County boundary line, the point and place of beginning.
The official map and list of all parcels within the proposed East Central Water and Sewer District are available for inspection during normal business hours at the County Public Utilities Department, 698 Ann Street, Fayetteville, NC. This information can also be found on the Public Utilities website at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/utility.
The Board of Commissioners will hear all interested parties with respect to the proposed water and sewer district
Construction on an outdoor event venue in Brunswick County has begun.As Brunswick residents yearn for more local entertainment facilities, pre-construction zoning permits have been issued, and construction is starting for an outdoor event venue in rural Brunswick.New Hanover County residents Peter Higgins and Steve Shuttleworth are hoping to soon open the Brunswick concert venue, named Cumberland Woods, just outside Bolivia. The venue will sit on a portion of the 212-acre Arnold Tract at 1011 Galloway Road NE, near Tobes Road....
Construction on an outdoor event venue in Brunswick County has begun.
As Brunswick residents yearn for more local entertainment facilities, pre-construction zoning permits have been issued, and construction is starting for an outdoor event venue in rural Brunswick.
New Hanover County residents Peter Higgins and Steve Shuttleworth are hoping to soon open the Brunswick concert venue, named Cumberland Woods, just outside Bolivia. The venue will sit on a portion of the 212-acre Arnold Tract at 1011 Galloway Road NE, near Tobes Road.
Higgins called the project a "passion project" because of his and Shuttleworth's love for music.
"Our beautiful 350 acres of woodlands and lakes will offer music venues, event facilities, hiking trails and other outdoor activities," the venue website states. "We are currently in phase one development."
Construction of outdoor music venue in Brunswick County to begin soon. Here's what to knowApproved site plans show the venue taking up only 27.8 acres with a grass parking area holding around 382 parking spaces. A majority of the event space will either be unpaved or have pervious surfaces.
A nearly 1,500-square-foot stage, 288-square-foot concession stand, 320-square-foot green room and storage building are part of the project. Once built, plans show the stage facing away from the road and toward a cleared area surrounded by trees.
Bathrooms, walkways and wooden fencing are also included in the plans.
The facility will be family-focused and "different" from surrounding concert venues, Higgins said. For example, customers will not be served liquor, only beer and wine, and lawn seating will be the primary seat option.
"We want it to be where people feel comfortable, we want you to bring your kids and they can be turned loose," Higgins said.
Performances held at the venue will be "tailored" to what the community wants to hear, such as older tribute bands, local music artists and national touring acts, Higgins said.
Special use permit conditions for the project state all performances must end by 11 p.m. and noise levels are not to exceed 70 decibels. Food sales will also be restricted to facility customers only, food sales are not allowed off the premise.
A 50-foot natural buffer will also be required on the eastern and western sides of the property, including along the property line abutting residential homes on Tobes Road.
While the special use permit conditions do not have rules on parking, plans note the parking area will have parking attendants during events.
County tax records show Lymm Holdings, LLC, has owned Arnold Tract since 2022 and the property has been zoned for commercial low density use since at least 2021. The company also owns the neighboring 139.78-acre property on McKoy Georgetown Road. Vacant land and homes surround the two properties.
Holden Creek runs through Arnold Tract. A 2023 environmental evaluation located wetland areas throughout the property, including in the venue area. No building or impervious surfaces, such as cement, are located on these wetland areas, per the plans.
The event website shows the venue originally planned to open in spring 2023, but delays pushed the opening to 2025. However, the facility remains unopened in December 2025.
The property was zoned for an indoor music facility, but not an outdoor one, Higgins explained. Zoning and permitting processes have taken more time than anticipated, said Higgins, noting the facility was a first for the county.
"It has been a long journey," Higgins said.
Foundations are being set and construction is starting, the owners said. The bathroom construction is to begin sometime before Jan. 1 and main stage building will follow, Higgins added.
"We're looking to open mid-May, 2026," said Higgins, noting a grand opening is being discussed.
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Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at.
Dec. 8, 2025Updated Dec. 10, 2025, 12:11 p.m. ETThis story will be updated with results after each round.The holiday season has arrived, and that means it's time for Cumberland County's annual Holiday Classic for girls' and boys' high school basketball.All 10 Fayetteville-area public high schools play in the annual basketball tournament, and all 24 games are split between South View and E.E. Smith, aside from the play-in games that are played at the higher seed on Dec. 13, and the championship will be held at Do...
Dec. 8, 2025Updated Dec. 10, 2025, 12:11 p.m. ET
This story will be updated with results after each round.
The holiday season has arrived, and that means it's time for Cumberland County's annual Holiday Classic for girls' and boys' high school basketball.
All 10 Fayetteville-area public high schools play in the annual basketball tournament, and all 24 games are split between South View and E.E. Smith, aside from the play-in games that are played at the higher seed on Dec. 13, and the championship will be held at Douglas Byrd.
The first round of the classic will begin on Thursday, Dec. 18, with the second round on Friday, Dec. 19, and the championship round on Saturday, Dec. 20, along with consolation brackets.
In the girls bracket, Terry Sanford secured the No. 1 seed after starting the season 1-2, and Seventy-First holds the top seed for the boys' bracket.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Here is the full 24-game slate for the 2025 Cumberland County Holiday Classic:
Saturday, Dec. 13 — Play-in at higher seed
Thursday, Dec. 18 — First round at E.E. Smith
Friday, Dec. 19 — Second round (Consolation bracket) at E.E. Smith
Friday, Dec. 19 — Second round (Championship bracket) at E.E. Smith
Saturday, Dec. 20 (Consolation bracket) at E.E. Smith
Saturday, Dec. 20 (Championship bracket) at E.E. Smith
Saturday, Dec. 13 — Play-in at higher seed
Thursday, Dec. 18 — First round at South View
Friday, Dec. 19 — Second round (Consolation bracket) at South View
Friday, Dec. 19 — Second round (Championship bracket) at South View
Saturday, Dec. 20 (Consolation bracket) at South View
Saturday, Dec. 20 (Championship bracket) at Douglas Byrd
Cumberland County, home to the city of Fayetteville and one of North Carolina’s most populous counties, has named Daniel Rister its permanent chief innovation and technology services (ITS) director.Rister had been serving as interim director since July 30, following the retirement of former ITS Director Keith Todd.He now officially takes the helm of Cumberland County’s technology operations, overseeing strategic initiatives ranging from digital modernization to cybersecurity and infrastructure improvements across al...
Cumberland County, home to the city of Fayetteville and one of North Carolina’s most populous counties, has named Daniel Rister its permanent chief innovation and technology services (ITS) director.
Rister had been serving as interim director since July 30, following the retirement of former ITS Director Keith Todd.
He now officially takes the helm of Cumberland County’s technology operations, overseeing strategic initiatives ranging from digital modernization to cybersecurity and infrastructure improvements across all departments. The position consolidates responsibilities typically held by a CIO and places Rister at the center of technology strategy — a familiar place for the 26-year Cumberland County veteran.
Rister began his county career in its Department of Social Services in September 1999 before joining the Innovation and Technology Services Department in 2012. Prior to becoming interim ITS director, he had most recently served as deputy ITS director.
He earned an associate degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Elizabeth City State University. Rister completed the University of North Carolina’s Certified Government Chief Information Officer program in 2021.
County Manager Clarence Grier highlighted Rister’s long tenure and deep knowledge of county operations in a statement, saying the new director “brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of Cumberland County’s operational and technology environment,” and that Rister’s “leadership and commitment to innovation will help guide technology strategy forward and continue improving services for residents and staff.”
Rister emphasized his commitment to building on existing projects and working across departments.
“Throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside many of Cumberland County’s dedicated teams,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to building on that work, supporting collaboration, modernizing systems and advancing solutions that strengthen services for our community.”