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.
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.
Cumberland County is about to receive some global exposure after it was announced to the Fayetteville community that a local business would be featured on the newest edition of the Visit North Carolina (Visit NC) Travel Guide, a 118- page guide packed with travel information from all 100 of the state’s counties.The opportunity was made possible by a partnership between DistiNCtly Fayetteville and Visit NC. Visit NC’s Executive Director Wit Tuttell came to Fayetteville to deliver the news in person during the “DistiNC...
Cumberland County is about to receive some global exposure after it was announced to the Fayetteville community that a local business would be featured on the newest edition of the Visit North Carolina (Visit NC) Travel Guide, a 118- page guide packed with travel information from all 100 of the state’s counties.
The opportunity was made possible by a partnership between DistiNCtly Fayetteville and Visit NC. Visit NC’s Executive Director Wit Tuttell came to Fayetteville to deliver the news in person during the “DistiNCtly Cool Holiday Party” held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 and co-hosted by DistiNCtly Fayetteville & Cool Spring Downtown District.
“We've really stepped up our game this past year with how closely we work with them and partnering with them with the marketing efforts that we do, the sales efforts that we do and doing more collaboration with them than we've done in prior years, and a lot of good things have come out of it, including this Destination Guide,” shared President and CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville Devin Heath.
DistiNCtly Fayetteville helped arrange a media visit giving Visit NC representatives a tour of some of the county’s tourist attractions before the choice was made to feature one of the top attractions in the area, Fayetteville’s very own Zipquest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure on the cover.
Over 400,000 copies of the travel guide are printed annually, and the publication has a statewide and global audience which will be able to learn more about Zipquest, Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
“It will be huge because now, for those that already have Cumberland County and Fayetteville in mind, this continues to reinforce it. And for those who haven't necessarily thought of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, now being right there on the cover will really pique some interest and encourage travelers to explore more and look into Fayetteville, North Carolina,” shared Heath.
Moving forward, DistiNCtly Fayetteville plans to continue to collaborate with Visit NC on sales efforts and work on establishing partnerships with third party booking sites with an emphasis on international markets, which Heath shared is an underutilized resource for attracting new visitors. Numbers tracked by DistiNCtly Fayetteville show an increase in the number of hotel beds booked after a few months of focusing on those overseas tourists.
“We've already seen an incredible increase in production from them, and that's through our partnership that we've had with Visit NC. We're seeing a large growth in those different third party sites,” shared Heath. “There's several of them, like Hotelbeds[.com], that specifically target Europe, Latin America, as well as Canada. There's some great opportunity to put us on the map with those international markets that we haven't really had a presence in, certainly not in recent years.”
Visit North Carolina's 2025 Travel Guide is available to order and view online on their website here.
For years, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail effort has figured into its plans the Bushy Lake State Natural Area in Cumberland County and has invested money to make it happen.Fayetteville Observer0:000:47I like to tell people Fayetteville is well-situated in that it is an easy 90-minute drive to the North Carolina beaches and four or so hours to the mountains.That said, Cumberland County is not usually a place people think of when they consider either beaches or mountains. That is unless you are with the state&...
Fayetteville Observer
I like to tell people Fayetteville is well-situated in that it is an easy 90-minute drive to the North Carolina beaches and four or so hours to the mountains.
That said, Cumberland County is not usually a place people think of when they consider either beaches or mountains. That is unless you are with the state’s parks people and the nonprofit Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
They are building a natural hiking trail that links up several communities on a 1,200-mile path from Clingmans Dome, which is part of the Great Smoky Mountains on the border of Tennessee, to the state’s Outer Banks.
For years, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail effort has figured the Bushy Lake State Natural Area in Cumberland County in its plans. The heavily wooded area is 25 minutes southeast of Fayetteville just north of the Bladen County line.
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State officials and Mountains-to-Sea representatives approached the county in May about purchasing 71.5 acres of land in Bushy Lake, around Beaver Dam, to help them complete the trail, according to a county news release. The county Board of Commissioners approved the deal at its meeting last week.
Under the arrangement, the county buys the land for $253,000 and will be reimbursed by the Friends and the state Division of Parks and Recreation for $193,000, making the net cost to the county $60,000, according to a county news release.
The Bushy Lake Natural Area is not a place I can recall hearing of, or it’s just as likely that I have heard of it, and forgot it. (I have reached that age, friends.)
The place is not much in the news. Google lists the area as permanently closed.
“Not even a place!” groused one visitor to the site in the review section about three years ago. “Only a sign saying no trespassing and purple markers.”
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In the summer of 2011, a wildfire that stretched 5,600 acres blazed in part of Bushy Lake along Simmons and Turnbull roads and consumed at least three homes and several outbuildings. The heat index reached 124 degrees, as 220 firefighters and other personnel worked to control the fire with engines, helicopters and tractor-plow units, according to The Fayetteville Observer.
In March 2015, a grand opening in Roseboro, in Sampson County, was held for the 64-mile stretch of trail that will include Bushy Lake. Cumberland, Sampson and Bladen counties are considered part of what was then designated as an Agricultural Heartland Segment of the trail.
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail often follows roads but also has hundreds of miles of footpath over its (seemingly) meandering path from the Atlantic to the Smokies. It ties in rural areas in close proximity to cities, including Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Boone.
“Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s mission is to bring together communities and volunteers to build, maintain, and advocate for an enduring footpath connecting North Carolina’s natural, historic, and cultural treasures and to ensure that all people feel welcome on the trail,” the organization says on its website.
Hundreds of volunteers build and maintain the trail across the state, it says.
In these days of hyper-development of so many places in North Carolina, I am all for investment in natural spaces — our state’s physical beauty is one of its best assets. The idea of connectivity is also appealing at a time when people seem increasingly herded into cultural and geographic silos.
Connectivity sometimes has to be an intentional activity, as this public-private partnership illustrates.
Opinion Editor Myron B. Pitts can be reached atmpitts@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3559.