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 Duval, FL, 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 Duval natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Duval, FL, 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 Duval, FL, 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 Duval, FL, 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 Duval, FL, 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 Duval, FL, 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.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved a $317 million investment to protect Florida’s critical lands, and Duval County is among those to benefit.A 1,265-acre acquisition will expand Cary State Forest, stretching it towards the Thoma...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved a $317 million investment to protect Florida’s critical lands, and Duval County is among those to benefit.
A 1,265-acre acquisition will expand Cary State Forest, stretching it towards the Thomas Creek Conservation Area northwest of Jacksonville.
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The property faces immediate development threats, with plans in place for 1,607 single-family homes and commercial construction, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
“The acquisition prioritizes restoring the natural functions of the land, water and wetlands within its boundaries, including the Lower St. Johns River Basin,” FDEP told News4JAX.
This year’s State of the River report cited development as one of the rising threats to the water’s health, as the Jacksonville area continues to grow.
RELATED: 2nd annual ‘Great St. Johns River Cleanup’ kicks off in Duval County
Located in the Northeast Timberlands and Watershed Reserve, Cary State Forest is also home to rare and endangered plant and animal species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida black bear and the red-cockaded woodpecker.
“Preserving this land will help alleviate development pressures and protect vital natural resources,” FDEP said.
Through the Florida Forever Program, $111 million of the investment will secure 24,113 acres of critical lands. The Cary State Forest expansion is just one of seven key acquisitions that will connect vital conservation areas throughout Florida:
The remainder of the investment was approved to preserve over 62,000 acres of Florida farms and ranches through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.
The Simply Healthcare investment helps Duval County schools gain access to life-saving heart screenings for student-athletes through an innovative screening program.Seventeen public high schools across Duval County now have access to heart screening machines to evaluate student-athletes for underlying heart conditions thanks to the first athletic training heart screening initiative in Florida led by Who We Play For (WWPF...
The Simply Healthcare investment helps Duval County schools gain access to life-saving heart screenings for student-athletes through an innovative screening program.
Seventeen public high schools across Duval County now have access to heart screening machines to evaluate student-athletes for underlying heart conditions thanks to the first athletic training heart screening initiative in Florida led by Who We Play For (WWPF) and supported by Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply Healthcare).
Simply Healthcare announced a new phase of its WWPF partnership with the launch of the first athletic training heart screening program in Duval County. Simply Healthcare fully funded the 17 electrocardiogram (ECG) machines through a $100,000 investment, aiming to prevent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the leading cause of death among student-athletes.
“Detecting underlying heart conditions can ensure prompt medical attention, preventing cardiac arrest and saving the lives of Florida youth,” said Dana Gryniuk, Medicaid President of Simply Healthcare.
“Simply Healthcare is honored to join forces with Who We Play For to support the groundbreaking first in Florida athletic training heart screening initiative in Duval County. Together, we are equipping high school athletic trainers with the tools and instruction required to protect our young athletes.”
This initiative launches a sustainable, year-round heart screening model for Duval County youth who try out and participate in high school sports. An ECG monitors the heart’s electrical activity, signaling cardiac abnormalities and serious conditions that might not be evident through routine physical exams or symptoms alone.
“We’re proud to launch the first-in-Florida athletic training heart screening program in Duval County,” said Evan Ernst, Executive Director of Who We Play For. “This initiative marks a significant step forward in our mission to ensure every young athlete has access to life-saving cardiac screenings and elevating the standard of care for all youth.”
Jacksonville Sports and Medicine held a training session where WWPF distributed the ECG machines and taught Duval County licensed athletic trainers how to administer the screenings across Duval County’s 17 public high schools. An ECG is a non-invasive test that records electrical signals in the heart to identify heart conditions that put students at risk for SCA.
In the United States, SCA claims the life of one student-athlete every three days and is the leading cause of death on school campuses. According to research, 91% of SCA victims die because emergency response is delayed.
Simply Healthcare’s contributions over the last three years, totaling $300,000, have been instrumental in advancing WWPF’s mission to prevent SCA in youth. WWPF is a national nonprofit organization that works with schools, sports clubs and other community organizations to screen young Floridians’ hearts. WWPF has screened over 300,000 youth since 2014, saving the lives of more than 300 students and expanding its reach to 500 communities nationwide.
Simply Healthcare builds strong partnerships with community-based organizations to address the whole health needs of Floridians. By doing so, Simply encourages its members and entire communities to actively participate in their health care and transform their lives.