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 Goose Creek, 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 Goose Creek natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Goose Creek, 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 Goose Creek, 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 Goose Creek, 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.
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 Goose Creek, 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 Goose Creek, 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.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — One person is dead after a house fire in Goose Creek early Tuesday morning, according to officials.The Berkeley County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Danial Skinner, 69, of Goose Creek.Crews reportedly responded to the scene just after midnight, which involved a single family home off Kathr...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — One person is dead after a house fire in Goose Creek early Tuesday morning, according to officials.
The Berkeley County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Danial Skinner, 69, of Goose Creek.
Crews reportedly responded to the scene just after midnight, which involved a single family home off Kathryn Drive in Goose Creek.
Eight separate fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze including Goose Creek Rural, Pine Ridge, Hanahan, Caromi, Pimlico, Goose Creek City, Joint Base, Central Berkeley Fire & EMS.
“It was a significant fire when we arrived, almost half the house was involved in fire," said Chief Bob Maibach with Goose Creek Rural Fire Department.
THE LATEST: Berkeley County coroner identifies one dead in Goose Creek house fire
Chief Maibach said there's no reason to believe this was a suspicious fire or a case of arson, and that SLED is always called in to investigate when a fatality is reported.
A cause of fire was unknown Tuesday. Chief Maibach said his crews often find non-operating smoke alarms at the scene of house fires.
“These are situations that happen and every second counts, so having that alarm that functions and alerts you, even in in the middle of the night, is very important," he said. "Smoke detectors save lives."
The fire was officially reported under control just before 1:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Fire crews were called back to the scene around 7 a.m. to extinguish a small spot fire.
SLED, State Fire Marshals, the Berkeley County Coroner's Office and Berkeley County Sheriff's Office are investigating.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - Reality Church in Goose Creek and The Formation Project are getting human trafficking victims back on their feet with a new support home in Berkeley County.The Eden House project aims to house six women at a time who have experienced human trafficking. The women will come through a nonprofit organization, The Formation Project, that focuses on providing services to victims and survivors.The women will be monitored by and receive services through the nonprofit, including internet access to help them en...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - Reality Church in Goose Creek and The Formation Project are getting human trafficking victims back on their feet with a new support home in Berkeley County.
The Eden House project aims to house six women at a time who have experienced human trafficking. The women will come through a nonprofit organization, The Formation Project, that focuses on providing services to victims and survivors.
The women will be monitored by and receive services through the nonprofit, including internet access to help them enter the workforce.
A property purchase by Reality Church Lead Pastor Ric Edgar is what sparked the idea. Edgar purchased 10 acres of land in the Ladson area that included a 1960s home in July 2024.
Edgar says the land was originally meant for a new church as well as demolishing the included home. The demolition was meant to have an open view for the new build, but plans changed.
The pastor says the home will be renovated to become the Eden House or “the place for new beginnings” for rescued women. Plans for the property still include adding a church building. Edgar says the support home will take priority for now as it is a decision supported by his church community.
“[The church family] knew like I knew that God gave purpose to the land,” Edgar says. “But they also knew, as I knew, this has to be first,” Edgar continues. “We will not build a church until this house is renovated and is up and running and Formation Project has these women here. This is first.”
A series of connections sparked Edgar’s decision. The lead pastor says he realized human trafficking “happens right in our backyard” by watching former National Football League quarterback and retired Major League Baseball player Tim Tebow’s ministry programming. Edgar says he was also moved to take action by trafficking statistics from across the Lowcountry and especially Berkeley County.
An annual report by the state Attorney General shows the state had nearly 400 human trafficking victims statewide in 2024. The report shows the number of tips for investigators in the Lowcountry. Berkeley County saw 18 human trafficking investigations, which is second only to Charleston County’s 31.
Edgar says he hopes to bring awareness to the issue and show people that it is happening wherever they are.
“People really can have an awareness that it is right here in our own backyard,” Edgar says. “And we’re passionate about it, I mean it’s really exciting for me that our church has the opportunity to impact the community by helping these women find their way back to a good life.”
Renovations are the next step for the home.
Edgar says the home needs about $130,000 worth of work.
Reality Church and The Formation Project plan to raise funds to meet renovation costs.
Anyone interested in getting involved can reach out to 843-494-4474 or hope.christmas@realitychurch.com. There is also more information on how to get involved on the project website.
Human trafficking tips can be reported to the 24/7 National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has begun work on a project involving safety improvements on Red Bank Road which also includes intersection improvements at the Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard intersection, both in Goose Creek.ByThe Berkeley Observer-May 15, 2025 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in Goose Creek can expect smoother, safer travels i...
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has begun work on a project involving safety improvements on Red Bank Road which also includes intersection improvements at the Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard intersection, both in Goose Creek.
By
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May 15, 2025
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in Goose Creek can expect smoother, safer travels in the near future.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has officially kicked off a major infrastructure improvement project along Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard, aiming to modernize key intersections and roadways through the heart of the city.
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Work is already underway, with current efforts focused on drainage upgrades and initial road widening at the Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard intersection. According to Berkeley County officials, the larger project scope includes installing concrete medians, enhancing pedestrian access with new sidewalks, upgrading traffic signals, resurfacing asphalt, and improving signage along the Red Bank Road corridor.
Come fall 2025, drivers can expect to see continued progress with traffic signal installations and intersection paving at key junctions including Eagle Road, Harbor Lake Drive, and Bayshore Drive.
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The full suite of improvements is slated for completion by August 2026.
These upgrades come on the heels of Berkeley County’s recently completed Red Bank Road Gravity Sewer Project, which wrapped in April 2025. That project boosted local sewer capacity and helped prevent future overflows by installing a new gravity sewer main between Sunrise Boulevard and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard.
Together, the projects mark a coordinated effort to modernize Goose Creek’s infrastructure—above and below ground—for years to come.
Goose Creek, S.C. – Will Goose Creek help do some good for the gander by displaying a pro-bird statue urging everyone to ditch cruelly-obtained down feathers? PETA thinks so! In a letter sent today to Crystal Reed, Director of Goose Creek’s Recreation, Art and Parks, PETA asks to participate in the city’s “Adopt-a-Goose” program—in which local businesses can place a customized goose statue around town—with a statue depicting a half-plucked, crying goose and a plaque reading,...
Goose Creek, S.C. – Will Goose Creek help do some good for the gander by displaying a pro-bird statue urging everyone to ditch cruelly-obtained down feathers? PETA thinks so! In a letter sent today to Crystal Reed, Director of Goose Creek’s Recreation, Art and Parks, PETA asks to participate in the city’s “Adopt-a-Goose” program—in which local businesses can place a customized goose statue around town—with a statue depicting a half-plucked, crying goose and a plaque reading, “My Feathers Belong to Me. Please, Don’t Wear Down.”
“Geese feel pain and fear, love their flock members, and don’t deserve to be tormented, plucked, and violently slaughtered for down,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “By embracing PETA’s message, Goose Creek could encourage residents to show compassion for birds of a feather by sticking to down-free coats, pillows, and blankets.”
PETA points out that geese are family-oriented and mate for life, mourning for long periods when their partners die. In the down industry, workers often pin down terrified geese and tear their feathers out by the fistful, plucking them so violently that many are left with gaping, bloody wounds. At the slaughterhouse, workers slit their throats—often while they’re still conscious. The down industry also helps prop up the immensely cruel foie gras industry, as producers often seek to bolster income by selling the feathers of tormented, force-fed geese.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat, wear, or abuse in any other way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Libby Roerig follows.
May 5, 2025
Crystal Reed
Director of Recreation, Art & Parks
City of Goose Greek
Dear Ms. Reed:
I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and our nearly 800 members and supporters in Goose Creek, I am requesting to participate in Goose Creek’s “Adopt-A-Goose” program. We hope you’ll make an exception for our goose from outside the city limits, as PETA’s statue has an important message to share.
PETA’s goose would honor Goose Creek’s namesake and inspire residents to show compassion for these loyal, intelligent birds by ditching down and letting birds keep their feathers. One side of the statue shows a happy, healthy goose living freely, while the other side reveals the cruelty that the down industry tries to keep under the covers.
In China—the world’s largest producer of down—many birds are live-plucked, their feathers yanked from their skin while they are conscious and shriek in terror. Even disingenuously named “responsible down” is a sham, as all birds used for down are exploited and ultimately slaughtered. A PETA Asia investigation revealed that geese used for Responsible Down Standard-certified feathers were beheaded with a dull axe, requiring multiple blows to kill them. Foie gras producers also exploit geese, profiting not only from stealing their feathers but also from force-feeding them and selling their diseased, fatty livers. These birds suffer at every stage of their short, miserable lives.
Birds are not stuffing for pillows and jackets or food for people who find fatty livers appetizing. They are devoted parents and lifelong partners. Even as goslings, they are skilled swimmers, and their parents are meticulous nest keepers. Their family bonds are so strong that they mourn the loss of loved ones and refuse to leave injured flock members behind. These family-oriented fowl deserve our respect and protection.
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together to promote a meaningful message in Goose Creek.
Sincerely,
Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President
Big Lots has released an official list of all 219 stores planned to reopen over the next several months, including 18 in South Carolina.After bankruptcy and store closures, Big Lots plans to gradually reopen 219 stores. A ...
Big Lots has released an official list of all 219 stores planned to reopen over the next several months, including 18 in South Carolina.
After bankruptcy and store closures, Big Lots plans to gradually reopen 219 stores. A No S.C. stores reopened during Wave 1 of the opening plan, but four Wave 2 stores are scheduled to open in early May.
According to a previous news release from the Henderson, N.C.-based company Variety Retailers responsible for the openings, customers will experience "remodeled stores, a large selection of closeout deals and new merchandise categories, including apparel for the family and electronics" upon the reopening of Big Lots stores.
Here's what we know about the final waves of reopening plans, including every store scheduled to open in S.C. and N.C.
Previously, Big Lots announced the opening of Wave 2 stores, of which S.C. had four. On April 23, business media website Fast Company released the company's plans for locations set to reopen in the final two waves including the following in S.C..:
No South Carolina stores reopened in Wave 1.
More than 50 Big Lots stores are set to open in N.C., about a quarter of all reopenings.
Stores are also reopening in 13 other states including:
Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 stores it aims to open in four waves. 54 stores will reopen during the second wave, 78 during the third wave and a final 78 in the fourth wave.
The first wave of Big Lots openings took place on April 10. The second wave is scheduled for early may, and remaining stores will open on unspecified dates through early June, leading up to a grand opening celebration taking place across all stores in the fall.
BigLots.com and Big Lots social media channels will feature more news and updates on store announcements, according to the release.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.