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 Okaloosa, 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 Okaloosa natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Okaloosa, 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 Okaloosa, 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 Okaloosa, 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 Okaloosa, 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 Okaloosa, 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.
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)The winter storm continued to hit Okaloosa County on Wednesday, with cold temperatures and major safety concerns. "Icy conditions have caused dangerous driving conditions. Please remain off of the roads unless absolutely necessary," Okaloosa County government s...
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
The winter storm continued to hit Okaloosa County on Wednesday, with cold temperatures and major safety concerns. "Icy conditions have caused dangerous driving conditions. Please remain off of the roads unless absolutely necessary," Okaloosa County government said in a Wednesday morning Facebook post. Follow along here today for the latest updates.
Which snowman is best?
“Because of lingering icy road conditions, WM must suspend service for Thursday. Makeup service for residential customers with once-per-week garbage will be pushed one day. For twice-per-week garbage customers, service will resume on their next service day," according to a news release from Waste Management.
"It is recommended that if residents are unsure of when their garbage will be recovered, they should leave their cart by the road until it is serviced. Because of the two-day suspension, we may run slightly behind in our recovery efforts. We appreciate everyone’s understanding throughout this weather event.”
The National Weather Service has issued a Extreme Cold Warning for Okaloosa and Walton Counties from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday.
Officals warn that any snow that may have melted on Wednesday will refreeze Wednesday night, creating hazardous road conditions.
"Don’t be lulled into a sense of security in seeing the sun doing its job and thinking the roads will be clear when the snow melts," wrote Okaloosa County Public Saftey Director Patrick Maddox in an email. "It will re-freeze tonight. Be careful. If you don’t have to be on the road, don’t."
— Collin Bestor
Due to hazardous road conditions brought on by Winter Storm Enzo, Okaloosa County early voting locations will reopen on Friday, Jan 24 at 10 a.m. All early voting sites will be open on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
— Collin Bestor
According to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport website, the airport will remain closed on Wednesday, with a planned reopening at noon on Thursday.
— Collin Bestor
According to Okaloosa and Walton County School Districts updates, all schools will remain closed for the rest of the week. All schools and district offices are expected to resume normal operations on Monday, Jan. 27.
— Collin Bestor
Related story:Okaloosa, Walton Co. schools to remain closed until Monday due to unsafe road conditions
In Okaloosa County, the following roadways are closed:
In Walton County, no roadways are closed at this time.
Local officials say all roads should be treated as if they are iced over and urge drivers to use caution when traveling.
— Collin Bestor
Live blog from Tuesday:Winter storm hits Okaloosa County. Conditions, forecast, closings and more
Snowfall totals still are being compiled. But as of Tuesday night the Florida record for snow (3 inches, set in 1895) already had been shattered. The National Weather Service said 8.8 inches fell in Milton.
— Jim Little and Dinah Voyles Pulver
(This story was updated to add new information)
(This story was updated to add a photo or video)
NewsOkaloosa County Public Safety staff is continuously monitoring the incoming winter storm and is in regular communications with all pertinent County departments and agencies. Please monitor official news and official agency communications. The County has compiled information from other agencies and stakeholders in Okaloosa County related to closures/information. If you have questions beyond what is listed, please reach out to that specific agency. This information is as of Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at 4 p.m.OKALOOSA COUN...
News
Okaloosa County Public Safety staff is continuously monitoring the incoming winter storm and is in regular communications with all pertinent County departments and agencies. Please monitor official news and official agency communications. The County has compiled information from other agencies and stakeholders in Okaloosa County related to closures/information. If you have questions beyond what is listed, please reach out to that specific agency. This information is as of Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at 4 p.m.
OKALOOSA COUNTY GOVERNMENT – https://myokaloosa.com/ – email: OCPIO@myokaloosa.com
ROADS – https://www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL
ANIMAL CONTROL – https://www.paws-shelter.org/
Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21-22. Animal Control Officers will be on call for emergencies and available to help residents find lost animals. 850-243-1525 ext. 106 – animalcontrol@paws-shelter.org
COLD WEATHER SHELTERS
South County: Open through Saturday Night (Sunday, January 19th through January 25th).
One Hopeful Place – https://www.facebook.com/OHPFWB
850-586-7879
1564 Percy L. Coleman Rd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Pickup location is located at 205 Shell Ave, starting shuttle service at 3:15 pm ONE trip will be made. Returning transportation will be the following morning at 8:00 am.
*Note: backpacks are allowed, however, no wagons, bikes or suitcases are allowed on the bus.
North County: Open through Saturday Night (January 19th-January 25th)
Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless. – https://www.facebook.com/sleepinabed
850-398-5670
120 Duggan Ave, Crestview, FL.
OKALOOSA COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS – https://www.govote-okaloosa.com/
Supervisor of Elections office and Early Voting will be closed both Tuesday, January 21st and Wednesday, January 22nd. Office hours and Early Voting are currently scheduled to resume at 7am, Thursday, January 23rd.
OKALOOSA COUNTY CLERK OF COURT – https://okaloosaclerk.com/
Okaloosa County Clerk’s office will be CLOSED on Tuesday & Wednesday, January 21 & 22. At this time, they are scheduled to re-open on Thursday, January 23rd.
SCHOOLS – Okaloosa County School District https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict
School and extracurricular activities are canceled on Tuesday, January 21st and Wednesday, January 22nd. According to OCSD they expect school to resume on Thursday, January 23rd.
OKALOOSA TAX COLLECTOR – OkaloosaTax.com
All locations will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21st and Wednesday, Jan. 22nd. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, Jan. 23rd.
TRASH AND RECYCLING
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***All scenarios are contingent upon weather, road and bridge conditions and transfer station availability.***
WM residential service is scheduled to begin routes early Tuesday morning to get ahead of the winter storm. Wednesday service is currently scheduled for a late start. This is based on today’s forecast but could change. In the event our trucks can’t run, make up service for residential customers with once-per-week garbage will be pushed one day. For twice-per-week garbage customers, service will resume on their next service day.
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1ST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA – https://www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/
The Courts will be closed Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22 in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. Walton County Courts will be open until noon on Tuesday, and will be closed Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, January 22. More information will be posted when available at firstjudicialcircuit.org
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)The winter storm has caused major closures in Okaloosa County.There will be no school on Tuesday or Wednesday. Okaloosa County administration will close all non-essential administrative offices on Tuesday and Wed...
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
The winter storm has caused major closures in Okaloosa County.
There will be no school on Tuesday or Wednesday. Okaloosa County administration will close all non-essential administrative offices on Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, Tuesday's county commission meeting has been canceled.
State of Emergency:Gov. Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency ahead of winter weather
School is canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"We expect school to resume on Thursday, January 23rd, but will continue to monitor weather conditions to ensure it is safe. Communication about Thursday will be provided through district callout, text message, website, and social media accounts," the district said in a Facebook post.
The National Weather Service has placed Okaloosa County under an Extreme Cold Warning from 9 p.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Wednesday. "Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5 above expected," the NWS said.
Okaloosa County also is under a Winter Storm Warning from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
"Accumulating snow is expected and could be heavy at times. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches," the National Weather Service wrote in its advisory. "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes."
On Monday, Okaloosa County Public Safety Director Pat Maddox issued an advisory. "Temperatures will remain bitterly cold through Thursday afternoon," he wrote. Snow could begin Tuesday morning with accumulation expected between noon and 6 p.m.
Related coverage:Florida on the cusp of a winter storm of the centuries: Will snow or ice prevail?
"Conditions will be breezy as the snow falls with gusts 20-30MPH. Right now there is a 70%-90% chance of frozen precipitation in our area, mainly in the form of snow, but sleet can be possible along the immediate coast," Maddox wrote.
"Chances of 2-4” of snow in parts of Okaloosa, not only north of I-10 but expanding some distance south of that area on Tue/Tue night, is 70% as of right now, and will likely change up or down with coming updates," Maddox wrote Monday. "Accumulations of snow south of I-10 are predicted to increase in tonight’s update. Higher totals possible in the heaviest snow band."
"DOT de-icing operations (chloride salts and ethylene glycol) are prepped for bridges, overpasses, state roads," Maddox wrote in an advisory on Sunday. "County public works crews are prepped for sand spreading in local areas if necessary."
"Okaloosa County Public Works crews will use sand on county-maintained roads if necessary. There are currently no road or bridge closures planned ahead of the storm. Conditions will be monitored," county government said Monday evening in an advisory.
Earlier coverage:The severe cold weather is coming. How will Okaloosa County fare? Here's what we know
Related coverage:Freeze warning, cold advisory? Be familiar with these official winter weather terms
Monday's high temperature in Fort Walton Beach is expected to reach 43 degrees, with a low of 26, according to the National Weather Service. On Tuesday the high will be 35 and the low 19. On Wednesday the high will be 37 and the low 24.
Administration offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a spokesman.
Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For emergencies and help finding lost animals, call 850-243-1525, ext. 106 or email animalcontrol@paws-shelter.org
Yes, there are two. Both are open through Jan. 25, according to a county government advisory.
"Pickup location is located at 205 Shell Ave., starting shuttle service at 3:15 p.m. One trip will be made. Returning transportation will be the following morning at 8 a.m.," county government said in the news advisory.
Wright Landfill will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday; same for Household Hazardous Waste
The 1st Judicial Circuit will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Walton County Courts will be open until noon Tuesday, then closed for the afternoon and all day Wednesday, according to county government.
(This story was updated to add new information)