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 Sumter, 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 Sumter natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Sumter, 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 Sumter, 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 Sumter, 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 Sumter, 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 Sumter, 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.
SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - A Sumter County substitute teacher was recently jailed after deputies say she made inappropriate comments to a minor.41-year-old Nicole Crumb was arrested on May 28 and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor as well as contributing to the delinquency of a minor.She was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center and has since been released on a $22,500 bond.Crumb was a substitute teacher through a third-party agency known as Kelly Education, which employs substitutes to work in the place of r...
SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - A Sumter County substitute teacher was recently jailed after deputies say she made inappropriate comments to a minor.
41-year-old Nicole Crumb was arrested on May 28 and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor as well as contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
She was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center and has since been released on a $22,500 bond.
Crumb was a substitute teacher through a third-party agency known as Kelly Education, which employs substitutes to work in the place of regular employees for teachers, paraprofessionals, clerical employees, custodians and food service workers.
She started assignments in the Sumter School District in February of 2023, with her last known assignment in March of this year.
The school district said she is no longer an active substitute teacher, and they have requested to remove her from all assignments.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said Crumb was her daughter’s teacher at Hillcrest Middle School.
“As a mom, it’s disgusting,” she said. “As a mom, it’s scary. As a person, something has to be wrong with her.”
The woman said she had to have some difficult conversations with her daughter after she saw her teacher’s mugshot.
“Talk to your kids, make your kids aware that conversations like that between children and adults is not inappropriate,” she said. “Speak to them every day. Let them know that it’s OK to come and talk to you. Make sure there’s a line of communication between you and your child for your child to come and talk to you because it seems to be getting to be more of a common occurrence nowadays.”
She added that in today’s world, those conversations are necessary.
WIS asked the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office if investigators have any reason to believe that Crumb was doing anything inappropriate while in her role as a substitute.
The Sheriff’s Office said they cannot rule anything out, as the investigation is ongoing.
The incident report includes some disturbing details.
It alleges that Crumb has sent inappropriate messages to a teenaged boy and asked him some explicit questions.
“They’re being preyed on, it’s scary,” the Hillcrest parent said.
The teen told his parents, according to the report, that Crumb “texts all the kids,” implying that she communicates regularly with several of his classmates.
The victim also stated that Crumb’s home is known to be a “party place.”
“Don’t give anyone leeway to get to your kids because it happens and it’s happening more,” the anonymous parent said.
The Sheriff’s Office would not say whether there are more victims, citing the ongoing investigation.
Kelly Education said in a statement, “The safety and well-being of the students we serve is our top priority. The substitute teacher has been removed from all assignments. We intend to fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigation.”
This is a developing story. Stay with WIS News 10 for more details.
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Check your tickets.Someone recently bought a record-breaking game, South Carolina Education Lottery officials said Tuesday in a news release.The person who bought a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket in Sumter won a $1,132,000 grand prize, which is the largest-ever rolling jackpot for a South Carolina lottery game, according to the release.Now a search is underway for the winner.What turned out to be the seven-figure winning Palmetto Cash 5 ...
Check your tickets.
Someone recently bought a record-breaking game, South Carolina Education Lottery officials said Tuesday in a news release.
The person who bought a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket in Sumter won a $1,132,000 grand prize, which is the largest-ever rolling jackpot for a South Carolina lottery game, according to the release.
Now a search is underway for the winner.
What turned out to be the seven-figure winning Palmetto Cash 5 ticket was sold at the Kwik Mart gas station/convenience store at 2350 Peach Orchard Road in Sumter, officials said.
The winning numbers from Monday’s drawing were 4, 7, 10, 20 and 30.
The Palmetto Cash 5 ticket matched all five numbers drawn to win the game’s top prize, officials said.
The winner has 180 days to claim the six-figure prize, according to lottery officials.
The winner will be allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
“Sign the back of your ticket and put it in a safe location until you’re ready to come forward to claim the prize,” lottery officials said.
For complete information on claiming prizes, go to sceducationlottery.com.
The jackpot rolled 44 times before Monday’s win, according to the release.
The odds of winning $1,132,000 playing Palmetto Cash 5 are 850,668-to-1, officials said.
The Kwik Mart will receive a commission for selling the winning ticket when it is turned into lottery officials.
The Palmetto Cash 5 jackpot for Tuesday night’s drawing is reset at $100,000.
It costs $2 to purchase a Palmetto Cash 5 ticket, and drawings are held on a daily basis at 6:59 p.m., officials said.
The fire sent smoke over Alice Drive and Harper Street Saturday. Officials said they don’t yet know what caused it.Credit: Mich DeLorme, special to WLTXCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Fire investigators in Sumter County are still trying to determine what caused building materials to catch fire at a construction site in Sumter on Saturday afternoon.Charred pieces of wood, tar paper, and foam littered the area where a ...
The fire sent smoke over Alice Drive and Harper Street Saturday. Officials said they don’t yet know what caused it.
Credit: Mich DeLorme, special to WLTX
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Fire investigators in Sumter County are still trying to determine what caused building materials to catch fire at a construction site in Sumter on Saturday afternoon.
Charred pieces of wood, tar paper, and foam littered the area where a fire broke out at a future B.J.'s Wholesale Club site at Alice Drive and Harper Street in Sumter.
Sumter County Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Shirley said crews began responding to the fire around 12:15 Saturday. At one point, 40 firefighters and 11 apparatus were on the scene. Many of those firefighters remained at the site until 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Sunday afternoon, charred pieces of debris still littered the sidewalk and streets near the site of the blaze.
Fire officials say they don’t believe the smoke from the burning materials, which included insulation and other items, posed a concern to the public since it rose directly above and did not stay low to the ground.
Bobby Riley lives across from the site and described what he saw.
“The air was filled with black, heavy smoke," Riley said. "And by the time I got out to see what was going on, they had the road blocked off and you couldn’t really see [anything]. The firefighters had a heck of a job to do.”
Bonnie Wallace’s mother also lives nearby. She described how the fire impacted her mother's neighbors.
“From what I understand the area was heavy with like a smog. It wasn’t really, really strong, but it was enough to definitely impact you," she said. “For a brand-new building, it’s not even up yet and it’s burned, I don’t know if I’m ever going to go into that building.”
Sunday afternoon, Chief Shirley said the department still does not have an estimate for the damages caused by this fire.
Sumter’s Pocotaligo River had the highest PFAS levels among 22 U.S. waterways tested in a nationwide study, raising public health concerns.SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A recent study by the Waterkeeper Alliance has revealed alarming levels of PFAS contamination in the Pocotaligo River in Sumter, finding it is the most contaminated among 22 waterways tested across 19 states.&ldqu...
Sumter’s Pocotaligo River had the highest PFAS levels among 22 U.S. waterways tested in a nationwide study, raising public health concerns.
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A recent study by the Waterkeeper Alliance has revealed alarming levels of PFAS contamination in the Pocotaligo River in Sumter, finding it is the most contaminated among 22 waterways tested across 19 states.
“It was the worst, by far, on total PFAS. It was the most contaminated site out of all, I believe. It was out of 22 that was studied,” said Erin Donmoyer, Black-Sampit Riverkeeper.
The findings are based on samples collected in September 2022. Donmoyer suspects a nearby wastewater treatment facility may be a significant contributor to the contamination.
“It’s suspected that one or more of the industrial pre-treatment users is probably the larger source of PFAS coming into the system so if the wastewater treatment plant issues limits PFAS for their treatment users then that can be a solution to the problem,” she said.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of synthetic substances that do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to health risks, including cancer and liver damage.
Some residents are concerned but not yet deterred.
“I’ve been fishing at the river for about 30 years, and I guess it is a little bit concerning to hear this stuff. We’ve had some mercury poison warnings over the years, but I’m not sure what this is,” said Sumter resident Julien Weinberg, who declined to appear on camera. While he still plans to swim in the river, he says he may reconsider fishing there.
Health officials note that PFAS absorption through the skin is considered low, but ingesting contaminated water or fish may pose risks. Swimming remains safe, but caution is advised when consuming fish caught in the Pocotaligo.
Donmoyer hopes the study will lead to increased awareness and action.
“Advocating around this issue is where everyone can find their power," Donmoyer said. "Let your local reps know, let the state reps know that this is something you’re concerned about and it matters. You want to feel safe going to your river or in your local landing and catching fish. It should be safe to do so and a right we all have, and industry should not be put above community safety.”
Home sales rose 300% in Sumter County, while Habitat for Humanity continues building homes for low-income families as June marks Homeownership Month.SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A recent report from Rocket.com shows a notable increase in home sales in Sumter County. Four homes sold or were pending in May 2025, a 300% increase month over month.Of those four homes, 50% were sold under asking price, 25% sold at asking, and 25% over askin...
Home sales rose 300% in Sumter County, while Habitat for Humanity continues building homes for low-income families as June marks Homeownership Month.
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — A recent report from Rocket.com shows a notable increase in home sales in Sumter County. Four homes sold or were pending in May 2025, a 300% increase month over month.
Of those four homes, 50% were sold under asking price, 25% sold at asking, and 25% over asking.
As June marks National Homeownership Month, Habitat for Humanity in Sumter is continuing its mission to help local families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Michelle Davis and Gerald Jennings are two of those homeowners who were able to unlock the doors to their forever homes through Habitat for Humanity.
“In 2011 is when I moved with Sumter Habitat for Humanity and I’ve been there 14 years,” said Davis.
“I became a homeowner in June of 2013,” Jennings said.
The road to homeownership wasn’t easy for either of them.
“So, I was interning and working at the Red Cross, and, in the meantime, I was going through my divorce, so I was going through my phase of what am I going to do now," Jennings said. "I am a single mother with three children, so I moved into a low-income apartment."
Encouragement from friends and a bit of faith made the process possible.
“He was like maybe you should apply for a home with Habitat for I was like well my credit isn’t that great, and I was trying to work and get things together I was at a loss, and I was apprehensive,” Jennings added.
Davis had a similar experience navigating the process.
“I worked at Santee Wateree at that time and I first when I applied, I didn’t get in because I was making too much money – but I got on the waiting list and they selected me the second time I was so happy – we put the nails in and all that stuff it was a good opportunity to finish up your house,” Davis said.
Over the past 37 years, Habitat for Humanity of Sumter has built more than 120 homes for low-income families. Three homes were completed in the past year alone, and another three are currently under construction.
Theresa White, executive director of Sumter Habitat for Humanity, said the organization looks for committed and responsible applicants.
“With this comes great responsibility; you might be paying $600 a month for rent does not mean you can afford homeownership, so we pull a credit report. How you’ve paid your debts in the past,” White said.
According to White, preparation is key.
“You're not going to be able to make $100,000 and probably and qualify for our program, so qualifications for income is based on the number of people ... who are going to be living in the home," she said. "It's 50 to 80% of our area immediate income; that’s the first thing we look at: if their income is too high or too low, they are not going to qualify. So, they meet that requirement. The next thing is, can they afford homeownership?” she said.
Both Davis and Jennings say they are forever grateful for the opportunity Habitat gave them.
“For everyone that is out there, [it is] a second chance to start over and start new, make some solid foundations, and grow and be able to be vital and give back to an opportunity given to you,” Davis said.
“I think it sinked in for me when I went to the lawyer’s office and I got things that I finally had my own place; we are home, and we are going to make it, and no one is going to take that from me,” Jennings said.
White says the goal is to speed up their home-building process with more volunteers.