VA loans were established prior to the end of World War II and have since assisted numerous veterans, service members, and military families in fulfilling their dream of owning their a home. In recent times, the program has become increasingly significant, with VA loan volume skyrocketing and offering substantial financial advantages that enable countless veterans to purchase homes, thereby making homeownership a possibility for those who may not have qualified otherwise.
If you sacrificed comfort and security to help protect our great nation, Mission One Mortgage thanks you for your service. We believe that there's no greater honor than to serve those who have served our country. We're not afraid to go above and beyond for our veterans because that's exactly what they did for us.
A VA loan is a mortgage option that is backed by the government and available to Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. It is offered by private lenders such as banks and mortgage companies and not directly by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA home loans come with competitive interest rates and terms and can be used to purchase a variety of properties, including:
One of the great benefits of VA loans is that eligible Veterans can buy a home with no down payment, no mortgage insurance, lenient credit requirements, and the lowest average fixed rates in the market.
At Mission One Mortgage, we work with many Veterans who know that VA loans exist but don't quite understand the full range of benefits they provide. If that sounds familiar, keep reading. This section was written especially for you.
01
One of the standout benefits of the VA Loan program is that qualified borrowers can purchase a home without having to make a down payment up to the conforming loan limit of their county. This is a significant advantage over conventional and FHA loans, which typically require minimum down payments of 5 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.
For example, on a $400,000 mortgage, a conventional loan would require a $20,000 down payment, while an FHA loan would require $14,000. Saving up that kind of cash can take service members and veterans years, but with the VA Loan, they can pursue homeownership without having to scrape and stockpile for years on end.
03
It's important for military buyers to stay informed about credit score requirements when considering home financing options. Although credit score requirements have eased up a bit, it's still necessary to meet certain benchmarks set by conventional and FHA lenders. However, even meeting these benchmarks can be a challenge for many buyers.
Most VA lenders require a credit score of at least 620, which falls in FICO's "Fair" credit score range. Borrowers will typically need to meet a higher threshold for conventional mortgages, particularly if they want to secure a low-interest rate. It's worth checking out VA Loan rates to learn more about financing options.
Despite common misconceptions, military buyers don't need a perfect credit score to obtain financing. While a higher credit score can certainly help, it's important to remember that VA loans in Charleston, SC are designed to help military members and veterans access affordable housing.
05
Closing costs are an inevitable part of the home-buying process, no matter what type of mortgage product you choose. However, if you're a veteran, you may be pleased to know that the VA places limits on the fees and costs you're required to pay at the time of closing. Additionally, homebuyers have the option to ask sellers to cover all loan-related closing costs, as well as up to 4 percent of the purchase price for other expenses like prepaid taxes, insurance, and collections.
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Coming up with a down payment can be challenging for both conventional and FHA homebuyers. In addition, they are required to pay for mortgage insurance unless they can make a sizable down payment, usually 20% of the purchase price. For instance, on a $400,000 mortgage, this would be a staggering $80,000 in cash.
FHA loans carry an upfront mortgage insurance premium and annual mortgage insurance. The latter now lasts for the life of the loan. On the other hand, conventional homebuyers will pay this monthly cost until they have built up enough equity, which can take several years.
Fortunately, VA loans do not require any mortgage insurance. However, there is a mandatory funding fee that goes directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Borrowers with a service-connected disability are exempt from paying this fee, which helps keep the program going for future generations.
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If you've experienced a financial setback such as a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy, you may be worried about your chances of securing a VA home loan. However, don't lose hope just yet. With VA loans, it's still possible to be eligible for a home loan just two years after a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy. In some cases, veterans who file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection can be eligible for a VA loan just a year after the filing date.
It's worth noting that the waiting periods for conventional or FHA financing can be significantly longer than those for VA loans. Additionally, even if you've lost a VA-backed mortgage to foreclosure, you may still be eligible for another VA loan.
So, if you're a veteran who's experienced a financial setback but still dreams of owning a home, don't give up hope. Explore your options and see if a VA loan with Mission One Mortgage could be the solution you need.
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It's important to keep in mind that VA lenders typically prefer borrowers to spend no more than 41 percent of their gross monthly income on major debts, such as mortgage payments or student loans. However, it's possible to get a VA home loan even if you have a higher DTI ratio. Some lenders may offer up to 55 percent or more depending on your credit score and ability to meet additional income requirements. This can give homebuyers more flexibility and greater purchasing power when it comes to finding their dream home.
Remember - if you have any questions about the benefits you just read about - like what credit score Mission One Mortgage requires for a VA loan - contact our office today. It would be our pleasure to help you navigate the VA loan process, one step at a time.
One of the most common questions we get at Mission One Mortgage revolves around VA loan eligibility. Who is actually eligible for this type of loan? What are the requirements for getting a VA loan? If you meet the following requirements, chances are you'll be eligible for a VA loan.
Curious what the general steps are for purchasing a home with a VA loan? You're not alone. Keep reading to get a feel for what you have to do to enjoy the wonderful benefits of homeownership.
When applying for a VA home loan benefit, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an important document that verifies your eligibility to your lender. If you have already used your VA loan benefit in the past, a current COE can help you determine how much remaining entitlement you have. Additionally, it can ensure that your entitlement has been restored for previous VA-backed loans that were paid in full.
After you've applied for your COE, it's a good idea to examine your finances. We're talking about items such as income, expenses, credit profile, and your monthly budget. That way, you know for sure that you're ready to purchase a home.
As a veteran, you have the choice of going through a bank, credit union, or a private VA mortgage company like Mission One Mortgage. Most lenders will have different loan interest rates and fees, so it's important to shop around. Remember - Mission One specializes in VA loans in Charleston, SC. Other lenders, such as large corporations and banks, often can't match the expertise and attention to detail that Mission One provides to veterans.
During this phase, it's a good idea to meet with a range of real estate professionals. Try to choose an agent who has experience processing and overseeing VA loans. Once you select an agent, you can bring your lender's pre-approval letter to their office and begin shopping.
This is the best part of the VA loan process, other than getting the keys to your new home. When looking for a house, remember to look at homes within your price range and budget. Lean on your real estate agent, friends, and family for help in your search.
If you're thinking about buying a home, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of homeownership. While renting can provide flexibility and less responsibility for maintenance, it comes with the risk of rent increases, potential property sales, and uncertainty about security deposit refunds.
On the other hand, owning a home can offer relatively stable mortgage payments and an opportunity to build long-term wealth for you and your family. Before making a decision, it's crucial to determine your priorities, such as your monthly budget for mortgage payments and other expenses like transportation and childcare. Ultimately, only you can determine what's best for your housing and financial needs.
At Mission One Mortgage, we take immense pride in simplifying the mortgage process and ensuring that our clients experience minimal stress. We understand that navigating the world of mortgages can be daunting, which is why we are committed to making it as smooth as possible.
By choosing to work with us, you're not just getting a mortgage broker - you're selecting a partner who is devoted to your financial well-being and dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of homeownership. By working together, we can work through the VA loan process one step at a time.
That rings true for all of our clients, but especially the U.S. Veterans we serve. In fact, we specialize in VA mortgages and are proud to offer them to US Veterans, those on Active Duty, and their spouses. VA Loans are one of the best mortgages available, offering no down payment requirements, no PMI, and some of the most favorable rates and terms.
If you're ready to take the next big step in your life and provide stability for your family with a place to call home, contact our office today. You're closer to the dream of home ownership than you might think.
Published: Feb. 14, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston’s tourist season is officially underway this weekend, marked by the start of the annual Southeastern Wildlife Expedition.A celebration of all things outdoors, the beloved exposition, commonly referred to as SEWE, is a weekend jam-packed with arts, crafts, live entertainment, sports, special events and, of course, wildlife as far as the eye can see.That includes Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. The Florida-based organization is a hospital and sanc...
Published: Feb. 14, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston’s tourist season is officially underway this weekend, marked by the start of the annual Southeastern Wildlife Expedition.
A celebration of all things outdoors, the beloved exposition, commonly referred to as SEWE, is a weekend jam-packed with arts, crafts, live entertainment, sports, special events and, of course, wildlife as far as the eye can see.
That includes Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. The Florida-based organization is a hospital and sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife and educates the community.
“Our goal is to rehabilitate and release wildlife native to the southeast United States,” Busch Wildlife Chief Operating Officer Christen Mason said.
Mason added that they also provide sanctuary to animals that can no longer live in the wild on their own. For example, a red shouldered hawk that appeared on Live 5 News This Morning.
A turtle, owl, alligator and more were at Charleston Place Hotel Friday morning to preview presentations the wildlife sanctuary will host throughout the weekend along with other various wildlife. Shows at the Gilliard will kick off Friday at 11 a.m.
“One of the highlights for me is watching the falcon demonstrations in Marion Square,” Mason said.
Every February, lovers of nature and the great outdoors gather in Charleston to celebrate through a variety of experiences.
Launching in 1983, SEWE has grown from about 100 artists and exhibitors that saw 5,000 visitors to an expo welcoming the likes of 500 artists, exhibitors and wildlife experts and 40,000 attendees each year.
“While we continue to grow, evolve our vision and diversify our show to entertain our loyal attendees, one thing has not changed — we have and always will remain a celebration of wildlife art and the sporting lifestyle,” the SEWE website reads.
In addition to SEWE’s estimated $33 million impact on Charleston’s local economy, the 501(c)(3) supports the spreading of awareness about conservation and environmental protection.
A full list of SEWE’s events, including those that do not require a ticket, can be found here.
Information on how and where to buy tickets is available here. Children age 10 and under get in free with a ticketed adult.
More information on SEWE, its mission and more of what to expect from the expo is available on the SEWE website.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
The North Carolina A&T Aggies (5-21, 1-12 CAA) will host the Charleston (SC) Cougars (19-7, 9-4 CAA) after losing six home games in a row. The contest starts at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Below, we breakdown the Charleston (SC) vs. N.C. A&T odds and lines around this matchup.The Cougars are an 8.5-point favorite against the Aggies when the Cougars and the Aggies meet. The over/under for the game is set at 147.5.Charleston (SC) has a 14-11-0 record against the spread so far this season compared to ...
The North Carolina A&T Aggies (5-21, 1-12 CAA) will host the Charleston (SC) Cougars (19-7, 9-4 CAA) after losing six home games in a row. The contest starts at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Below, we breakdown the Charleston (SC) vs. N.C. A&T odds and lines around this matchup.
The Cougars are an 8.5-point favorite against the Aggies when the Cougars and the Aggies meet. The over/under for the game is set at 147.5.
Charleston (SC) has a 14-11-0 record against the spread so far this season compared to N.C. A&T, who is 12-13-0 ATS. In terms of going over the point total, games involving the Cougars are 13-12-0 and the Aggies are 14-11-0. The teams combine to score 149.8 points per game, 2.3 more points than this matchup’s total. Charleston (SC) has a 3-7 record against the spread while going 6-4 overall over the past 10 games. N.C. A&T has gone 5-5 against the spread and 1-9 overall in its last 10 games.
As college hoops matchups continue, prepare for the outing with everything you need to know about Saturday’s game.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 5:15 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Charleston (SC) 79, N.C. A&T 72
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Even if you don’t know Kat Cressida’s face, you probably know her voice. Cressida is one of the most in-demand voice actors around. The highlights include voicing DeeDee, the ever-pesky sister on the Cartoon Network’s "Dexter’s Laboratory," Uta on the F/X spy series "Archer" and various roles on Hulu’s "Solar Opposites."But that’s not all. Her voice is in some of the biggest video games o...
Even if you don’t know Kat Cressida’s face, you probably know her voice. Cressida is one of the most in-demand voice actors around. The highlights include voicing DeeDee, the ever-pesky sister on the Cartoon Network’s "Dexter’s Laboratory," Uta on the F/X spy series "Archer" and various roles on Hulu’s "Solar Opposites."
But that’s not all. Her voice is in some of the biggest video games of all time, including "God of War: Ragnarok," "Wasteland 3" and "Mass Effect: Andromeda." All told, she’s got more than 100 credits as a voiceover actor.
So it should be interesting to see which voice the fans at Charleston’s Captain’s Comics Expo love the most. Cressida will be at the 17th annual edition of the Expo at the Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mount Pleasant on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 to meet her S.C. fans.
“Hopefully,” Cressida said, "I’ll be bringing a little bit of magic and fun with all the characters I've been honored to voice and all the Funko pops and collectibles that I'm honored to provide for those who are passionate collectors or who love animation."
But it’s not just about meeting and greeting the fans. Proceeds from every convention or expo appearance that Cressida does go to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
“It’s a double win,” Cressida said of events like the Captain’s Comics Expo.
For Cressida, the cause is personal. She was diagnosed with Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans, one of the most notoriously aggressive forms of cancer, in 2012.
“I was diagnosed with what was believed to be a fatal brain sarcoma,” she said, “a very serious deadly form of cancer and it was deemed at first fatal, and that was very obviously terrifying and dark part of the journey. I was very young and at the beginning of my life and just finally getting some amount of success and traction in the dreams that I’d worked hard to pursue.”
Cressida beat the odds and the cancer, but the damage was done. She had to relearn to speak, keenly aware that the entertainment business wasn’t going to wait while she did so.
“When you pause, you don't get a chance to just pick up where you left off,” she said. “It took a long time for me to rebuild momentum, and so there was a long period between 2012 and 2015 or '16 where I really wasn't there.”
Cressida’s career recovered along with her health; not only has she worked on multiple projects since 2016 (including a series regular role in the "Barbie: A Touch of Magic" on Netflix), but she’s added public speaking to her resume, even giving a TED Talk a few years back.
“I wouldn't dare to guess at why the universe throws things at people or not,” she said of her journey, “but it at least felt like I was doing something of value and worth what I fought hard to survive through. And now, being able to raise funds for those who are critically ill and their families is such an honor.”
For more info on Cressida, and the two-day Captain's Comic Expo, visit captainscomicexpo.com
Data SkriveThe North Carolina A&T Aggies (5-21, 1-12 CAA) will host the Charleston (SC) Cougars (19-7, 9-4 CAA) after dropping six straight home games. It starts at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 15, 2025.In its previous game, Charleston (SC) lost to UNC Wilmington 86-66 on the road, with AJ Smith (14 PTS, 50 FG%) and Ante Brzovic (13 PTS, 8 REB, 44.44 FG%) leading the way. N.C. A&T were winners on the road over Elon, 60-59, in its last game. Its top scorers were Jahnathan Lamothe (21 PTS, 5 STL, 43.75 FG%) and Nikola...
Data Skrive
The North Carolina A&T Aggies (5-21, 1-12 CAA) will host the Charleston (SC) Cougars (19-7, 9-4 CAA) after dropping six straight home games. It starts at 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
In its previous game, Charleston (SC) lost to UNC Wilmington 86-66 on the road, with AJ Smith (14 PTS, 50 FG%) and Ante Brzovic (13 PTS, 8 REB, 44.44 FG%) leading the way. N.C. A&T were winners on the road over Elon, 60-59, in its last game. Its top scorers were Jahnathan Lamothe (21 PTS, 5 STL, 43.75 FG%) and Nikolaos Chitikoudis (19 PTS, 9 REB, 60 FG%).
Prepare for this matchup with everything you need to know about Saturday's college basketball action.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 3:35 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
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A new bar is opening on Charleston's Upper King Street this spring.King Street Hideout, "the city’s newest garden bar and club," is taking over the 630 King St. space at the corner of Line and King streets. The owners hope to debut the new establishment in the next month.The address was previously home to ...
A new bar is opening on Charleston's Upper King Street this spring.
King Street Hideout, "the city’s newest garden bar and club," is taking over the 630 King St. space at the corner of Line and King streets. The owners hope to debut the new establishment in the next month.
The address was previously home to Barsa, a popular Spanish tapas bar owned by Drazen Romic. It closed after 14 years in December due to Romic's retirement.
King Street Hideout, a partnership between Nick Held and Zach Dennis, will bring a much different vibe to this rapidly developing part of Upper King Street, where the 12-acre Courier Square project is starting to take shape.
The new bar will have a lively beach theme with a seafoam green color scheme, plants and decorative palm trees, Dennis said. The interior will feature a pool table, projector screens and DJ booth, while the outdoor garden patio will have white cabanas and low lounge seating.
"We really want to be that approachable, fun place to go," Dennis said.
Dennis, owner of The Peacock on East Bay Street, previously worked for Hall Management Group and ran his own restaurant and bar consulting firm. He helped open multiple establishments for Republic Hospitality — as seen on "Southern Charm" — before striking out on his own. Held was previously a partner at Ink Charleston, a King Street club and rooftop lounge that's been closed since the fall.
The pair wants King Street Hideout to be a hangout for those living in the thousands of apartment units set to go online within a block of the bar in the next few years. It will offer cocktails, frozen drinks and pub fare like smash-burgers and nachos. During the week (Monday through Thursday), the food program will rely on local pop-ups and food trucks, Dennis said.