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 Goose Creek, 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.
02
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.
04
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.
06
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 Goose Creek, 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.
In the Lowcountry charm of South Carolina, Goose Creek stands as a testament to the profound impact of embracing business-friendly policies.As the city continues to evolve, its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for businesses has proven to be a key driver of economic growth, community development and an enhanced quality of life for its residents.At the heart of Goose Creek's success story lies job creation. The city's business-friendly ethos has attracted diverse enterprises, from local startups to established com...
In the Lowcountry charm of South Carolina, Goose Creek stands as a testament to the profound impact of embracing business-friendly policies.
As the city continues to evolve, its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for businesses has proven to be a key driver of economic growth, community development and an enhanced quality of life for its residents.
At the heart of Goose Creek's success story lies job creation. The city's business-friendly ethos has attracted diverse enterprises, from local startups to established companies, resulting in a surge of employment opportunities. More jobs not only mean financial security for individuals but also contribute to the overall economic vibrancy of the community. It's a win-win scenario that underscores Goose Creek's dedication to the well-being of its residents.
The economic vitality generated by a business-friendly approach also reaps dividends for public services and infrastructure. Enhanced revenue streams allow the city to invest in top-notch educational facilities and well-maintained public spaces. Residents benefit from these improvements, experiencing an elevated standard of living that is directly linked to the city's commitment to supporting businesses.
Diversity in the business landscape is a hallmark of Goose Creek's success. From innovative startups to local mom-and-pop shops, the city's inclusive approach ensures businesses of all sizes and types can thrive. This diversity enriches Goose Creek's culture and fortifies its economy against unforeseen challenges, fostering a resilient and dynamic community.
Critics may express concerns about larger corporations overshadowing local enterprises, but Goose Creek's approach is about balance and inclusivity. The city recognizes the importance of nurturing small businesses, supporting local entrepreneurship and maintaining a level playing field. This ensures the benefits of a thriving business environment are accessible to every corner of the community.
Moreover, Goose Creek's business-friendly environment extends beyond the boardroom. Successful businesses in the city often become integral community stakeholders, actively participating in local charities, educational initiatives and civic events. This collaborative spirit further solidifies the notion that Goose Creek's economic success is intertwined with the prosperity and well-being of its residents.
As Goose Creek continues to attract attention for its business-friendly policies, it serves as a shining example for other communities seeking sustainable growth. By prioritizing businesses and creating an environment where they can flourish, Goose Creek secures its economic future and cultivates a vibrant, thriving community that residents proudly call home.
In a landscape where cities vie for prominence, Goose Creek's commitment to being business-friendly emerges as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the immense benefits of fostering a symbiotic relationship between a city and its businesses.
As Goose Creek thrives, so do its residents, proving that a business-friendly approach is the cornerstone of a prosperous and resilient city.
What’s the difference between a baby boomer and a toddler? You can get a toddler to eat vegetables.
My beloved husband, Widdle Baby, acts like I’m trying to kill him when I put him in a headlock, pry his lips open and try to ram a broccoli spear past his clenched teeth. His jaws are steel-trap strong, so this strategy only works if I jump him when he’s sleeping. The problem is when he wakes up because now we have trust issues in addition to his vegetable shortage.
Don’t get me wrong; Widdle loves turnip greens, snap beans, pole beans, butterbeans, garbanzo beans, squash, sweet potatoes, stewed cabbage, cole slaw, fresh corn, tomatoes, okra, asparagus, bell peppers, black-eyed peas, crowder peas, cream peas, sweet peas, radishes and, if all the planets are aligned, baby spinach.
So what, you ask, is the problem? Widdle believes he’s good if he eats any of the above vegetables once or twice a week. He noshes on donut sticks, Oreos, potato chips, Slim Jims, pork skins and Payday bars the rest of the time.
If it were up to me, he’d eat something green and leafy every day, but it’s not up to me. That’s because Widdle is a travelin’ man: His job covers a half-dozen rural counties, and he knows all the best greasy spoons, small-town diners and mom-and-pop restaurants.
The point is, Widdle eats his main meal at midday, away from my judgmental gaze. He’s not interested in eating dinner after feasting on fried pork chops or grilled hot dogs with homemade chili or catfish stew with cornbread.
Here’s a typical evening: I descend upon him when the Ring camera goes off. We do the hi-honey-how-was-your-day dance and share a heartfelt hug. (Widdle gives the best hugs.)
Then, gently: “What did you have for lunch, Widdle?” I ask.
Eighty percent of the time, he says, “Fried chicken wings from Ernie’s,” or, “A beef and cheddar sub from Aunt Minnie’s. That horseradish SLAPS.”
“So, no vegetables?” I ask.
He shrugs. “The tenders were fried in vegetable oil. I think.”
I clear my throat: “SO, NO VEGETABLES TODAY?!”
“Nope, but I ate at Don’s Diner last Thursday and had three kinds of peas and turnip greens.”
“That was four days ago,” I say, voice rising. “You can’t just eat veggies twice a week. Here, I’ll steam some broccoli for you.”
“No,” he says firmly. “I don’t work hard all day to eat steamed broccoli at night.” (Which is actually a valid argument.)
In one way, his lunches on the road are a godsend: He’s never, in 18 years, asked me what’s for dinner. If he wants a quick snack, he cheerfully whips it up. (It’s usually peanut butter on wheat with milk.)
But here’s the thing: Sometimes I get a wild hair and actually WANT to cook. Even the most reluctant chef understands: We don’t necessarily want to rustle up a three-course meal with wine pairings but simply nurture a loved one on a fundamental level. “Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the oven.”
Widdle is always amazed and appreciative (if somewhat apprehensive) if I surprise him with, say, spaghetti and meatballs. He beams, bestows thanks, and doesn’t eat a bite. I’ve thrown out more meals than Carters has little pills. So, finally, I left it alone. He is fully capable of nurturing himself.
Which leaves me mournfully staring at a fridge crisper full of broccoli. Does anyone have suggestions on how to sneak vegetables into a 68-year-old toddler?
Julie R. Smith, who makes black bean brownies that Widdle likes, can be reached at widdleswife@aol.com.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - One Goose Creek barber college is making an impact on both hair and history.Even at 82 years old, Howard Boyd is built for barbering. You could say it’s in his blood. Boyd’s father, a barber, was his first teacher.“He used to cut hair on the porch—front porch and he was telling me how to cut his hair,” Boyd said. “So, I ended up cutting his hair and he turned the clippers over to me and said, ‘Hey, you need to—you can take it from here. You can have it.&...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - One Goose Creek barber college is making an impact on both hair and history.
Even at 82 years old, Howard Boyd is built for barbering. You could say it’s in his blood. Boyd’s father, a barber, was his first teacher.
“He used to cut hair on the porch—front porch and he was telling me how to cut his hair,” Boyd said. “So, I ended up cutting his hair and he turned the clippers over to me and said, ‘Hey, you need to—you can take it from here. You can have it.’”
Beyond that feeling of a fresh fade, it’s Boyd’s legacy that will live on. He’s the founder of the first Black-owned barber college in the state of South Carolina.
“It was just a three-bedroom building which we stayed. My family lived here. That was the kitchen. And right downstairs here, which is the garage carport, we were able to start the garage barbershop,” Boyd said.
Since its founding in 1986, Goose Creek Barber & Styling College, which is now Howard’s Barber & Styling College, has trained about one thousand students, according to Boyd.
“Just the work I’ve done speaks for me,” he said.
Former students like Jessie Washington, Kenyatta Grimmage and Jermaine Scott have all gone through the college and have made barbering an integral part of their own lives.
“In 1996, I was able to open the first female, African-American barbershop in Goose Creek, South Carolina,” Jessie Washington said. “I’d just like to thank Mr. Howard for having the vision to help others.”
“We give free haircuts at the College of Charleston, where you know, I’m the Associate Director of Admissions down there,” Grimmage said, who also happens to be Boyd’s son-in-law. “We do a program called Cuts and Conversations where we have conversations with young men.”
“It was like how can I step up my game and be like this guy whose name just rings bells throughout the whole community?” Scott said.
Washington, Grimmage and Scott are now instructors at Howard’s Barber & Styling College, working alongside Boyd to teach the next generation of hair artists and entrepreneurs.
“It’s work. Work. You have to continue to work. You have to have a passion for it. You know it’s nonstop, when it’s good or when it’s bad,” Boyd laughed. “But you still work. You keep the faith and it works out. Trust me.”
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
The city of Goose Creek is the most populated city in Berkley County. And with a tight-knit community, beautiful outdoor attractions and a great location with close proximity to Charleston, the city’s population continues to grow and thrive.Goose Creek was officially founded in 1961, but its early history dates back to the beginning of the Carolina colony. The city was a waterway at the time, and the name “Goose Creek” likely originated due to the curved shape of its creeks and waters, similar to that of a goose&rsqu...
The city of Goose Creek is the most populated city in Berkley County. And with a tight-knit community, beautiful outdoor attractions and a great location with close proximity to Charleston, the city’s population continues to grow and thrive.
Goose Creek was officially founded in 1961, but its early history dates back to the beginning of the Carolina colony. The city was a waterway at the time, and the name “Goose Creek” likely originated due to the curved shape of its creeks and waters, similar to that of a goose’s neck.
The first inhabitants of the Goose Creek territory were the Eitwan and Sewee Indian tribes, and European settlers then arrived in the early 1670s. The rich soil of the area along the Cooper River attracted wealthy planters from the British Caribbean colony of Barbados, including Sir John Yeamans and Sir Peter Colleton.
The region of Goose Creek became known as home to the “Goose Creek Men.” These men established a trade route with the Native Americans, trading goods from cloth to guns and ammunition.
The Goose Creek Men were known for questioning higher authority of the Lord Proprietors in the colony, and they eventually undermined the hierarchy, gaining a majority in the Commons House of Assembly.
The majority of white inhabitants of Goose Creek practiced Anglicanism, but many Huguenots were established there after 1700, including the Izard family on the Elms plantation. The Anglican Parish of St. James Goose Creek was established in 1706 and completed in 1719 by a small group of planters.
St. James Church still stands today and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in South Carolina and one of the only surviving Georgian chapels in the nation.
By the eighteenth century, Goose Creek was a prosperous and popular area for rice production. The town continued to experience population growth, measuring a population of 2,787 in the first U.S. census in 1790. 2,333 members of that population were slaves who harvested the rice plantations.
Goose Creek remained prosperous for rice production into the nineteenth century, with the eventual demise of rice plantations after the Civil War led to the abolishment of slavery. Hurricanes eventually wiped out the remains of rice fields across South Carolina. The area became desolate and as a result, the population decreased heavily.
In the twentieth century, wealthy northerners bought land in Goose Creek to inhabit during winters. They moved to the area to hunt. The United States Ammunition Depot was established near Goose Creek, later becoming the Naval Weapons Annex in 1959.
These new establishments brought growth to Goose Creek, resulting in the need for the town to become incorporated. The town of Goose Creek was incorporated in 1961. The population underwent a surge in numbers, from 3,656 in 1970 to 17,811 by 1980, making it the largest city in Berkeley County.
The town continues to grow steadily. In 2021, its population clocked in at 46,229. The city is an attractive destination for future homeowners, boasting award-winning schools, recreational activities and a close proximity to the city of Charleston and coastal beaches. Goose Creek also hosts many events and takes pride in offering their residents the ability to live, work and raise families in the town’s borders.
GBT Realty Corp. will build the latest housing development in Goose Creek in Summerville. GBT’s The Village at Carnes Crossroads brings 306 multifamily homes and over 11,000 square feet of retail to the heart of the Lowcountry lifestyle community, according to a news release.GBT acquired the 11.82-acre site earlier this month from Carnes Crossroads Association, the master developer of Carnes Crossroads, according to a news release. JLL Capital Markets arranged construction financing with Bank of America and Meta Real Estate Part...
GBT Realty Corp. will build the latest housing development in Goose Creek in Summerville. GBT’s The Village at Carnes Crossroads brings 306 multifamily homes and over 11,000 square feet of retail to the heart of the Lowcountry lifestyle community, according to a news release.
GBT acquired the 11.82-acre site earlier this month from Carnes Crossroads Association, the master developer of Carnes Crossroads, according to a news release. JLL Capital Markets arranged construction financing with Bank of America and Meta Real Estate Partners. JLL’s Managing Directors Matt Stewart and Chip Sykes, and Director Wyatt Strahan represented GBT Realty.
Related content: Charlotte real estate firm completes expansion into Charleston
Related content: HOT PROPERTIES: Summerville office space sells for $1.5M
Related content: $277M hospital proposed for Johns Island
“This is a lifestyle community that epitomizes the best of southern living,” said Barry Yoeckel, vice president, multifamily development, GBT Realty, in the release. “The Village adds a living environment that appeals to young professionals, growing families and empty nesters alike. We designed and planned our community to enhance and connect with the surrounding Carnes Crossroads neighborhoods.”
The rental homes are located at the intersection of Highway 17-A and Third Avenue, immediately across from The Marketplace at Carnes Crossroads, a Publix-anchored mixed-use development that is currently under construction.
The development team includes Atlanta-based Dynamik Design, Thomas & Hutton (civil engineering) and Samet Corporation (general contractor).
“Our plans feature upscale homes and best-in-class amenities that stretch across 11 buildings on the site,” Yoeckel said.
Floorplans offer a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units with upscale finishes, the release stated. Community amenities include separate small- and large-breed dog parks, a resort-style saltwater pool with lounge deck, an outdoor kitchen set on a community lawn, a club room with catering kitchen and golf stimulator, a state-of-the-art fitness complex and a co-working center. A coffee purveyor is set to bring classic specialties to The Village as well as the community at large.
The first units are expected to be available spring 2025.
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — A white dust emitted from the Century Aluminum plant has been spreading through parts of Goose Creek.Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib addressed the issue in a social media post on Oct. 2.Read more: MCRFD: Driver crashes into house in...
GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — A white dust emitted from the Century Aluminum plant has been spreading through parts of Goose Creek.
Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib addressed the issue in a social media post on Oct. 2.
Read more: MCRFD: Driver crashes into house in Moncks Corner; crashes again while trying to leave
According to Habib, the white dust is Alumina dust, which is produced during the smelting process. Alumina dust is not supposed to leave the plant and is considered an important component of plant's ability to make more aluminum.
Century Aluminum believes the emissions may be caused by an "unusual" failure in the plant's baghouse, according to Habib.
"As you may know, all exhaust from the manufacturing process runs through a scrubber to clean the air and the Alumina dust is collected into the bags in the baghouse," the mayor said in a statement. "Century Aluminum then takes the dust and reintroduces (it) into the manufacturing process to make more aluminum."
According to Habib, Century Aluminum is looking at two potential possibilities for the emissions. One possibility is a recent change of suppliers for the filters in the baghouse and another is recent episodes of high pressure in the baghouse.
The mayor says Century Aluminum reported the issues to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
"Century assures us they are working diligently to address these emission issues," Habib said in a statement. "I do not doubt this. The Mount Holly aluminum smelter has been in operation for more than 40 years. They employ hundreds of our friends and neighbors and have a tremendous impact on our local economy. In my 40 years of living here, I do not recall another issue related to emissions from the plant."
Read more: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces 26th Annual Silent Witness Ceremony
Habib also says he has asked for a town hall from Century Aluminum and the DHEC.
READ THE COMMENTS (1)
An online petition was created on Oct. 1 demanding action to reduce aluminum emissions from the plant. As of Oct. 3, it has 333 signatures.