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.
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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 Sumter, SC are designed to help military members and veterans access affordable housing.
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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.
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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 Sumter, 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.
Federal agents bust a multi-national drug and money-laundering network involving Mexican gangs and Chinese launderers in Sumter, uncovering $15M operation.Credit: KUSASUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — State, local and federal agencies have made multiple arrests in what they describe as a multi-national drug and money-laundering network based in Sumter County.The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said 23-year-old Caspin Powers Adachi, 32-year-old Fnu Naimullah and 27-year-old Nasir Ullah, all of Sumter, were arrested on charges ti...
Federal agents bust a multi-national drug and money-laundering network involving Mexican gangs and Chinese launderers in Sumter, uncovering $15M operation.
Credit: KUSA
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — State, local and federal agencies have made multiple arrests in what they describe as a multi-national drug and money-laundering network based in Sumter County.
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said 23-year-old Caspin Powers Adachi, 32-year-old Fnu Naimullah and 27-year-old Nasir Ullah, all of Sumter, were arrested on charges tied to an operation that laundered drug money tied to Mexican gangs with help from Chinese money launderers, sending items to the Middle East and China.
The sheriff's office said the multi-year investigation was headed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from several state and local agencies and focused on money laundering for Mexico's Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CING) and the Sinaloa Cartel.
On Jan. 23, local law enforcement assisted state and federal agents in serving warrants for money laundering at two Borad Street businesses and at homes on Rhododendron Street and Currituck Drive that authorities allege Adachi, Naimullah and Ullah used. Another unnamed associate was also arrested in Richland County on money laundering charges.
The sheriff's office said investigators believe the suspects worked for years with cartel-affiliated Chinese money launderers operating in Georgia and South Carolina. The Sumter operation is accused of receiving more than $15 million in drug cash and using that money to buy a large amount of electronics for export, primarily to China and countries in the Middle East. Authorities said the money was mainly from the sale of fentanyl by Mexican gang drug dealers operating in the United States.
Drug raids uncovered an estimated $230,000 in cash, three vehicles, 11 firearms and jewelry "totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars." Another suspect, Chinese national Puquan Huang, was arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia and will be brought back to South Carolina.
In Sumter County, Adachi, Naimullah and Ullah face charges of knowingly attempting or conducting a financial transaction with proceeds of unlawful activity to promote or conceal for transactions that total or exceed $100,000 in a 12-month period. This is a felony charge. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said all three were taken to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Adachi and Ullah posted $20,000 surety bonds, and Naimullah posted a $200,000 bond.
Investigators said Ullah faces more charges in Richland County after an October 2024 arrest for allegedly smuggling about $180,000. Ullah and Naimullah's father, Mohammad Azam Khan, is considered a fugitive and is possibly in Dubai, authorities said.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health revoked the facility's license due to a reported 'history of non-compliance.'SUMTER, S.C. — Families of residents at Carriage House of Sumter, also known as Patriot Living, are scrambling to find new homes for their loved ones following the facility’s sudden closure.Angela Riles-Irby, whose relative resides at the facility, said she was shocked to learn about the closure through word of mouth rather than official communication.“We never got anything in writ...
The South Carolina Department of Public Health revoked the facility's license due to a reported 'history of non-compliance.'
SUMTER, S.C. — Families of residents at Carriage House of Sumter, also known as Patriot Living, are scrambling to find new homes for their loved ones following the facility’s sudden closure.
Angela Riles-Irby, whose relative resides at the facility, said she was shocked to learn about the closure through word of mouth rather than official communication.
“We never got anything in writing, we never got a letter, no type of paperwork—everything was verbally,” Riles-Irby said.
News19 made multiple attempts to contact the management team but could not reach them.
According to a Healthcare Quality Enforcement Report from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), state officials visited the facility six times between April and September and documented numerous violations.
These included:
The state health department revoked the facility's license due to what it described as a “history of non-compliance." The full report is available online.
“That’s really concerning, and that saddens me,” Riles-Irby said. “He’s been there all that time, a whole year now and all of this was going on and we never knew.”
"My god, it just breaks my heart; I'm speechless; I just don't know what else to say," she added.
The DPH said the facility’s license will remain in effect until the last resident is relocated or until March 19—whichever comes first.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) said it was working with other organizations and state agencies to help relocate residents from all four locations impacted by the closures, including the one in Sumter. Additional information about adult protective services provided by DSS is available at dss.sc.gov.
Details related to the release and transfer of residents from Community Residential Care Facilities, including the notification of family members or sponsors, are available in the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Standards for Community Residential Care Facilities under section 906. It states that:
South Carolina's Bill of Rights for residents of long-term care facilities can also be found here.
Residents and families can lodge complaints against licensed care facilities by visiting this DPH website.
SUMTER — The sixth veterans’ nursing home in this military-friendly state officially opened Friday less than 10 miles from Shaw Air Force Base.The $71.5 million, 125,000 square-foot facility offers veterans low-cost care complete with a barbershop and salon, community game rooms and large public and private courtyards.“This is the crown jewel of our dedication to our community and to our veterans in our community,” House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said at the ceremony. “I look forward to this...
SUMTER — The sixth veterans’ nursing home in this military-friendly state officially opened Friday less than 10 miles from Shaw Air Force Base.
The $71.5 million, 125,000 square-foot facility offers veterans low-cost care complete with a barbershop and salon, community game rooms and large public and private courtyards.
“This is the crown jewel of our dedication to our community and to our veterans in our community,” House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said at the ceremony. “I look forward to this facility being here for years to come.”
South Carolina is home to more than 68,000 active-duty and reserve military members, 400,000 veterans and eight military bases.
“There is still sort of this rebel spirit in the heart of the South Carolinian. Military folks, that sort of draws us into the profession,” said Sen. Jeff Zell, R-Sumter, who was stationed at Shaw for eight years before retiring with 20 years of service.
“We feel at home here,” said the freshman senator.
Shaw Air Force Base, located outside Sumter city limits, has been training pilots since World War II, opening six years before the Air Force was established as a separate military branch. Last September, Sumter was designated the state’s only World War II Heritage City.
More than 13% of Sumter County’s residents are veterans, according to census data, the highest percentage of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
Yet, Sumter wasn’t initially slated for a veterans’ nursing home.
When the state sought a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant in 2015 for additional nursing homes, the state was looking at opening a second one in Columbia.
Then Smith became chairman of the powerful budget-writing committee in 2019 and started publicly asking why the homes weren’t being located in other cities with military bases. The three existing nursing homes at the time — all at capacity — were located in Columbia, Walterboro and Anderson.
“I asked the question, ‘Why not Sumter?'” Smith, who became House speaker in 2022, told the crowd. “Why not put them in the military communities across the state?”
What had been planned for Columbia became Patriot’s Village near Shaw.
Zell said he was impressed by what he saw Friday.
“I didn’t realize the complexities of it,” he told the SC Daily Gazette. “This isn’t just a little building.”
The other two veterans nursing homes that opened ahead of Patriot’s Village are in Gaffney, home to Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, and Florence, home of his powerful predecessor, the late Sen. Hugh Leatherman.
Future facilities in Orangeburg and Horry counties are set for completion over the next several years, said Robert Hoskins, the deputy director of facilities management for the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sumter named SC’s WWII Heritage City, recognizing military history
Gov. Henry McMaster is asking legislators to put an additional $20.6 million next fiscal year toward running the six veterans nursing homes.
The additional annual commitment would help ensure veterans are “well taken care of,” Lt. Gov. Pam Evette said Friday about the governor’s budget recommendations for 2025-26.
“I can hope you see our passion, not just in today, not just in what we’ve done, but our passion moving forward,” she said.
Veterans’ cost to live at Patriot’s Village is $68 a day, the same price as the locations in Florence and Gaffney. The three other facilities are priced at $45 a day, said Heyward Hilliard, the state’s director of veteran homes.
“It’s a great value,” he said.
All honorably discharged veterans who served full-time are eligible for the homes, Hilliard said.
The Sumter facility can accommodate up to 104 veterans and will have 130 full-time employees. Its amenities include areas for physical, occupational and speech therapies, dining areas, an on-site pharmacy and a pool hall.
Admissions are expected to begin in late February or early March.
However, one resident is already known.
Ernest Martin, an 82-year-old veteran, will be moving from the nursing home in Florence County to Patriot’s Village, so he can return to Sumter.
“Everything looks so modern, so good, so up to date,” Martin said. “It’s outstanding.”
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Veterans in need of care now have a new place in South Carolina to call home.Patriot’s Village, the sixth veterans' nursing home in South Carolina, will accommodate 104 veterans and create 130 full-time jobs to help take care of those residents.“It builds a deep friendship when you’re retired military,” said Air Force veteran Mike Stanislawczyk. “Vietnam era, World War Two era, whatever, it bonds that friendship and that’s the big benefit of having veterans here.”...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Veterans in need of care now have a new place in South Carolina to call home.
Patriot’s Village, the sixth veterans' nursing home in South Carolina, will accommodate 104 veterans and create 130 full-time jobs to help take care of those residents.
“It builds a deep friendship when you’re retired military,” said Air Force veteran Mike Stanislawczyk. “Vietnam era, World War Two era, whatever, it bonds that friendship and that’s the big benefit of having veterans here.”
This is one thing Air Force Veteran Mike Stanislawczyk said his father-in-law, Ernest Martin, will have as he moves into Patriot’s Village.
Before Patriot’s Village, it would take any family from Sumter about an hour to travel to any of the other five veteran nursing homes in South Carolina.
Martin says this is what his family had to do when visiting him at the Veteran Village in Florence, SC. Now, he’s relieved that the journey is just a short trip down the block.
“Relief you can’t explain; it really hits me hard,” Martin said, “It’s about an hour and a half drive (for them) to come see me. This is going to compare to the five minutes to ten minutes away (now).
South Carolina’s sixth veterans' nursing home expects to start admitting residents at the end of February or early March 2025. The facility is 125,000 square feet, and the project cost more than $71 million to complete.
Amenities the facility has include bistro dining, a pool hall, a beauty salon, and places where veterans can get physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Martin’s daughter, Mary Stanislawczyk, says she’ll worry a little less about her father at night now, knowing he’s a few minutes down the road.
“If something happens, we can get to him quicker,” Mary said, “we’ll be able to come to him more during the day (and) we’ll be able to bring his little dog Benji who means the world to him, so, we’re very excited.”
Admission to the facility is limited to Veterans who have been separated from the U.S. Armed Forces under general or honorable conditions and qualify as South Carolina residents who are in need of skilled or intermediate nursing home care.
It will cost $68 a day to live there for service-connected veterans.
Veterans can apply to live in Patriot’s Village on the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs website.
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SUMTER, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride announced the commissioning of a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at Pilgrim’s poultry processing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. Leadership from both companies were joined by representatives of Governor Henry McMaster’s and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman’s offices, as well as members of the local business community to celebrate the collaboration and the dedicated i...
SUMTER, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride announced the commissioning of a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at Pilgrim’s poultry processing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. Leadership from both companies were joined by representatives of Governor Henry McMaster’s and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman’s offices, as well as members of the local business community to celebrate the collaboration and the dedicated investment in renewable energy technologies in the state of South Carolina. The project is expected to inject RNG into the pipeline by the end of the month.
At the Pilgrim’s Sumter processing facility, GreenGas is building upon existing methane capture capabilities and investment to convert biogas from wastewater streams, upgrading the biogas to pipeline quality RNG. The collaboration is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Sumter facility while improving wastewater operations, as well as local air and water quality. GreenGas CEO and Founder Marc Fetten commented, “This project represents another significant win for South Carolina agriculture and industry and our environment. It is a demonstration of industries coming together and leading our collective journey into a lower carbon future while creating economic and environmental benefits for our communities. The renewable energy produced at this project is enough to power almost all the homes of the entire workforce working at the Pilgrim's Sumter plant, and is produced from what, until recently, was simply a waste stream.”
The Sumter RNG project is the first operational site under a strategic partnership between the two companies focused on the adoption of circular economy technologies and repurposing of waste streams into renewable energy. South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers commented, “Projects like the collaboration between Pilgrim’s Pride and GreenGasUSA at the Sumter facility enable participation from the agricultural sector in the circular economy. I am encouraged that South Carolina has emerged as a hub for partnerships that leverage the expertise and practices of traditional industries – like farming – to produce high-quality renewable energy products.” GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s Pride parent company JBS are currently developing and constructing additional RNG projects located at processing facilities across the U.S.
“Pilgrim's is committed to embedding sustainability in our business," said Pilgrim's CEO Fabio Sandri. "Our partnership with GreenGasUSA in Sumter is a prime example of how Pilgrim's can implement innovative solutions to reduce our GHG footprint and unlock value for our business. Given these efforts, we can strengthen America's food supply and create a better future for our communities where we operate."
About GreenGasUSA: GreenGasUSA partners with global businesses to help reduce their environmental footprint by producing renewable natural gas and other renewable products, like carbon dioxide (CO2), clean water, and agricultural nutrients. GreenGasUSA’s wastewater and engineering experts design and permit comprehensive biogas solutions including, biogas capture, anaerobic digestion, gas flaring, compression, transportation, and pipeline injection. GreenGasUSA has operational RNG facilities at agricultural and food processing sources across the country, with proven success in installing, commissioning, and operating gas upgrading equipment; RNG and CO2 product compression and transportation; and existing pipeline injection infrastructure. GreenGasUSA’s existing assets and partnerships with sustainability leaders are helping to shape the renewable energy landscape by offering solutions to customers dedicated to bettering the environment. GreenGasUSA has six operational RNG facilities, and one CO2 facility, and is actively developing additional RNG and CO2 facilities across the U.S.
GreenGasUSA is majority owned by the IFM Net Zero Infrastructure Fund (“IFM NZIF”). IFM NZIF is an open-ended fund, managed by IFM Investors, which targets essential infrastructure assets that seek to accelerate the world’s transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
About Pilgrim’s Pride: As a global food company with more than 62,000 team members, Pilgrim's processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. The company operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe. For more information, please visit www.pilgrims.com.
GreenGasUSA Media Contact: Jessie Dzura Vice President, Sustainability Policy & Carbon Markets Strategy Jessie.Dzura@greengasusa.com
Pilgrim’s Pride Media Contact: Matt Connelly Director of Communications, JBS USA Matthew.Connelly@JBSSA.com