Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
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How to Shop for Homeowners Insurance in NC and SC: Tips From Local Agents
Four local insurance agents share how NC and SC buyers should shop homeowners insurance: what to ask, common coverage gaps, roof issues, flood and when to start.
Can I Buy a Home in Fort Mill, SC on a $100K Salary?
Wondering if $100K is enough for Fort Mill? See the price range it supports at today's rates and why town limits, HOA dues and your debts change the answer.
FHA Will Accept VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T Credit Scores in 2027: What It Means for Buyers
Starting January 1, 2027, FHA loans can use VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. Here's how the change works, who it may help and why minimum scores aren't changing.
How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a Home?
How much money do you need to buy a home? Add your down payment and closing costs, subtract credits, and plan for monthly costs and savings after you move in.
FHA Appraisal Requirements in North Carolina and South Carolina: What Can Prevent a Home From Qualifying?
Most homes don't need to be perfect to pass an FHA appraisal. Here's what the appraiser looks for, common repair issues in the Carolinas, and what happens next.
Rock Hill, SC Mortgage Guide
Rock Hill offers historic homes, new construction, and acreage near Charlotte. Here's what buyers should know about neighborhoods, taxes, and mortgage options.
Can First-Time Buyers Buy Investment Property?
First-time buyers do not necessarily have to purchase a traditional primary home before investing in real estate. Learn how conventional investment loans, house hacking, FHA, VA, DSCR financing, rental income, down payments, and reserve requirements may affect your first purchase.
How to Buy Your First Rental Property
Learn how to buy your first rental property, from choosing an investment strategy and financing to estimating rent, calculating cash flow, making an offer, completing inspections, and preparing for your first tenant.
How Much Emergency Savings Should I Have After Buying?
Learn how much emergency savings to keep after buying a home, including living expenses, move-in costs, repairs and mortgage reserve requirements.
Can I Buy a Home With Only $10K Saved?
$10,000 can be enough to buy a home in NC or SC, but the down payment is only part of it. Here's what the money needs to cover and how to stretch it.
Should I Rent or Buy in Charlotte?
Renting or buying in Charlotte depends on more than the monthly payment. Compare flexibility, upfront cash, full ownership costs, and how long you may stay.
Should I Wait for Interest Rates to Drop?
Should you buy now or wait for mortgage rates to fall? Learn how to judge today’s payment, cash needed, loan options, and the risks of relying on a future refinance.
Can I Back Out After Going Under Contract?
Can you leave a home purchase contract? Learn why deadlines, financing, inspections, earnest money, and NC or SC contract terms determine your options.
Biggest Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make
The biggest first-time buyer mistakes happen before the offer: skipping a real budget, forgetting cash beyond the down payment and comparing homes by price alone.
How Much Debt Is Too Much for a Mortgage?
How much debt is too much to buy a house? Learn why lenders review monthly payments, income, and credit—and when paying off debt may help.
Can I Buy a House With Credit Card Debt?
You can buy a house while carrying credit card debt. Learn how minimum payments and credit utilization affect a mortgage—and when paying down cards may help.
Can I Buy a Duplex With an FHA Loan?
An FHA loan may let you buy a duplex, live in one unit, and rent the other. Learn how down payments, rental income, and property costs affect the plan.
USDA Eligible Areas Near Charlotte
USDA loans aren't just for farms. Here's where to look near Charlotte, how to check a specific address, and what income limits and fees to plan for.
What Is USDA Financing?
USDA financing may let eligible buyers purchase a primary home with no down payment. Learn how location, household income, credit and closing costs affect eligibility.
Can You Use Gift Funds on FHA Loans?
FHA buyers can often use eligible gift funds for the down payment and closing costs. Learn who may give a gift, what paperwork lenders need, and why transfer timing matters.