Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
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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.
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.
Conforming vs. Jumbo Loans: What Carolina Buyers Need to Know
A higher-priced home doesn't always mean a jumbo loan. Here's how conforming limits work in the Carolinas and how to decide which loan fits your purchase.
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.
Can I Buy a House After a Foreclosure?
A foreclosure does not permanently end your homebuying plans. Learn why the completion date matters, how waiting periods differ, and what to prepare.
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.
VA Loan vs Conventional Loan
Eligible for a VA loan but considering conventional financing? Compare down payment, mortgage insurance, the VA funding fee, seller credits, and total costs.
FHA vs Conventional Loan: Which Is Better?
FHA or conventional? Compare down payment, credit requirements, mortgage insurance, seller credits, and total costs to see which fits your purchase.
Can You Get a Mortgage After Writing Off Too Much Income?
Business deductions lowered the income on your tax returns? Learn how lenders review self-employed earnings and when a bank statement loan may be worth comparing.
Can You Buy an Airbnb Property With a DSCR Loan?
You may be able to finance an Airbnb with a DSCR loan. Learn how lenders assess short-term rental income and what to verify before buying.
How Investors Finance Multiple Rental Properties
Buying another rental takes more than a down payment. Compare conventional, DSCR, equity, and portfolio financing as your property count and reserve needs grow.
Can LLCs Buy Investment Properties?
An LLC can own rental property, but the financing must permit entity ownership. Learn how DSCR loans, guarantees, title, reserves, and documents work.
Can Truck Drivers Qualify for a Mortgage?
Truck drivers can qualify for mortgages, but W-2 drivers, mileage-paid employees, lease operators, and owner-operators require different income calculations. Learn how lenders review trucking income, deductions, deposits, and truck payments.
Mortgage Options for Business Owners
Business owners may qualify with conventional, bank statement, 1099, P&L, asset-depletion or DSCR loans. Learn how lenders calculate income.
Can 1099 Workers Qualify for a Mortgage?
1099 workers can qualify for traditional or alternative-documentation mortgages. Learn how lenders calculate income, expenses, history and affordability.
How a Mortgage Broker Saves Buyers Money
A mortgage broker may help buyers save by comparing lenders, loan programs, fees, points and credits. Learn what to compare—and why the lowest advertised rate may not be the lowest-cost strategy.
Charlotte Suburbs for First-Time Homebuyers: Costs and Commutes
Compare Charlotte-area communities for your first home using property types, monthly costs, commutes, taxes, and mortgage options that fit your situation.