Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
Sort By Categories
- Charlotte Area Comparisons 24
- Charlotte Neighborhoods 10
- First-Time Homebuyers 54
- Investment Property Loans 19
- Lake Norman 4
- Lake Wylie 4
- Mortgage Process & Education 59
- Mortgage Programs 31
- Mortgage Qualification 50
- Move-Up Buyers 24
- Moving to Charlotte 38
- New Construction & Renovation 6
- North Carolina Communities 12
- Realtor Resources 2
- Refinancing & Home Equity 16
- Regional Guides 8
- Self-Employed & Alternative Income 8
- South Carolina Communities 13
- Veteran Home Buyers 4
Sort By Tags
- Acreage & Land 4
- Appraisals 13
- Bank Statement Loans 7
- Buying Before Selling 21
- Cash-Out Refinance 5
- Charlotte Relocation 62
- Closing Costs 37
- Commission Bonus & Overtime 5
- Condos & Townhomes 17
- Construction Loans 8
- Conventional Loans 20
- Credit & Debt-to-Income 35
- Credit Challenges 6
- Credit Scores 1
- DSCR Loans 9
- Down Payment 37
- Down Payment Assistance 6
- Employment & Income 24
- FHA Loans 16
- Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates 3
- Gift Funds 10
- HELOC 6
- Home Affordability 15
- Home Equity 14
- House Hacking 4
- Jumbo Loans 15
- Luxury Homebuyers 18
- Mortgage Insurance 15
- Mortgage Payments 35
- Mortgage Pre-Approval 83
- Mortgage Rates 17
- Mortgage Underwriting 29
- New Job Offer 12
- Non-QM Loans 10
- Property Taxes & Insurance 50
- Rate Buydowns 8
- Real Estate Investors 20
- Refinancing 15
- Rental Income 12
- Self-Employed Borrowers 10
- Seller Credits 13
- Short-Term Rentals 5
- Student Loans 5
- USDA Loans 6
- VA Loans 7
- Waterfront Homes 9
Moving From Chicago to the Charlotte Area in 2027: Homebuying Guide
Lower property taxes, smaller transfer taxes and more house for the money. What Chicago-area buyers should plan for before buying a home in the Charlotte area.
Moving From Pennsylvania to the Charlotte Area in 2027: Homebuying Guide
Lower transfer taxes, no local wage tax and a different retirement tax picture. What Pennsylvania buyers should plan for before buying a home in the Charlotte area.
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.
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.
Cash-Out Refinance Explained
Learn how cash-out refinancing works, how much equity you may access, what it costs, and when another home-equity option may make more sense.
When Does It Make Sense to Refinance?
When should you refinance your mortgage? Learn how to compare rates, closing costs, loan terms, mortgage insurance and your break-even timeline.
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.
Is It Better to Put More Money Down? How to Decide
More down lowers your payment and can avoid PMI, but draining savings can backfire. Here’s how to find the right down payment and keep enough cash after closing.
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.
What Happens If the Appraisal Comes in Low?
A low appraisal does not automatically end a home purchase. See how it can change financing, what buyers and sellers can negotiate, and when to request a review.
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.
What Bank Statements Do Mortgage Lenders Need?
Buying a home? Learn which bank statements to send, why lenders review deposits and transfers, and how to prepare gift or business funds for mortgage approval.
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.
Can VA Buyers Pay Closing Costs?
VA buyers can pay closing costs, and sellers may help cover them. Learn how seller credits, the 4% concessions rule, and the VA funding fee affect cash to close.
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.
What Makes a Strong Mortgage Pre-Approval?
A strong mortgage pre-approval verifies income, assets, debts and credit while explaining payment assumptions, conditions and remaining property requirements.
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.