Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
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Using a 1031 Exchange With Financing
Selling a rental and buying another with a 1031 exchange? How replacement financing works, from replacing your debt to the 45- and 180-day deadlines and DSCR options.
Buying a Rental in an LLC vs. Your Personal Name
Want your rental in an LLC? Which loans allow it, why your personal credit still counts, and how transferring to an LLC after closing works with conventional loans.
Will My Mortgage Get Sold?
Got a letter saying your mortgage was transferred? Why loans get sold, what stays the same, the 60-day grace period and how to spot a fake transfer letter.
Buying a Home With Room for Mom
Planning for a parent to live with you? How to finance a home with an in-law suite, an ADU, an addition or a separate home for Mom in North and South Carolina.
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.
New Fannie Mae Rule Makes It Easier to Turn Your Current Home Into a Rental
Keeping your current home as a rental? Fannie Mae's new rule uses market rent instead of a signed lease. Here's how the 75% calculation and reserves work.
DSCR vs Conventional Investment Loans
Compare DSCR and conventional investment loans, including income documentation, rental calculations, rates, fees, down payments, reserves, LLC ownership, portfolio limits, and prepayment penalties. Learn which financing strategy may fit your rental property and long-term investment goals.
Can I Refinance an FHA Loan Into Conventional?
You may be able to refinance an FHA loan into a conventional mortgage to eliminate FHA mortgage insurance or reduce your payment. Learn how equity, credit, PMI, interest rates, closing costs and loan terms affect the decision.
Can I Remove PMI Without Refinancing? When a Refinance Makes Sense
Often, yes. Learn when you can cancel PMI through your servicer at 80% or 78%, how home value increases can help, FHA MIP rules and when a refinance makes sense.
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.
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 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.
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.
2-1 Buydowns Explained
A 2-1 buydown lowers your payment for the first two years. How it works, who pays, why you qualify at the full rate and how it compares with points or a price cut.
How Much Income Do I Need for a $500K House in North or South Carolina?
Many buyers need about $125,000 to $170,000 a year for a $500K home. Learn how debts, mortgage insurance and NC vs. SC taxes change the income you need.
How Much Income Do I Need for a $400K House in North or South Carolina?
Many buyers need about $100,000 to $135,000 a year for a $400K home. See how debts, down payment and NC vs. SC property taxes change the income you need.
Buying a Townhome in Charlotte
Townhomes can cost less than detached homes around Charlotte, but HOA dues, insurance and whether it's legally a condo change your payment and loan options.
Can I Use Gift Funds for a Down Payment?
Yes, most loans allow gift money for a down payment. Who can give it, when you need your own funds, the gift letter, and how to move the money without delays.