Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
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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.
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.
Can I Buy a House With 5% Down? NC & SC Guide
Buying with 5% down may leave more savings available, but closing costs and PMI still matter. Explore the trade-offs and mortgage options for NC and SC buyers.
Can I Afford a $300K House on a $50K Salary?
On a $50K salary, a $300K home can work, but it depends on your debts, down payment, taxes, and insurance. Here's the math lenders actually use.
Best Mortgage Lenders for Retirees in North and South Carolina: How Retirees Qualify
Retired and buying a home in NC or SC? Learn how Social Security, pensions, IRA withdrawals and savings can count toward a mortgage, plus tax breaks for homeowners 65+.
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in Charlotte, NC and SC?
Most Charlotte, NC and SC buyers need about 580 for FHA and around 620 for conventional loans. See requirements by loan type and how to raise your score.
Conventional Loan Requirements in Charlotte: What Buyers Need to Know
Learn what Charlotte buyers need for a conventional loan, including down payment, credit, income, debts, documents, property review, and PMI.
How Do I Qualify for a Home Loan? Requirements for NC and SC Buyers
What does it take to qualify for a home loan in NC or SC? Credit, income, DTI, down payment and property requirements for conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans.
Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Homebuyers in Charlotte, NC and SC: How to Choose
Choosing a mortgage lender for your first home in Charlotte or SC? Compare banks, online lenders and brokers, plus down payment options and the questions to ask first.