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.
Tega Cay, SC Mortgage Guide
Considering a home in Tega Cay, SC? Learn about waterfront and golf-course financing, jumbo and second-home loans, dock rights, property taxes, insurance, HOA costs, and commuting to Charlotte.
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.
What Happens If My Loan Is Denied?
A mortgage denial may have a fix, but time matters if you are under contract. Learn what to ask the lender, how to protect deadlines, and what options to review.
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.
What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage?
Start your mortgage pre-approval with the right documents. See the basic checklist and learn when gifts, self-employment, or other income require more records.
Can I Get a Mortgage After Late Payments?
Late payments do not always end your homebuying plans. Learn what lenders may review, how to check your credit report, and what to do before applying.
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 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.
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.
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.
Why Communication Matters During a Home Purchase
Clear mortgage communication helps buyers understand deadlines, document requests, underwriting, closing costs and what happens next. Learn which updates matter throughout a home purchase.
How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender
Choosing a mortgage lender requires more than comparing advertised rates. Learn how to evaluate Loan Estimates, fees, communication, pre-approval quality, loan programs and closing support.
Questions to Ask a Mortgage Lender Before Applying
Use these 18 questions to compare mortgage lenders before applying. Learn what to ask about pre-approval, rates, fees, Loan Estimates, payments, communication and closing timelines.
What Happens During Mortgage Underwriting?
Underwriting is the lender's final review of your income, assets, credit and the home. Learn what underwriters check, what conditions mean and how to avoid delays.
What Does "Under Contract" Mean When Buying a House?
Under contract means the buyer and seller signed a purchase agreement, but the sale isn't final until closing. Here's what it means in NC and SC and what happens next.
What Not to Do Before Closing on a House
Between contract and closing, lenders keep checking your credit, job and accounts. Here's what not to do before closing, why it matters and what to do instead.