Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
Sort By Categories
- Charlotte Area Comparisons 25
- Charlotte Neighborhoods 10
- First-Time Homebuyers 62
- Investment Property Loans 26
- Lake Norman 4
- Lake Wylie 4
- Mortgage Process & Education 68
- Mortgage Programs 37
- Mortgage Qualification 53
- Move-Up Buyers 31
- Moving to Charlotte 44
- New Construction & Renovation 9
- North Carolina Communities 12
- Realtor Resources 3
- Refinancing & Home Equity 18
- Regional Guides 8
- Self-Employed & Alternative Income 9
- South Carolina Communities 14
- Veteran Home Buyers 4
Sort By Tags
- Acreage & Land 4
- Appraisals 13
- Bank Statement Loans 7
- Buying Before Selling 23
- Cash-Out Refinance 8
- Charlotte Relocation 69
- Closing Costs 43
- Commission Bonus & Overtime 5
- Condos & Townhomes 19
- Construction Loans 8
- Conventional Loans 28
- Credit & Debt-to-Income 37
- Credit Challenges 6
- Credit Scores 1
- DSCR Loans 13
- Down Payment 39
- Down Payment Assistance 6
- Employment & Income 26
- FHA Loans 22
- Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates 3
- Gift Funds 14
- HELOC 9
- Home Affordability 15
- Home Equity 17
- House Hacking 6
- Jumbo Loans 15
- Luxury Homebuyers 18
- Mortgage Insurance 15
- Mortgage Payments 43
- Mortgage Pre-Approval 86
- Mortgage Rates 19
- Mortgage Underwriting 33
- New Job Offer 12
- Non-QM Loans 12
- Property Taxes & Insurance 53
- Rate Buydowns 11
- Real Estate Investors 26
- Refinancing 17
- Rental Income 20
- Self-Employed Borrowers 10
- Seller Credits 17
- Short-Term Rentals 5
- Student Loans 5
- USDA Loans 6
- VA Loans 11
- Waterfront Homes 9
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.
Retail Bank vs. Mortgage Broker: What's the Difference?
Bank or mortgage broker? Learn how each works, how brokers get paid, when a bank may fit better, and how to compare Loan Estimates fairly before you choose.
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 Is Earnest Money? A Guide for NC and SC Homebuyers
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit held in escrow and credited at closing. Learn how it works in NC and SC, how it differs from due diligence and how to protect it.
Escrow Explained for First-Time Homebuyers in NC and SC
An escrow account pays your property taxes and insurance from your monthly payment. Learn how escrow works in NC and SC, why payments change and when you can waive it.
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.
What Happens After Mortgage Pre-Approval? Steps From Offer to Closing
After pre-approval comes the offer, inspections, appraisal, underwriting and closing. Here's each step in NC and SC, what to expect and how long it usually takes.
What Are Closing Costs for Buyers in North Carolina and South Carolina?
Closing costs often run 2% to 5% of the price. See what NC and SC buyers pay for, how prepaids and escrow work, and how seller and lender credits can lower your cash.
Can You Lower Your Mortgage Payment Without Refinancing?
Often, yes. Learn how NC and SC homeowners can lower a mortgage payment without refinancing: remove PMI, recast, appeal property taxes, shop insurance and fix escrow.
How Much Does Property Insurance Cost in NC & SC?
What homeowners insurance costs in NC and SC, how much North Carolina rates have risen, what drives your premium and how it affects your mortgage payment.
How Interest Rates Affect Buying Power: What NC and SC Buyers Should Know
A 1-point rate change can shift your buying power by about 10%. Here's how rates, taxes, insurance and HOA dues work together, and how to protect your price range.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? A Guide for NC and SC Buyers
How long does it take to buy a house in NC or SC? Follow the steps from pre-approval and house hunting through underwriting, closing documents, and keys.
Buying a New Construction Home in Charlotte: Builder Incentives, Financing and What to Check
Buying new construction near Charlotte? Learn how builder incentives, preferred lenders, rate locks, land-only tax bills and upgrades affect your mortgage before you sign.
HOA Fees Explained for Charlotte Homebuyers
HOA dues count toward your mortgage payment and can change what you qualify for. What HOAs cover, what to review before you buy, and how condo HOAs affect financing.
What Is Homestead Exemption in South Carolina?
South Carolina's homestead exemption takes $50,000 off your home's taxable value if you're 65+, disabled or blind. How it differs from the 4% rate, and how to apply.
Can Self-Employed Borrowers Get a Mortgage?
Yes, you can get a mortgage when you're self-employed. See how lenders figure business income, what documents to gather, and when bank statement loans make sense.
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.
Best Mortgage Rates in Charlotte: How to Compare Offers and Get Your Best Price
Compare Charlotte-area mortgage rates the right way: what sets your rate, APR vs. rate, points, ARMs, buydowns and refinance break-even, plus questions to ask.