Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
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Can 1099 Workers Qualify for a Mortgage?
1099 workers can qualify for traditional or alternative-documentation mortgages. Learn how lenders calculate income, expenses, history and affordability.
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.
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.
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.
Charlotte Suburbs for First-Time Homebuyers: Costs and Commutes
Compare Charlotte-area communities for your first home using property types, monthly costs, commutes, taxes, and mortgage options that fit your situation.
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 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+.
Investment Property Loans in Charlotte: Conventional, DSCR and Other Options for Investors
Buying a rental in Charlotte? Compare conventional investment loans and DSCR loans, down payments, reserves, house hacking and how NC and SC tax rentals differently.
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.
Refinancing in Charlotte: How to Compare Your Refinance Options in NC and SC
Thinking about refinancing in the Charlotte area? Compare rate-and-term, cash-out, HELOC, FHA and VA streamline options and learn how to find your break-even point.
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.
Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Pros, Cons and How to Choose
Fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage? Learn how each works, what 5/6 and 7/6 ARMs mean, the pros and cons, and how to decide which fits your plans.
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.
South Carolina Non-QM Loans: What They Are and Who They're For
Self-employed, investing in rentals, or need an interest-only option? Here's how non-QM loans work in South Carolina, the main types, and what to compare before you apply.
FHA Loans in Charlotte, NC: A First-Time Buyer's Local Guide
How FHA really works in the Charlotte area: county loan limits, condo approval in Uptown and South End, builder incentives, NC vs. SC taxes and when conventional is better.
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.
House Hacking: One of the Smartest Ways to Start Building Wealth Through Real Estate
House hacking lets your first home help pay for itself. Three ways to do it, the FHA, conventional and VA rules for 2–4 units, and how much rental income can count.