Carolina Mortgage Insights with Paul Mattos
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- Charlotte Area Comparisons 16
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- Mortgage Process & Education 49
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- Acreage & Land 3
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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.
Charlotte-Area Communities: How to Compare Your Options
Compare Charlotte-area communities based on your budget, commute, home features, and priorities, with practical tips for researching schools and housing costs.
Buying in South End Charlotte: Condos, Townhomes and Transit
Considering a South End condo or townhome? Learn how to check transit access, HOA costs, ownership details, and mortgage requirements before making an offer.
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.
North Carolina vs South Carolina Property Taxes Explained
South Carolina taxes primary homes very differently from North Carolina. Here's how both systems work, why SC owner-occupied taxes are often lower, and the mistakes buyers make.
Best Areas in South Carolina for Lower Property Taxes Near Charlotte
Where are SC property taxes lowest near Charlotte? 2025 owner-occupied millage for Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, Lake Wylie and Indian Land, compared with Charlotte.
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.
Moving to Charlotte? How to Get a Mortgage and Budget for the Move
Moving to Charlotte from another state? Here's how relocation buyers get pre-approved, use offer letters, budget for taxes and HOA dues, and buy before they arrive.
Best Places to Buy a House Near Charlotte: Areas Compared by Budget, Commute and Taxes
Deciding where to buy near Charlotte? Compare the south, Lake Norman, Union County, Concord, Gastonia and the SC suburbs by commute, taxes and full monthly payment.
DSCR Loans in North and South Carolina: How Rental Property Investors Qualify
Investing in NC or SC rentals? Learn how DSCR loans qualify on rent instead of income, what ratio lenders want, and how prepayment penalties and LLCs work.
Bank Statement Loans in North and South Carolina: How Self-Employed Buyers Qualify
Self-employed and your tax returns understate your income? See how bank statement loans calculate income, what they cost, and when conventional financing may fit better.
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? (2026 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.