Posts filed under Buyer Tips



Should I live in North Carolina or South Carolina?
Posted Tue, Sep 12th 2023 11:29 am
The stats below are compiled from a variety of sources. Surprisingly, NC and SC differ significantly with South Carolina having a significantly lower tax burden. Since it’s the middle of Hurricane ...

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The Three Red Flags of Mortgage Applications
Posted Wed, Aug 30th 2023 10:00 am
When you apply for a home loan, your lender will review your credit reports, check your credit score and pore over your finances to make sure you can afford your monthly mortgage payment. Along the...

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Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure: Key Docs
Posted Thu, Aug 17th 2023 10:00 am
Your lender is required to send you a loan estimate after you complete your mortgage loan application. This three-page form is important: It lists the important financial details of your mortgage l...

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Appraising the Situation: Why the Home Appraisal Matters
Posted Thu, Jul 20th 2023 2:30 pm
During an appraisal, an appraiser will visit the home you are buying or the home you currently own. This professional's goal is to determine how much the home is worth. Appraisers consider several...

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What Doesn't Your Credit Score Take Into Account?
Posted Thu, Jul 6th 2023 9:30 am
FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850, with most lenders considering a score of 800 or higher to be excellent. The most important factor in determining your credit score is your payment history...

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Ready to get a home loan? What kind of income qualifies?
Posted Wed, Jul 5th 2023 11:25 am
Jenny King with US Mortgage helps walk us through what types of incomes can qualify for what types of home loans. Big bonus coming? Side hustle income? Employed less than a year? Let's break down w...

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A Mortgage Recast: A Powerful Option
Posted Mon, Jun 5th 2023 6:06 am
When paying your mortgage each month, a portion of your payment goes toward reducing your loan's principal balance while another portion goes toward paying interest. A share of your payment will ty...

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Loan Level Price Adjustments?
Posted Thu, May 18th 2023 7:00 am
The simple answer, NO, you are not being punished, and NO, this is not new! Loan level price adjustments have been around. When you have a great lender in your corner, they are going to find the be...

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What You Need for a Mortgage
Posted Tue, May 9th 2023 8:53 am
The mortgage process may seem scary. This is understandable: Your lender will ask for plenty of paperwork to verify your income and debts. You’ll need to sign what might feel like a mountain of doc...

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Real Estate and Senior Care
Posted Tue, May 2nd 2023 9:00 am
It is May 2 and as I scroll through my feed I see pictures from Wisconsin and even Snowshoe, West Virginia, piled high in snow. Meanwhile along the Grand Strand, it is sunny, breezy and 73 degrees....

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Do You Know Your Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Posted Thu, Apr 27th 2023 5:50 pm
Applying for a mortgage? Your debt-to-income ratio is a key number. Lenders care about how much money you spend each month on your credit cards, student loans and auto loans. The less of a financia...

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Springtime Garden Maintenance
Posted Wed, Apr 26th 2023 6:00 am
With the beautiful sights, sounds and smells of spring also come the chores of garden and lawn maintenance. Whether it is a source of exercise and relaxation for you, or a chore that you'd rather h...

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How To Search for Real Estate – Use the Correct Tools
Posted Sat, Apr 8th 2023 3:15 pm
We love helping people buy real estate! It is truly one of our favorite things. Most of the people that we help come to us with a property already in mind. Maybe they saw a post on social media, ma...

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Options & Opportunities: Meet Crystal Walters with DR Horton
Posted Thu, Mar 2nd 2023 3:05 pm
We had the pleasure of stopping by the Meridian neighborhood located off US 17 Bypass, just North of Market Common in Myrtle Beach and chatting with Crystal Walters with DR Horton. Currently along ...

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Mortgage Minute with Jenny King: 4 Major Reasons to Invest in Real Estate
Posted Fri, Feb 24th 2023 9:00 pm
4 Major Reasons to invest in real estate: 1) Land & Property are always an asset.  Historically real estate has been proven to be the best way to build generational wealth.  Over the last 24 month...

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3 Financing Myths - Mortgage Minute with Jenny King of US Mortgage
Posted Wed, Jan 25th 2023 6:58 pm
If buying a home is on your 'to do' list in 2023, make sure these top myths aren't keeping you from taking action! MYTH #1 : You Need 20% Down To Purchase a Home Homebuyers can take rest in knowi...

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Understanding Contingencies in a Real Estate Contract
Posted Fri, Jul 16th 2021 9:00 am
Financing ContingencyThis is probably the most important contingency in a real estate transaction. If you are paying cash for your home, then this contingency does not apply to you. However, if you...

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Top Tips for Buying a Home
Posted Mon, Sep 28th 2020 9:00 am
Buying a home is an important life decision. Make sure you consider these important tips before you buy:   1. Look at your finances and decide how much you can afford. 2. Make sure to physical i...

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