Mortgage Broker in Goose Creek, SC

We know that many home loan officers have horrible reputations. Some brokers only see their clients as transactions, and a means to make quick money. They come off as impatient and pushy, failing to understand that this is a very big decision for you. At Mija Mortgage, we take the opposite approach. We encourage our clients to take as much time as needed to ask us questions and review mortgage documents. We could say that our mission is to exceed your expectations, but we'd rather just show you. From assistance finding FHA, VA, or other loans to refinancing your current mortgage, Mija is the team you can trust.

Here are just a few reasons why home buyers choose Mija Mortgage:

No Additional Fees

No Additional Fees- Providing our client's services free of charge, using a mortgage broker like Mija Mortgage can help you scout the best price on loans without a hefty price tag.

Access to 50 Lenders

Access to 50 Lenders- With access to a range of loans and interest rates available, Mija Mortgage can shop for the best loans for your unique needs.

Accessible to Our Clients

Accessible to Our Clients- Providing a transparent and communicative service to all our clients, Mija Mortgage ensures all phone calls are answered or returned in a timely manner.

Setting You Up for Success

Setting You Up for Success- Helping you prepare all your documents for pre-approval and the loan application, Mija Mortgage will provide you with all the necessary information to secure the best loan.

Contact Us For Service !

Free Consultation phone-number (843) 822-5685

To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?

Your mortgage broker is a third party that works to connect you with mortgage lenders. Essentially, a mortgage broker works as an intermediary between a person who wants to buy a home and the entities offering loans to buy a home. The mortgage broker works with both the borrower and lender to get the borrower approved. They also verify and collect paperwork from the borrower that the lender needs to finish a home purchase. Typically, mortgage brokers have relationships with several home loan lenders. Mija Mortgage, for example, has access to 50 different lenders, which gives us a wide range of home loans in Goose Creek, SC, from which to choose.

In addition to finding a home loan lender, your mortgage broker will help you settle on the best loan options and interest rates for your budget. Ideally, your mortgage broker will take a great deal of stress and legwork off your plate while also potentially saving you money.

Help with the Pre-Approval Process

If you're ready to buy a home, getting pre-qualified is a great choice that will streamline the entire process. Your mortgage broker makes getting pre-approved easy by obtaining all the documents needed to get you pre-qualified. In taking a look at your application, they will determine if you're ready for the pre-approval process. If your application needs additional items, the mortgage company will help point you in the right direction to ensure your application is as strong as it can be. Your mortgage broker will also walk you through the different types of loans, from Conventional and FHA to VA and USDA.

In order to be pre-approved for a home in South Carolina, you must have the following:

  • Two Years of W2 Forms
  • 30 Days of Pay Stubs from Employer
  • 60 Days of Bank Statements
  • A Valid Driver's License

Conventional Mortgages

Conventional loans can be used to purchase a new home or refinance your current one. Conventional loans include fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. Generally, borrowers must put down a 3% down payment for owner-occupants, 10% for a vacation property, and 20% for an investment home. If you are able to pay 20% of the total cost of the home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance, which is otherwise required. Conventional mortgages are often preferred by buyers with good credit or people needing a non-owner-occupied mortgage.

 Mortgage Broker Goose Creek, SC
 Mortgage Company Goose Creek, SC

FHA Loans

FHA mortgages are issued by the U.S. government and backed by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This loan is often preferred by first-time homebuyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment and offers more flexibility with credit requirements and underwriting standards. FHA loans have several requirements you must meet to qualify. Contact Mija Mortgage today to learn more about FHA loans and whether or not they're best for your financial situation.

USDA Loans

Also backed by the government, these loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don't require money down. These loans have lower insurance requirements when compared to FHA loans, offer 100% financing if you qualify, and allow for closing costs to be covered by the seller. In order to qualify for a USDA loan, you must live in a rural area, and your household income must meet certain standards. These loans are often preferred by low-income citizens who live in rural parts of South Carolina.

 Mortgage Lending Service Goose Creek, SC
 Refinancing Goose Creek, SC

Veteran Mortgages

Also known as VA or Veteran's Affairs loans, these mortgages are reserved for the brave men and women who served in the military. VA loans help provide our military members, veterans, and their families with favorable loan terms and an easy home ownership experience. Often, those who qualify are not required to make a down payment on their home. Additionally, these loans often include less expensive closing costs.

If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, contact Mija Mortgage today to speak with our Vetted VA Professional, Debbie Haberny. Debbie helps our military members, veterans, and their family members obtain home loans utilizing veteran benefits and would be happy to help as you search for a home.

Q. I was talking to my spouse about mortgage brokers, and they mentioned the phrase home loan originator. What's the difference between a broker and a loan originator?

A. The mortgage industry is full of confusing jobs and titles, making it easy to confuse roles and responsibilities. Such is the case with mortgage brokers and home loan originators. Though their roles share similarities, a home loan originator in Goose Creek, SC, works for a bank or credit union, while a mortgage broker works for a brokerage company. Home loan originators and mortgage brokers are both licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).

Q. I've heard from everyone that you must have mortgage insurance to buy a home. What is mortgage insurance?

A. Essentially, mortgage insurance helps protect lenders if a borrower forecloses on the home they bought. One advantage of mortgage insurance is that when borrowers pay it, lenders can often grant loans to buyers when they might not have otherwise. Though not always required to buy a home, mortgage insurance is often needed for down payments of less than 20%.

Q. I have just been pre-approved to buy a beautiful home in South Carolina. Is there anything I shouldn't do now that I'm pre-qualified?

A. Mortgage companies like Mija Mortgage, make getting pre-qualified for a home easy. However, as your loan process continues, your lender is required to run a new credit report before closing on a home. For that reason, it's to avoid any activity that might affect your credit score, such as:

  • Do not become a co-signer on a loan with someone else.
  • Do not quit or change your job.
  • Do not apply for new credit cards, automobile loans, or any other lines of credit.
  • Do not use your credit card to pay for large purchases, like furniture for your new house.
  • Do not avoid payments on current lines of credit, loans, or utility bills.

Q. My brother-in-law recently refinanced his home in South Carolina. What is refinancing, and should I consider refinancing my home too?

A. Refinancing your home basically means you're swapping your current mortgage for a new one, most often with a lower interest rate. If you would like to reduce the term of your loan, lower your monthly mortgage payments, or consolidate debt, refinancing may be a smart option. Many homeowners also choose to refinance if they want to switch from adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate mortgages or to get cash back for home renovations. To learn whether refinancing is a viable option for your situation, contact Mija Mortgage ASAP, as loan rates change frequently.

Mija Mortgage: Turning Dreams into Reality, One Mortgage at a Time

Head-bottom

Here at Mija Mortgage, we believe that the best communities begin with the dream of home ownership. Our mission is to make those dreams come true, with personalized service, expert guidance, and good old-fashioned hard work. As one of the most trusted mortgage companies in Goose Creek, SC, we have years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time buyers and investors to self-employed borrowers and non-native English speakers.

Though every mortgage situation is different, one thing never changes: our commitment to clients. Contact our office today to get started on an exceptional home-buying experience.

Contact Us For Service !

phone-number (843) 822-5685
 Refinances Goose Creek, SC

Latest News in Goose Creek, SC

Goose Creek residents take personal firework ban to City Council

Like a pounding rain that begins with a trickle. it all starts with some random whistles, snaps and pops in the late afternoon. But as the sun sets, bright flashes and booms follow in an endless cacophony that will continue for hours.Some like it; some don’t.For five days out the year, Goose Creek allows fireworks to be set off. Those days are Independence Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.At the May 9 council meeting, residents hit the podium hoping elected officials ...

Like a pounding rain that begins with a trickle. it all starts with some random whistles, snaps and pops in the late afternoon. But as the sun sets, bright flashes and booms follow in an endless cacophony that will continue for hours.

Some like it; some don’t.

For five days out the year, Goose Creek allows fireworks to be set off. Those days are Independence Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

At the May 9 council meeting, residents hit the podium hoping elected officials may ban the booms altogether.

“Fireworks pose a fire hazard to homes, including those with asphalt shingle roofs. For the safety of all Goose Creek residents, consider prohibiting personal use fireworks within the City of Goose Creek,” said resident David Driggers.

“I’m here tonight to ask your consideration making Goose Creek a no fireworks zone. ... For the safety of my property, my neighbors and the city, please take this request seriously,” said resident Judy Fox.

“The noise is a nuisance to other residents. There is a danger of a fire being started and the danger of property damage. ... Additionally, the fireworks are stressful for our many residents who are veterans and served in war zones,” said Cynthia Curry, who has lived in the city since 1978.

Residents who want the fireworks to stop said they have gone to Crowfield’s Home Owners Association several times and were eventually told to make the request to City Council. But others showed up at the meeting to support the existing rules.

“There may be people who have PTSD. I’m a veteran. I’ve got 24 years in and out of combat zones. ... Lets be careful to bring the veterans out as the reason to stop having freedoms. Most of us put our lives on the line for those freedoms we celebrate on the 4th of July and other holidays,” said resident Mike Conner, an Air Force Veteran.

“I think it’s a fundamental freedom. I’m a bicentennial baby, conceived on that night. I am a very fervent supporter of fireworks, just like (Thomas) Jefferson and (John) Adams,” said Heather Burns.

Those forefathers would be happy to learn that cities such as North Charleston allow fireworks year around up until 10 p.m.

Other municipalities, however, have banned personal fireworks. Some of those include Myrtle Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach. Comments from Goose Creek residents were made during the public discussion portion of the meeting. There is no official movement to change the local fireworks ordinance.

“We haven’t as a council openly discussed it. But as far as what they are asking for, we already have two ordinances that cover it,” said council member Melissa Enos. “One ordinance says it can’t be in the city except for five days a year, and the second ordinance is for projectiles.”

The projectile ordinance states that if a firework lands on another property, it is a code violation, which in some cases covers property damage. Enos said she understands the concerns of those wanting them prohibited. Under the current ordinance, that is the case 360 days a year.

“The two ordinances that exist now gets them like 97-percent there. I think what they are asking for is to get them 100 percent there,” she said. “We try not to over regulate and over govern.”

Berkeley Co. addresses drainage, flooding concerns in Goose Creek neighborhood

In the last weeks of July, multiple storms moving through left the Boulder Bluff and Beverly Hills neighborhoods waterlogged.BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Officials in Berkeley County have provided a response after people living in a Goose Creek neighborhood expressed continued problems with drainage and flooding in their yards, and sometimes homes.In the last weeks of July, multiple storms moving through left the Boulder Bluff and Beverly Hills neighborhoods waterlogged. People living there say the issue has been growing wors...

In the last weeks of July, multiple storms moving through left the Boulder Bluff and Beverly Hills neighborhoods waterlogged.

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Officials in Berkeley County have provided a response after people living in a Goose Creek neighborhood expressed continued problems with drainage and flooding in their yards, and sometimes homes.

In the last weeks of July, multiple storms moving through left the Boulder Bluff and Beverly Hills neighborhoods waterlogged. People living there say the issue has been growing worse for years.

Berkeley County provided a statement that explains the stormwater department response:

On July 23, Roads and Bridges received a call that flooding was occurring in the Boulder Bluff, Beverly Hills and Forest Lawn area in Goose Creek. The crews were on-site at approximately 6:00 p.m. They removed debris and blockages in ditches along Clarine Drive, Dennis Drive, Annette Drive, Stephanie Drive, Vine Street and Harvey Avenue for over 4 hours and also met with homeowners.

For one family, July wasn’t the first time they’ve been affected by the water. Their house has flooded before. But Sherry McCreary says after a few calls to the county and state, she wasn’t getting a quick or efficient response. That’s why, when the rain started on July 23rd at their house, Chris White took matters into his own hands.

I mean, that’s not my responsibility. You know, I do what I can keep the ditch cleaned,” White says.

The family has a preparation plan they have to do every time it rains. They open the gates that let water under the house instead of in, and White goes to clear out the ditch.

“I saw him in the ditch and at first I thought he was joking and, yeah, we were videoing and zoomed in and saw it, yeah, and then saw his foot hanging from his ankle and it was traumatic. It was definitely traumatic. And it’s just a shame and it makes me so mad that things aren’t being done. That shouldn’t happen,” McCreary says.

They say, White was the main source of income and now they are struggling after his surgery. He needed stitches and will have physical therapy.

“I was getting ready to get hired on with this storm drain company. They’re still waiting for me. And now I’m going to be out of work for probably, I don’t know, maybe November,” White says.

Berkeley County says crews returned to the neighborhood about a week later after more calls about drainage and flooding. The statement continues:

Even though the reported rain event was measured at over 4 to 6 inches in a short period of time, we believe most of the flooding occurred because of debris blocking crossline pipes along road crossings. The blockages ranged anywhere from limbs, leaves, trash, bags, furniture, etc. Also on July 29th, Roads & Bridges responded to flooding around 8 p.m. that was acquiring along Amy Drive. There were blockages along Lucy Drive and Water Oak Lane. Similar debris was found to be the reason for flooding. The crews were on site for over 3 hours.

McCreary says her daughter and three granddaughters are also at the house, and they fear how dangerous the drains are after White’s accident.

“They have no idea the suffering we’re going through because of this. It’s ridiculous. And I hope that somebody hears this and takes it seriously and actually does something somebody that cares,” McCreary says.

The county maintains that it regularly services its property and shares more dedicated future plans for the area.

The statement concludes:

The County routinely cuts and cleans ditches within their maintenance area, which does not include State crossline pipes along road crossing or State roadside ditches but does rely on work orders and citizens calling to make us aware of any blockages. Berkeley County takes pride in how we respond to rain events and maintain drainage systems within Goose Creek and other parts of the County.

We are in the process of hiring firms to perform drainage studies around these areas and other areas within Berkeley County that seem to be prone to flooding.

Also, we are scheduling a meeting within the next few weeks with the City of Goose Creek, SCDOT and the County to discuss what can be done moving forward to try to help alleviate the problem of flooding in the Goose Creek area.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Goose Creek residents share concerns about stormwater flooding their property

Homeowners in a Goose Creek neighborhood are looking for a solution to the flooding that affects their properties every time it rains.GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - Homeowners in a Goose Creek neighborhood are looking for a solution to the flooding that affects their properties every time it rains.Kristen Gilliam has lived in the Boulder Bluff Neighborhood in Goose Creek for about 15 years. She has a home around the corner from her parents and they both see their properties fill up with sitting water each time it rains. It’s ...

Homeowners in a Goose Creek neighborhood are looking for a solution to the flooding that affects their properties every time it rains.

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - Homeowners in a Goose Creek neighborhood are looking for a solution to the flooding that affects their properties every time it rains.

Kristen Gilliam has lived in the Boulder Bluff Neighborhood in Goose Creek for about 15 years. She has a home around the corner from her parents and they both see their properties fill up with sitting water each time it rains. It’s not just the yards threateningly close to their homes; she says it’s also the streets.

“It doesn’t even have to be heavy rain. It does get very bad in some areas, especially down one of the roads here. Water Oak Drive and Lucy Drive itself. They do tend to flood to where people have to literally turn around and take another route. The neighborhood tends to shut down,” Gilliam says.

She says the flooding is affecting some of the homes, and she knows people who are moving out and say the water is a big reason why.

“Like on this road alone, we actually have a bunch of vacant homes right now because they’ve left. A lot of people have had damages happen in the past year. Like my next next-door neighbor, they’re gone. A couple of other owners have just left their homes,” Gilliam says.

A road over in Boulder Bluff, Leslie Powell and her family have lived in their house for three years.

“The first time that we noticed the flooding was like, maybe a month after we moved in. We were in the house hanging out and then looked out the window and our whole yard was underwater. And we talked to our neighbors and they said the flooding hadn’t been that bad since Hugo and since then three years ago, it happens throughout the summer. It happens every couple of weeks or so,” Powell says.

She says their property is a little downhill and dips down from the road so their house is built up from the ground. But, they still have issues with water getting into their crawl space and water getting into their cars.

“We have to move the cars there’s been damage under our house and water has gotten into our cars before when we’ve been out of town. And so it’s been going on for at least three years now,” Powell says.

The women say the neighbors talk amongst themselves and some have individually tried calling the city and county to get answers. But so far, they haven’t been able to get in contact with the right person, and say they feel bounced around with no answers.

“There’s clearly a bigger issue that needs to be addressed and I don’t know what that is. So I don’t know the right questions to ask,” Powell says.

Gilliam acknowledges that making sure drains are clear from trash or tree trimmings is the responsibility of the neighbors.

“I know the neighborhood has a lot of debris and trash and it is our responsibility to also clean up the neighborhood. But I believe is the county or the city, whatever you live in I feel like it’s their responsibility to make sure that our trenches or ditches are actually trenched out and they’re not being built up with a bunch of debris,” Gilliam says.

The city of Goose Creek directed concerns for this area to the Berkeley County Stormwater Department. Berkeley County Stormwater Department says they are looking into the service history and plans for the neighborhood and will provide them when available.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Beer Man opens in Goose Creek, takes aim at craft beer deserts

The plan had been marinating for several years. Find a craft beer desert in an area where the population craves the craze and it will be a winning combination — at least that was the vision for the Beer Man craft beer shop at 214 St. James Ave. in Goose Creek.Co-owner Vince Lehr had his first Allagash beer 12 years ago. Ever since, he has been crafting a plan to open his own shop. The main reason: he could rarely find the beer that inspired his business model.“I couldn’t find it anywhere, and then I’d fi...

The plan had been marinating for several years. Find a craft beer desert in an area where the population craves the craze and it will be a winning combination — at least that was the vision for the Beer Man craft beer shop at 214 St. James Ave. in Goose Creek.

Co-owner Vince Lehr had his first Allagash beer 12 years ago. Ever since, he has been crafting a plan to open his own shop. The main reason: he could rarely find the beer that inspired his business model.

“I couldn’t find it anywhere, and then I’d find it and then it would disappear and then I’d find it again,” said Lehr. “Over the years, I was self-employed and I was just thinking about — I said, man somebody should open a craft beer store where you can always find the beer you want.”

“I literally envisioned everything you see here,” he said.

On July 2, the ribbon was cut on the store and his dream was finally a reality. He along with co-owner David Smith think they have found their niche’. He has beer from almost every continent as well as local brews. There are flags on the walls marking where the beers are from.

“Goose Creek is definitely where we wanted to put it,” Lehr said. ”... I’ve lived in Goose Creek for 20 years, Dave is born and bred in Berkeley County.”

“Part of the concept is we are looking for craft beer deserts ... and Goose Creek is the Sahara of the craft beer deserts.”

And there is plenty of beer to sell. Lehr said grocery stores do as much as they can to sell it, but here is more craft beer than there is shelf space.

“I appreciate what vendors have to do because they have all this beer and nowhere to go,” he said. “So when they are in a Publix and have three feet of space they can only do what they can do.”

“Having been an entrepreneur and a businessman and having been in retail all my life, I know there is this sea of beer out there looking for a home and a sea of people that love craft beer. So really it’s almost kind of a no-brainer to marry them,” he said.

In just his first days of opening, Lehr adds he has had numerous customers come in and prove his theory — that if he builds it, they will come. Many early customers have said: “I can’t find this beer anywhere and you have it,” or “I had to go all the way to James Island to find this beer.”

So his idea seems to be working, and he is certain he picked the right spot to help it grow.

“We definitely wanted to do it for the City of Goose Creek and they have been a wonderful partner,” he said. “I’m 55-years-old now and if somebody else would have done this I would have had to move. We are hoping it is successful enough that we are able to find other little craft beer deserts.”

Goose Creek ordinance allows residents to own chickens

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – Goose Creek could soon be home to… more chickens?A new chicken ordinance in Goose Creek allows residents to have up to four chickens at their homes, but there are some rules you must follow. South Carolina native’s soulful audition earns him spot on ‘The Voice’ “We’ve ...

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – Goose Creek could soon be home to… more chickens?

A new chicken ordinance in Goose Creek allows residents to have up to four chickens at their homes, but there are some rules you must follow.

“We’ve been trying to pass it for a while. It’s very contentious for reasonable reasons, and that is why our ordinance is so robust. It’s a four-page ordinance,” explained Goose Creek City Councilwoman Melissa Enos.

The ordinance allows homeowners to have up to four chickens, but no roosters, on their property. Renters can also have chickens with the landlord’s consent. Homeowners’ associations will still be allowed to ban chickens from neighborhoods. You must also have enough room in your yard for the chickens.

“You’re going to have to come down to the city and apply for a permit for $25, and the permit will have information on it that has the attached ordinance. You’ll have to have a coop, you have to have a chicken run- what the specifications of that is, your chicken food has to be in a rodent-proof container, all of those all of those sort of things. You can’t be able to see your chicken coop from your neighbor’s backyard, so you’ll either have to have a natural fence or a privacy fence. So, for all of those reasons you can’t have a rooster, you can’t have more than four chickens.”

The $25 permit will be an annual fee. Enos said that money will be used to help pay the code enforcement officers who will respond to complaints about chickens.

Some people have concerns about allowing chickens at all.

“One individual was saying he’s concerned about how it could increase rodents and snakes if your neighbor has one, what do you say to that,” we asked the city.

“Well, first of all, chickens are the closest thing to velociraptors- so they actually eat snakes. So, you’ll be okay with that. Responsible chicken owners have chicken mesh to keep them out of the coop and their food will be in rodent-proof containers,” Enos replied.

The ordinance is now in effect. Just head to city hall when they are open and apply.

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