Few purchases give you a sense of pride and accomplishment like buying a new home. From white picket fences and lush green grass to cookouts with neighbors and holidays with the family, owning a home is magical. Like most great things, though, enduring the home-buying process takes a lot of work. There are many steps to take and difficult decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions is what type of home loan and mortgage broker to choose. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you're a seasoned owner with multiple properties, you will need a trusted mortgage broker in Hanahan, SC, with your best interests at heart.
If you're like most people, you need a mortgage professional whose top priority is their customers - an expert who can provide accurate advice and guidance so you can make educated decisions. That's where Mija Mortgage comes into the picture.
Whether you want the best interest rates or don't know where to start in the home-buying process, Mija Mortgage can set you up in the right direction. From getting you pre-qualified to buy a home to securing a veteran's loan, Mija Mortgage is the trusted solution you need. As Hanahan natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in Hanahan, SC, we bring years of high-level experience and insight to the table. Having worked with hundreds of clients during our time in business, we know you're probably going through a range of emotions right now. Buying a new home can be a scary process, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we make every effort to make ourselves accessible and available for clients. Our primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage for your family and your budget.
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:
Most people simply don't have access to the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to purchase a home with cash. Instead, they take out a mortgage loan to buy a home. Unfortunately, many homebuyers are anxious to get the ball rolling and, due to their excitement, fail to shop around for the best mortgage rates. To some degree, avoiding this step makes sense, as it requires a lot of legwork and research to get the job done. For those not wanting to spend hours researching a reasonable mortgage, there's an alternative to consider - working with a mortgage broker.
To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.
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 Hanahan, 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.
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:
Most people choose to use a mortgage broker because they have access to different lenders and interest rates. But a great mortgage broker brings more to the table than a choice of lenders.
Save You from Unneeded Stress:One of the biggest advantages of hiring a mortgage broker is that they can find and vet loans while managing the mortgage process on your behalf. The best mortgage companies, like Mija Mortgage, hire brokers who are experts at keeping underwriting on track, coordinating with relevant parties, and handling all paperwork involved. At the end of the day, mortgage brokers save you stress and time and often expedite the closing process.
More Access: We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: A mortgage broker provides access to a range of loans, rates, and lenders. In fact, many mortgage brokers can get rates lower than what the average person could get from a lender.
Save You Money: There's a chance that your mortgage broker can get your mortgage fees reduced or waived by the lender, which could save you a good deal of money.
Help with Unfavorable Financial Situations: Expert mortgage brokers can often assist in challenging financial situations, like when a buyer has inconsistent income or less-than-perfect credit. Experienced brokers, like those at Mija Mortgage, are often aware of lenders willing to will work with nontraditional borrowers.
Provide Key Insights: Mortgage brokers share important insights, such as your chances for a home loan approval and exactly how much house you can afford. They can also save you from making costly mistakes based on their years of expertise in the mortgage industry.
While settling on the best type of home loan isn't as exciting as searching for the home of your dreams, it's equally important. Yes, your Mija Mortgage loan officer in Hanahan, SC, will be happy to help explain the differences between home loans. But understanding the basics ahead of time will save you stress and time in the long run.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you have questions about the complexities of mortgages and home loans? As your advocate, Mija Mortgage is here to answer any questions you have about mortgages and the home-buying process. We encourage you to call our office to speak directly with one of our mortgage experts or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
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 Hanahan, 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:
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.
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 Hanahan, 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.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Sometimes, in the toughest of times, it’s the littlest thing from the most unlikely place.“My purpose in life has always been to look after kids and their purpose,” North Charleston High School (NCHS) assistant coach and Lowcountry native Ray Mullins said. “Help them grow confidence. Coaching the game, I fell in love with the game. Gave me confidence and I tried to instill confidence in kids who needed places to grow.”Mullins graduated from Hanahan. Played for ...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Sometimes, in the toughest of times, it’s the littlest thing from the most unlikely place.
“My purpose in life has always been to look after kids and their purpose,” North Charleston High School (NCHS) assistant coach and Lowcountry native Ray Mullins said. “Help them grow confidence. Coaching the game, I fell in love with the game. Gave me confidence and I tried to instill confidence in kids who needed places to grow.”
Mullins graduated from Hanahan. Played for Lander. He’s coached in the area for over two decades.
Read more: Northwood Academy basketball player surprised on court on senior night
“Coach Ray, I am forever grateful for him,” Summerville native and Pinewood Prep grad Michael Wright said. “There is a short list of coaches. Coach Eidson, my dad, who impact a player, and Ray was one of those guys. The moment I walked into the gym, he took me under his wing and believed in me as a basketball player.”
Their bond is deeply rooted. But, lives move on. Wright went to Pinewood Prep. He played AAU basketball for Mullins as a 15 year old. Wright is now a fifth year graduate student at University of Illinois Springfield. He plans on playing professional basketball overseas. Mullins, now teaching and coaching at NCHS, the place where his life forever changed less than a year ago.
“I was in Mr. Darby’s office at NCHS when I found out - they just told me - stage 4,” he said. “You think about life. You think about how things are going to work out - you hear stage 4. Nowadays, stage 4 isn’t a good thing to hear, but with technology and people wanting to support, there is a plan out there for you.”
Just as cancer spreads, so does word of it.
“Terrible,” Wright said. “I remember finding out through Facebook. Something he had gone through. Somebody who cares so much about community and given so much to community through basketball, to have something like that effect their life, never like to see that.”
So, Wright took his emotions into his own hands. Literally. During the “Coaches versus cancer” night - he held up a sign. It simply said, “I suit up for Ray Mullins”.
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“It’s humbling to me, brings me hope, great things in humanity,” Mullins said. “He did surprise me with the salute at the game the other night - super proud of him and what he’s become as a man. Just super proud. Gives me hope, doesn’t allow me to quit- didn’t know what quitting was until I started this chemo thing. They say not to quit, stay strong.”
“I got too much to pay it forward for, it’s not just about me,” he continued. “About kids I’m coaching. Kids that are fighting the same fight against cancer.”
In basketball terms, impact, is a “give and go”.
Hanahan High School coach Brian Mitchell enters his 20th season as the Hawks’ handler in baseball.He expects this year’s bunch to look about like most before it on the diamond. As the curtains open on the season, Mitchell’s squad is No. 4 in Class AAA by the South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association.Last spring, the Hawks won 25 games and capped the campaign in the Lower State tournament.“You could hit repeat on our last 10 years,” said Mitchell, who has more than 300 career victories. &ld...
Hanahan High School coach Brian Mitchell enters his 20th season as the Hawks’ handler in baseball.
He expects this year’s bunch to look about like most before it on the diamond. As the curtains open on the season, Mitchell’s squad is No. 4 in Class AAA by the South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association.
Last spring, the Hawks won 25 games and capped the campaign in the Lower State tournament.
“You could hit repeat on our last 10 years,” said Mitchell, who has more than 300 career victories. “We have some pitching and defense to be competitive. We’ve got to find some bats. We’ve got to hit. How far we’re able to go comes down to generating some runs. How are we going to be hitting at the end of the year?”
A recent practice was spent grinding at the plate, working on small ball. The Hawks bunted for more than an hour. Mitchell doesn’t think the Hawks are going to be able to sit on the bases and wait for doubles for run production.
“We’re going to have to be a hard-nosed contact team and put pressure on teams on the bases,” Mitchell said.
The Hawks begin the regular season on March 9 at Fort Dorchester and follow with road clashes at James Island on March 10 and West Ashley on March 13. Hanahan opens its home slate on March 15 versus Gainesville (Fla.) High School.
A stellar group of seniors are back to guide the journey this spring. Nick Cappello, a catcher/pitcher, batted .348 and posted a 7-0 mark on the mound with a 1.55 ERA as a junior. Catcher Mason Brady batted .333 in 2022. Outfielders Brayden Joseph and Kwame Parker made the most of their opportunities at the dish last season, hitting .441 and .419 in a total of 79 plate appearances. Pitcher/infielder Braylon Mitchell garnered three pitching victories as a junior but is currently sidelined with an injury.
From the junior class, brothers Landon Gomes and Hunter Gomes are key returners who made an impact in 2022. Landon, an outfielder, batted .328 and Hunter was 8-0 from the mound with a 2.53 ERA.
Additional arms on the bump are Gabe Dotterweich, Porter Sprovero, Nate Humphrey and Lucas Brown. Joining Brady and Cappello on the other end of the battery is Joey Smith.
Joseph and Sprovero are at first base while Jacob Bunting and Riley Turner are competing for time at second base. Camden Kackley moves into shortstop, replacing all-state player Aryan Patel, and Hunter Gomes is on the hot corner.
More players expected to roam the outfield grass are Dylan Crocker and Harry Swindal.
“I think we have good chemistry,” Mitchell said. “They’re all pulling for each other. We have some position battles but they know we’re all pulling in the same direction. They’re used to winning. They know it starts with team chemistry. These guys understand the teams that win are the teams that do all the small things right.”
After being reelected for another term on Tuesday, Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater is already preparing for the next four years.HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - After being reelected for another term on Tuesday, Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater is already preparing for the next four years.In this year’s election, no opponents ran against Rainwater, which she says was a relief to not sit on the edge of her seat and worry about winning or not.“I feel like the residents of the city have seen the work I’ve put in, a...
After being reelected for another term on Tuesday, Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater is already preparing for the next four years.
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - After being reelected for another term on Tuesday, Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater is already preparing for the next four years.
In this year’s election, no opponents ran against Rainwater, which she says was a relief to not sit on the edge of her seat and worry about winning or not.
“I feel like the residents of the city have seen the work I’ve put in, and they want that to keep going,” she says. “They want the momentum to continue, and no one ran against me. I’m able to really continue keeping that momentum going.”
The Hanahan City Council and school board members were all reelected on Tuesday, and the mayor says will continue as a strong partnership because of the established relationships.
Similar to the rest of the Lowcountry, Hanahan continues to grow. Rainwater focused on building economic development and recreation in the area by adding two new parks over the last four years.
“Really bringing this quality of life to the residents is what we’ve been doing over the past four years and will continue to do over the next four,” she says.
As for the upcoming four years, the mayor really wants to focus on flooding concerns, more economic growth and additional housing for the community. She also mentioned that the Lowcountry Rapid Transit plans include four stops that will positively impact Hanahan.
“We are really looking at our specifically downtown area and how can we allow for housing that will work for everyone,” Rainwater says. “We have changed the ordinances over the past few years that will allow for us to build up a little higher and bring that in.”
The mayor also expressed that Hanahan has a small-town feel despite being the seventeenth-largest city in South Carolina.
“I like to say I bleed blue and orange,” she says. “Hanahan is the heart of the Lowcountry. When you look at its location, you’ve got downtown Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and right in the heart, you’ll find Hanahan. The truth is, it’s not just because of its location; the people in Hanahan are so special.”
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HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — Some Hanahan residents are unhappy about potential plans for a new apartment complex.The plot is 17 acres of land near Tanner Hall. Right...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — Some Hanahan residents are unhappy about potential plans for a new apartment complex.
The plot is 17 acres of land near Tanner Hall. Right now the land is zoned for single-family use, but the developer wants to change it to multi-family use to build about 300 apartments.
"It's zoned single-family dwellings and it would hold about 70 additional homes. It's up for rezoning now," said Sean Kennedy, a Tanner Hall resident of 16 years. "I want to point out- this is for the second time in less than six months."
Kennedy says he wants the acres to be homes since that is what the land is zoned for. There are signs all throughout the neighborhood saying, "Say no to re-zoning."
"We have more apartments than what is needed," Kennedy said. "You can go half a mile, a 5-minute walk, and there are hundreds and hundreds of apartments."
"They are going to negatively affect my home, my community, my neighborhood, and my quality of life," said Brittany Wood, a Tanner Hall resident of two years.
The developer, Panther Resident Management, feels differently than the residents. They are requesting the City of Hanahan to re-zone the property.
"We think this project is a huge win-win for the City of Hanahan," said Eric Wardrop, principal at Panther Residential Management. "There are housing shortages all over Charleston. Hanahan is no different."
The planning commission meeting was supposed to happen Tuesday night but now is pushed to February. Wardrop said they have been meeting with city officials and residents to build the best plan for the community.
"[The current plans] included shifting buildings, enhancing landscaping buffers, enhancing security and procedures throughout the complex, fence around the gated community," said Wardrop. "A project like this is not detrimental to Hanahan where housing is expensive; not a lot of affordable options."
Still, Tanner Hall residents are concerned.
"No one wants to see Hanahan become a sea of apartment complexes like you can see in other parts of Charleston," said Wood.
The next planning commission meeting for the City of Hanahan is on February 2.
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – The owner of a fitness training company in Hanahan that has been working with kids and adults for a few years is calling on the community to help keep his business open.Kendrick Robinson opened The Factory Sports and Fitness Training in Hanahan a year before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States to help train people in basketball, football, and other athletics.“It was something that God brought to...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – The owner of a fitness training company in Hanahan that has been working with kids and adults for a few years is calling on the community to help keep his business open.
Kendrick Robinson opened The Factory Sports and Fitness Training in Hanahan a year before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States to help train people in basketball, football, and other athletics.
“It was something that God brought to me. He gave me a vision,” said Robinson. “I wanted to have a facility where the youth in our community could (better) selves and have a safe place where they can come and train.”
“He always helps out. He helps out with kids like schoolwork and stuff like that before training,” said Christian Gray, who has been coming to the program for four years.
Robinson said working with the youth is his passion. But things have been tough financially, he said.
“Our rates are really not expensive, but if they’re not able to do training, we try to do charitable giving would give out free sessions,” explained Robinson.
He went on to say, “We kind of gotten [sic] to a rough patch since Covid. We had a business plan, and it kind of altered all of that, and we’ve been playing catch-up ever since.”
Robinson decided Sunday to let the public know they might have to close next month and started a GoFundMe in hopes of finding some assistance.
“Not something I wanted to go public with, but closed mouths don’t get fed. God revealed that to me, he told me to make sure I keep this place open and get the help that we needed from the community. The response has been, man amazing.”
More than $2,500 has already come in from the community, of the $10,000 they need.
“It’s been amazing to get all the feedback and support from the supporters we’ve had over the years and knowing that we’re doing the right thing just by being transparent with the community and letting them know that it hasn’t always been easy.”
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