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A recent study by Fannie Mae revealed a surprising lack of confidence among consumers about the mortgage process.
There’s good reason to feel a little cautious. Home prices in Charleston have risen 70% since February 2020, and mortgage rates have also climbed. However, homeownership remains a top priority for most, with many considering it a sound long-term investment.
All of this can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your ability to qualify for a home loan. The good news is there are options available—options you may not even be aware of.
So today, we’ll discuss some different mortgage resources available here in Charleston
Challenges When Navigating the Mortgage Process
Fannie Mae’s study found that many consumers are unaware of important aspects of the mortgage process, which creates additional hurdles.
Here are the top three challenges consumers face due to knowledge gaps:
- Lack of confidence: Less than half (45%) of consumers would feel confident going through the mortgage process. That number drops to 38% for those who are actively home shopping.
- Overestimating minimum down payment: 90% of consumers either don’t know or overestimate the minimum down payment required for a typical mortgage.
- Misestimating minimum credit score: Only 32% of consumers know the approximate minimum credit score required by mortgage lenders (the FICO minimum score required is 620). The remaining either overestimate or underestimate this number.
The study also found that just 32% are “somewhat” or “very” familiar with low down-payment programs, and 40% are aware of mortgage counseling services available.
To make sure that you have all the information you need, keep reading for mortgage resources available here in Charleston.
Mortgage Resources in Charleston
Low Down Payment Assistance Programs
You may know that a 20% down payment isn’t required, but how low can you go? In some cases, as low as 0-3% down. Let me know here to connect with my list of vetted lenders who can let you know if you qualify for the different downpayment assistance programs they have available.
Mortgage Counseling Services
Housing counseling or mortgage counseling services are also available to help you prepare your finances and get ready for the costs of home ownership. Here is a list of local programs available.
Professional Lenders
Reading about these programs and services online is one thing, but I always recommend speaking with a knowledgeable, trusted professional to gain a deeper understanding of all the resources available to you. Let me know here if you’d like my list of vetted mortgage lenders, and I’ll send them right over. You can also download my Buyer's Guide here which has a ton of great mortgage tips as well.
Remember, the key to a successful homebuying experience is knowledge and preparation. By getting the right support system in place, you can turn your dream of homeownership into a reality.
Curious about your home's value and what's happening in your neighborhood?
Get in touch. National numbers are a great measuring stick to see how the overall economy and housing market are doing, but they don’t account for local home values and your personal financial situation.
