Your Local Mortgage Lender

Located in South and North Carolina

Personalized Mortgage Experience

Matt Brady offers personalized service and loan options you'll love. We shop multiple lenders to find the best rate and product for you, getting you into your dream home faster.

With wholesale interest rates and cutting-edge technology, we make the mortgage process seamless. Trust the experts who focus solely on mortgages. Support your local community and experience elite client service.

Let us help you achieve your homeownership dreams!

The Home Loan Process

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved from one of our Loan Officers to see how much you can afford.

House Shopping

Work with a trusted Real Estate Agent to find a home you would like to move into.

Loan Application

Complete your home loan application to get the lending process started.

Don't take my word for it

Mortgage Programs

Experience the best mortgage experience located in Clover,South Carolina.

Home Loan Options

Our experienced mortgage advisors will walk you through the best mortgage loan program that will fit your specific scenario.

Conventional Home Loans.

FHA Home Loans.

USDA Home Loans.

VA Home Loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I refinance my mortgage?

There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance. However, you must qualify every time you apply and there will be costs associated with closing the loan each time.

Can I buy a home if I do not have money for a down payment?

Yes! There are a number of bond programs that offer low or no down payment financing options.

How do I know which mortgage is right for me?

The key to choosing the right mortgage is to understand the range of options and features available to you, as well as your budget, circumstances, and goals. Our licensed mortgage professionals are here to help you navigate that process. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you will be choosing the best option for you and your family.

How long will the loan process take?

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) does not permit a lender to close a loan until at least seven (7) business days have passed from the date your application was received. A typical home loan takes 30 days, as a number of third-party services such as appraisals, title work, and credit are required in conjunction with the mortgage process. Once you familiarize your Loan Officer with the details of your specific loan scenario, they will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline.

Will I qualify for a home loan?

The only way to find out is to speak with a qualified mortgage professional. Our Loan Officers have helped numerous clients who didn’t know if they could qualify to become home owners. We take the time to understand your financial situation and long-term financial goals, and then match you with the loan program that best fits your needs. Your approval for a loan may also largely depend on the price of the home you are financing. Getting pre-qualified prior to beginning your home search can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford.

Why do people refinance their mortgages?

Homeowners typically refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of their loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts.

How much money will I have to pay upfront to buy a home?

This question does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The exact amount will depend on the price of the home you buy as well the type of mortgage financing you choose. Depending on your loan program, your down payment could be as much as 20% of the home’s price or as little as 3%, while some loans require no down payment at all.

Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?

You may still qualify for a home loan even if you have experienced a bankruptcy. The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a Loan Officer to discuss your options. Be sure to bring all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy so your Loan Officer can find the program that best fits your situation.

Should I lock my interest rate now, or wait until we are closer to our closing?

Interest rates fluctuate all day, every day. If an interest rate is good, it may be in your best interest to lock now. If you wait, you run the risk of an increase in rates later. If you are concerned that rates may go down after you lock, contact your Loan Officer to discuss your options. Some programs allow you to lock for an extended period and choose to lower your rate should a better one become available.

Most Recent Blog Updates

Do You Really Need 20% Down? Matt Brady on Down Payment Trade-Offs and Keeping Cash in the Bank

Do You Really Need 20% Down? Matt Brady on Down Payment Trade-Offs and Keeping Cash in the Bank

November 12, 2026•2 min read

The Question Every Hopeful Buyer Asks

Matt Brady hears the same question from buyers again and again: do I really need twenty percent down to buy a house? His answer is no. Before you spend years trying to save that much, he encourages you to figure out whether that goal actually makes sense for your situation. For many buyers, the twenty percent target is a belief rather than a requirement, and it can keep capable buyers on the sidelines far longer than necessary.

Three Things Matt Looks at With Every Buyer

When Matt sits down with buyers, they look at three things together. First, what you need to bring to close. Second, what monthly payment you are comfortable with. Third, what you will have left in the bank afterward. Looking at all three at once gives a much more honest picture than focusing on the down payment alone.

More Down Is Not Always Better

Putting more money down might lower your monthly payment, but draining your savings to do it can leave you stretched. A homeowner with a lower payment and an empty account can be more vulnerable than one with a slightly higher payment and a healthy cushion. Repairs, appliance failures, and other surprises are part of owning a home, and cash reserves help you handle them without stress.

Lower Down Payments and Assistance Programs

Depending on your situation, a lower down payment or down payment assistance could be worth exploring. Many loan programs allow much less than twenty percent down, and assistance programs may be available depending on your location, income, and loan type. Eligibility and terms vary, so it is worth reviewing which options apply to you.

Comparing the Trade-Offs Side by Side

Once the options are on the table, Matt compares the payment, the mortgage insurance, and the cash you could keep available under each scenario. Mortgage insurance is a real cost with a lower down payment, but it is only one part of the picture. Seeing the numbers next to each other makes it easier to decide which trade-off fits your life.

A Plan Built Around Your Life

Matt’s job is to help you understand those trade-offs and build a plan around your life, not around a rule of thumb. Your income, your savings, your timeline, and your goals all matter in deciding how much to put down.

Reach Out and Run Your Numbers

If twenty percent is the number keeping you on the sidelines, reach out to Matt Brady. Let’s run your numbers and see whether buying now or saving longer makes the most sense.


Sources

ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
FreddieMac.com
Fanniemae.com
HUD.gov
NAR.realtor

Back to Blog

Mortgage Calculator

See your total mortgage payments using the tool below.

16.67
%
%
years
$/year
%
$/year
$1,685.20
Your estimated monthly payment with PMI.
PMI:
$208.33
Monthly Tax Paid:
$200.00
Monthly Home Insurance:
$83.33
PMI End Date:
Dec 2027
Total PMI Payments:
27
Monthly Payment after PMI:
$1,476.87
🏠Mortgage Details
Loan Amount:
$250,000.00
Down Payment:
$50,000.00 (16.67%)
Total Interest Paid:
$179,673.77
Total PMI to :
$5,416.67
Total Tax Paid:
$72,000.00
Total Home Insurance:
$30,000.00
Total of 360 Payments:
$537,298.77
Loan pay-off date:
Sep 2055
⚖️Monthly Vs Bi-Weekly Payment
$1,476.87
Monthly Payment
Sep 2055
Pay-off Date
$179,673.77
Total Interest Paid
$738.44
Bi-weekly Payment
Aug 2051
Pay-off Date
$151,482.12
Total Interest Paid
Total Interest Savings: $28,191.64
Yearly Amortization Schedule
Year Interest Principal Balance
The High Desert Group Logo

Social Media Links

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Contact Us

(803) 322-8398

Clover,South Carolina 29710

Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Matt Brady NMLS #2006286 | CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, 2160 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 NMLS3029 | Licensed in NC, SC | Equal Housing Opportunity | Equal Housing Lender | https://NMLSConsumerAccess.org | https://crosscountrymortgage.com/mortgage/privacy-policy/ | https://crosscountrymortgage.com/mortgage/licensing-and-disclosures/