What credit score do I need to buy a home in SC or NC?

It depends on the loan program. VA loans have no official minimum (most lenders look for 580+). FHA loans typically require 580 for 3.5% down. Conventional loans usually need 620 or higher.

Can I buy a home with zero down payment?

Yes. VA loans offer 100% financing for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. USDA loans also offer zero-down options in qualifying rural areas of NC and SC.

How long does the mortgage pre-approval process take?

In most cases, we issue a pre-approval within 24 hours of receiving your documents.

What is the difference between FHA and conventional loans?

FHA has lower credit requirements and smaller down payments (3.5%) with MIP for the life of the loan. Conventional requires 620+ but allows mortgage insurance removal at 20% equity.

Do you offer construction loans in South Carolina?

Yes. We offer one-time close construction loans available as VA, Conventional, Investor, and Development programs.

Local Mortgage Lender Serving All of NC & SC

The Local Ledger is a mortgage brokerage licensed to lend across every city, every county, and every community in North Carolina and South Carolina. Whether you’re on the coast, in the mountains, in a big metro, or in a small town, we can close your loan.

Statewide Service — NC & SC
We’re not limited to the Lowcountry. We serve buyers, sellers, and investors everywhere in both Carolinas. As we continue to grow, new markets are always being added — if you don’t see your city listed, call us and we’ll confirm.

South Carolina Markets
Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, North Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah, Seabrook, Folly Beach, Hanahan, Ladson, Moncks Corner, Ridgeville, St. George

Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, Little River

Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, Port Royal, Hardeeville

Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Blythewood, West Columbia, Cayce, Forest Acres, Chapin

Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Easley, Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Travelers Rest, Clemson, Seneca

Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Indian Land, Lancaster

Florence, Sumter, Aiken, Orangeburg, Walterboro, and all other SC communities

North Carolina Markets
Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill, Ballantyne, Concord, Kannapolis, Mooresville, Gastonia, Belmont

Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Garner, Clayton, Morrisville

Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough

Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, Burlington, Graham, Asheboro

Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, Brevard, Waynesville, Boone, Blowing Rock

Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Jacksonville

Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Sanford, Lumberton

Outer Banks — Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Corolla, Manteo

New Bern, Greenville NC, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and all other NC communities

Every Loan Program, Statewide
All of our programs — Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Construction, DSCR, Bank Statement, ITIN, 1099 Only, P&L Only, Asset Depletion, Foreign National, Reverse Mortgage, HELOC, and 203k Renovation — are available in every market we serve across NC and SC.

Don’t See Your City?
We’re growing fast and adding markets constantly. Call (843) 376-6213 or apply online — if we can’t serve your area today, we’ll tell you straight up and point you to

Browse All Loan Programs

FHA Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/fha-loans/

VA Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/va-loans/

Conventional Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/conventional-loans/

USDA Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/usda-loans-in-nc-sc-zero-down-rural-home-loans/

Jumbo Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/jumbo-loans-in-nc-sc-luxury-high-balance-mortgages/

Construction Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/construction-loans/

DSCR Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/dscr-loans-in-nc-sc-investor-property-financing-no-income-docs/

Bank Statement Loans NC & SC: https://thelocalledger.com/bank-statement-loans-in-nc-sc-self-employed-home-loans/

1099 Only Loans: https://thelocalledger.com/1099-only-loans-in-nc-sc-mortgages-for-independent-contractors/

P&L Only Loans: https://thelocalledger.com/pl-only-loans-in-nc-sc-cpa-prepared-profit-loss-mortgages/

Asset Depletion Loans: https://thelocalledger.com/asset-depletion-loans-in-nc-sc-qualify-using-your-assets/

ITIN Loans: https://thelocalledger.com/itin-loans-in-nc-sc-home-loans-without-a-social-security-number/

Foreign National Loans: https://thelocalledger.com/foreign-national-loans-in-nc-sc-mortgages-for-non-us-citizens/

HELOC & Home Equity: https://thelocalledger.com/heloc-home-equity-loans-in-nc-sc-tap-your-equity/

Reverse Mortgage (HECM): https://thelocalledger.com/reverse-mortgage-hecm-in-nc-sc-tap-home-equity-at-62/

FHA 203k Renovation: https://thelocalledger.com/fha-203k-renovation-loans-in-nc-sc-buy-rehab-in-one-loan/

Non-QM Loans: https://thelocalledger.com/non-qm-loans-in-nc-sc-alternative-mortgage-programs/

Local Mortgage Lender Serving All of NC & SC

Related Loan Programs & Next Steps