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.

Mortgage Pre-Approval in Raleigh, NC

Getting pre-approved is the single most important step before shopping for a home in the Raleigh area. A real pre-approval tells sellers in competitive neighborhoods like North Hills, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, and Downtown Raleigh that your financing is ready, and it gives you a clear monthly payment target based on current NC rates, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

What a Raleigh Pre-Approval Actually Means

A pre-approval is a full review of your income, assets, credit, and debts — not just a rate quote. For Raleigh buyers, we verify your documents, run automated underwriting, and issue a pre-approval letter you can use to write offers on homes across Wake County, including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, Knightdale, and Wake Forest.

What You’ll Need to Get Pre-Approved

Two most recent pay stubs (or YTD profit/loss if self-employed)
Two years of W-2s or 1099s
Two most recent bank statements (all pages)
Government-issued ID
Authorization to pull credit
VA buyers: Certificate of Eligibility (we can pull it for you)

How Long Does It Take?

In most cases we can issue a Raleigh pre-approval letter within 24 hours of receiving your documents. If you’re shopping for homes this weekend in areas like Five Points, ITB, Brier Creek, or near Research Triangle Park, we can often turn it around same-day.

Loan Programs Available in Raleigh

Conventional — as little as 3% down for first-time buyers
FHA — 3.5% down with flexible credit guidelines
VA — 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members
USDA — 0% down in eligible areas outside the Raleigh city limits
Jumbo — for higher-priced homes in North Hills, ITB, and Cary
One-Time Close Construction — build your Raleigh home with a single closing

Raleigh Market Snapshot

Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, fueled by Research Triangle Park employers, NC State University, and a strong healthcare and tech base. Homebuyers pre-approving here are typically targeting single-family homes inside Wake County with monthly payments in the $2,400–$3,800 range depending on price point, loan program, and down payment.

Why Buyers Choose The Local Ledger

Fast turn times — most pre-approvals issued in 24 hours
Licensed in North Carolina with deep Raleigh market knowledge
Direct access to your loan officer, not a call center
Support for first-time buyers, veterans, self-employed borrowers, and move-up buyers

Start Your Raleigh Pre-Approval

Start Pre-Approval

Learn more about VA loans in Raleigh, explore our full loan options, or estimate your payment with our mortgage calculators.

New to the area? Check out our Moving to Raleigh NC relocation guide for neighborhoods, employers, schools, and cost of living details.

Raleigh Mortgage Hub: See our complete Raleigh mortgage & home-buying guide (2026) for loan programs, neighborhoods, and relocation tips.