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.

VA LOAN CLOSING COSTS · NORTH CAROLINA

VA Loan Closing Costs in North Carolina

Understanding what you’ll pay at closing — and what the VA prohibits sellers from charging you. A practical guide for NC veterans in 2026.

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WHAT YOU’LL PAY

Typical VA Loan Closing Costs in NC

VA loans have lower closing costs than most loan types — and the VA limits certain fees entirely. Here’s what to expect on a typical NC home purchase:

VA Funding Fee: 2.3% (first use) or 3.6% (subsequent use) of the loan amount. Can be financed. Waived for veterans with service-connected disability.

Origination Fee: Up to 1% of the loan amount (VA-regulated).

Appraisal Fee: Typically $500–$700 in North Carolina for a VA appraisal.

Title Insurance & Settlement: Varies by county, typically $700–$1,500.

Prepaid Items: First year homeowners insurance, prepaid interest, and initial escrow deposit.

Recording Fees: County-specific, usually $50–$150 in NC.

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VA-PROHIBITED FEES

Fees the VA Prohibits Lenders from Charging

The VA’s non-allowable fees list protects veterans from being overcharged. Lenders cannot charge VA borrowers for:

Non-Allowable Fees

Prepayment penalties, attorney fees charged as closing costs, HUD/FHA inspection fees, real estate broker fees, and fees for loan application or processing beyond the 1% origination cap.

Seller Concessions

VA allows sellers to pay ALL of the veteran’s closing costs plus up to 4% of the sales price in additional concessions. In NC markets, many veterans negotiate sellers to cover most or all of their closing costs.

Real Cost Example

On a $280,000 home in Fayetteville or Jacksonville: VA funding fee (financed) = ~$6,440. Out-of-pocket closing costs with seller concessions = potentially $0. Compare that to a conventional loan requiring $8,400–56,000 in upfront costs.

REDUCING YOUR COSTS

How to Minimize VA Closing Costs in North Carolina

There are several ways NC veterans can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket closing costs:

1. Negotiate seller concessions. In most NC markets, sellers routinely contribute 2–4% toward closing costs. In a buyer-friendly market, this can cover virtually everything.

2. Finance the VA funding fee. Instead of paying the funding fee upfront, roll it into your loan. Your monthly payment increases slightly but you preserve your cash.

3. Check for VA disability waiver. If you have a VA-rated service-connected disability, the VA funding fee is fully waived — saving thousands.

4. Lender credits. In exchange for a slightly higher rate, some lenders offer credits that cover closing costs. Ask us to model this for your scenario.

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More NC VA Loan Resources

VA Loans Overview

VA Loan Requirements North Carolina

VA Loan Fayetteville NC

VA Loan Calculator

Cash to Close Estimator

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We’ll give you a detailed closing cost breakdown for your specific purchase price and county in North Carolina. No surprises at the closing table.

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