Honestly? Because real estate is different here on the coast, and you need someone who understands the lay of the land. When you call a 1-800 number, you’re often just a file number to them. To me, you’re a neighbor.

I know the local attorneys, the appraisers, and the insurance agents. I know which roads flood and which condos have tricky financing rules. My goal isn’t just to get you a loan; it’s to make sure you’re getting into a home that makes financial sense for you and your family. Plus, I’m here in Swansboro—if you have a worry on a night or weekend, you can actually reach me.

First off, take a deep breath! It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed, but that’s exactly why I’m here. We don’t need to rush into filling out applications.

The best first step is for us to just sit down (or hop on a call) and look at your budget. We’ll look at what you’re comfortable paying monthly, not just what the bank says you can borrow. I’ll walk you through every step, explain all the paperwork in plain English, and make sure you feel confident before we move forward.

This is the biggest surprise for folks moving here from other states. In North Carolina, when you make an offer on a house, you usually write two checks: one for “Earnest Money” and one for “Due Diligence.”

Due Diligence is a fee you pay directly to the seller to take their home off the market while we do inspections and get your loan finalized. Here is the catch: If you decide to walk away from the house for any reason, the seller keeps that money. It protects the seller, but it means we need to be very sure about your financing before you make an offer so you don’t lose that cash.

In our area, water can be tricky. Even if a house isn’t oceanfront, it might be near the Sound or a creek that rises during storms.

During our conversation, I’ll look up the specific flood zone for any house you’re interested in. Sometimes, flood insurance is mandatory; other times, it’s optional but highly recommended. I’ll also help you factor in the cost of Wind & Hail insurance, which is a separate cost here on the coast that many online calculators forget to include. I want to make sure your total monthly payment is exactly what you expect it to be, with no surprises later.

Absolutely. Thank you for your service! There is a common myth that the VA loan is a one-time benefit, but that isn’t true.

Depending on your situation, you can often use your “remaining entitlement” to buy another home, or if you’ve paid off your previous loan, you can restore your full entitlement. VA loans are some of the best products out there—often with $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance—and I want to make sure you get every benefit you’ve earned.

It is a little different. When you buy a property strictly for investment (like an Airbnb) or as a second home, the lenders view it as a slightly higher risk than the home you sleep in every night.

This usually means a slightly higher interest rate and a larger down payment (often 10% to 20% down). However, we can look at projected rental income to help you qualify. If you’re dreaming of owning a piece of the Crystal Coast, let’s run the numbers and see what it takes to make it profitable for you.

Don’t count yourself out before we talk. Life happens, and lenders understand that. While higher scores do get better rates, there are great programs (like FHA and VA loans) designed for folks with credit scores starting around 580 or 600.

Even if you aren’t ready today, I can help you come up with a plan to get your score where it needs to be over the next few months. I’m in this with you for the long haul.

No problem! Just shoot me a quick email at corey@coreyriggsmortgage.com, or you can call or text (910) 264-3425.