Claude & Associates Team

Claude & Associates Team Carolina Coastal Realty Group formerly known as Claude & Associates Real Estate is a full service brokerage leading in Berkeley,Dorchester,Charleston.

Helping people buy and sell Real Estate

09/14/2026

Just Listed in Summerville! 🌟🏡

500A N Pine St, a charming new addition to the neighborhood.

🛏️ 1 Bed | 🛁 1 Bath
✨ Cozy living space
🌳 Beautiful outdoor area
🌞 Bright and airy interiors
🚗 Conveniently located

This property offers a delightful blend of comfort and style, perfect for anyone looking to settle down in Summerville.

500A N Pine St, Summerville, SC 29483-6555

DM us for a private showing.

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09/12/2026

Looking to speed up your mortgage approval? Here's exactly what your lender needs within the first 24 hours of your application. Gather two years of tax returns along with W2s or 1099s, thirty days of recent pay stubs, and two months of bank statements from every account you have. Don't forget a photo ID and your purchase contract if you're already under agreement. Self-employed buyers will also need current profit and loss statements and business bank statements. The key to a faster closing timeline? Have all these documents ready before you submit your application, not after your lender requests them. This simple preparation step can significantly reduce delays and help you move through the approval process smoothly. Whether you're a first-time buyer or experienced homeowner, being organized with your paperwork from day one makes all the difference in getting to the closing table on time.

Ken Claude | SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer | Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC | Summit Lending Group | NMLS #2476547 | 843-900-1254 | Equal Housing Lender | Powered by C2 Financial Corporation

09/12/2026

Think your $0 income-driven student loan payment means nothing counts against your mortgage qualification? Think again. This is one of the most common mistakes homebuyers make when calculating their debt-to-income ratio.

Even if your student loan payment is currently deferred or your income-based repayment plan shows $0, most lenders are still required to count it against you. Conventional and FHA guidelines typically require lenders to use either your actual payment or calculate 0.5 to 1 percent of your total balance as a monthly payment when determining how much home you can afford.

That paused or low payment you're making might not be what appears in your DTI calculation at all. Before you start house hunting, have a direct conversation with your lender about exactly how they're required to calculate your student loan payment for your specific loan program. This knowledge could be the difference between getting approved for your dream home or facing an unexpected denial.

Ken Claude | SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer | Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC | Summit Lending Group | NMLS #2476547 | 843-900-1254 | Equal Housing Lender | Powered by C2 Financial Corporation

09/12/2026

Thinking about switching jobs but worried it will delay your home closing? Good news! In many cases, you can close on your home before receiving your first paycheck at a new position. Lenders often accept a signed, executed offer letter as documentation instead of traditional pay stubs, particularly for salaried roles with a clearly defined start date. The offer letter should include your start date, salary information, and employment type. Your lender will typically conduct a verbal verification of employment near closing to confirm everything is still on track. Keep in mind that positions heavily dependent on commissions or bonuses can be more challenging to use this approach. The key is communication – don't assume a job change automatically means postponing your closing. Reach out to your lender early to discuss your specific situation and understand your options.

Ken Claude | SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer | Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC | Summit Lending Group | NMLS #2476547 | 843-900-1254 | Equal Housing Lender | Powered by C2 Financial Corporation

09/12/2026

Discover a smart real estate investment strategy that many investors miss! Instead of the traditional flip model, consider living in a property while you renovate it. Here's the game-changer: after owning and living in the home as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years, you can sell and potentially exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains from taxes as a single filer, or $500,000 if married filing jointly, according to IRS rules.

While this approach takes longer than a traditional flip, the substantial tax advantages on your profit can make the extended timeline worthwhile. The key is using the property as your primary residence during the renovation period.

Important note: Always consult with a qualified tax professional about your specific situation before assuming the exclusion automatically applies to your circumstances. Tax rules can be complex and individual situations vary.

Want to learn more about maximizing your real estate investments? Reach out to discuss how this strategy might work for you at 843-900-1254.

09/12/2026

Confused about down payment assistance programs? Let's break down the three main types and what they actually cost you. First, a true grant is the gold standard—free money that never needs to be repaid as long as you meet basic program requirements. Second, a forgivable loan starts as a second lien on your home but disappears if you stay for a specified period, typically 3-5 years. Move or refinance early, though, and you'll owe it back. Third, a silent second is an actual loan with deferred payments—you won't pay monthly, but you must repay the full amount when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of the loan term.

The critical takeaway? These programs may look similar on paper, but the obligations are vastly different. Before signing, make sure you understand exactly which type you're receiving and how it impacts your future flexibility.

Ken Claude | SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer | Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC | Summit Lending Group | NMLS #2476547 | 843-900-1254 | Equal Housing Lender | Powered by C2 Financial Corporation.

09/11/2026

A buyer recently came to me believing she couldn't combine an FHA loan with down payment assistance because one lender told her it wasn't possible. This misconception almost cost her the opportunity to become a homeowner. We connected her with a lender who specializes in down payment assistance programs and discovered she absolutely could combine both options.

By pairing FHA's 3.5% down payment requirement with an SC Housing DPA program, we reduced her cash to close from several thousand dollars to just a few thousand—a game-changing difference for her budget. This is a crucial lesson for all homebuyers: not every lender offers every loan combination. Just because one lender says no doesn't mean the option doesn't exist.

If you're told a particular loan combination isn't available, seek out a lender who specializes in down payment assistance products before giving up. The right expertise can open doors you didn't know existed and make homeownership far more accessible than you imagined.

Ken Claude | SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer | Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC | Summit Lending Group | NMLS #2476547 | 843-900-1254 | Equal Housing Lender | Powered by C2 Financial Corporation

09/11/2026

Think you need to hire a credit repair company to fix your credit score? Think again. In this video, we're busting a common financial myth that costs people hundreds of dollars unnecessarily.

The truth is, you can dispute inaccurate items on your credit report directly with the credit bureaus completely free of charge. You're also entitled to access your full credit reports weekly at no cost through annualcreditreport.com. Plus, HUD-approved nonprofit agencies offer free credit counseling services to help you understand and improve your credit.

Most paid credit repair companies are simply doing what you can easily do yourself – they're just charging you a premium for it. Before spending money on these services, start with the free dispute process available to everyone. You have the power to take control of your credit without paying a dime.

Ken Claude, SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer at Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC and Summit Lending Group. NMLS #2476547. Contact: 843-900-1254. Equal Housing Lender. Powered by C2 Financial Corporation.

09/11/2026

Been told your debt-to-income ratio is too high for a mortgage? Don't panic – it's usually a "not yet," not a "never." Start by asking your lender for your exact DTI number and what the program's maximum allows. You might be closer than you think. From there, you have several options to improve your ratio: pay down credit card balances, completely pay off a small loan or debt, add a qualified co-borrower to your application, or explore loan programs with higher DTI allowances, like FHA loans instead of conventional mortgages. The key is understanding that DTI is a solvable number, not a permanent roadblock to homeownership. With the right strategy and guidance, you can adjust your financial position and get approved. If you're facing this challenge and need personalized advice on which approach makes the most sense for your situation, reach out today. Let's turn that "not yet" into a "yes" and get you into your new home.

09/11/2026

Looking to improve your debt-to-income ratio in just 90 days? Here's your strategic action plan: Start by paying down revolving balances like credit cards—they impact your DTI the fastest. Resist the temptation to open new credit accounts, even for rate comparisons, as new accounts add debt and hard inquiries to your profile. Consider paying off a small installment loan completely rather than just making extra payments; eliminating the monthly obligation removes it from your DTI calculation entirely. Most importantly, avoid co-signing any loans for others during this period. The key is consistency over three months, not just an aggressive push for thirty days. These focused steps can make a measurable difference in your financial profile when maintained steadily. Ready to take control of your DTI and improve your borrowing power?

Ken Claude | SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer | Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC | Summit Lending Group | NMLS #2476547 | 843-900-1254 | Equal Housing Lender | Powered by C2 Financial Corporation

Address

500 N Pine Street
Summerville, SC
29483

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18439001254

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