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

06/20/2026

Adding a co-borrower changes your entire qualifying picture. Lenders combine both borrowers’ gross monthly income and both borrowers’ monthly debts into one debt-to-income (DTI) calculation — so a co-borrower only helps if their income improves the blended ratio after their debts are included. A partner with significant monthly obligations can actually raise the combined DTI instead of lowering it. Before bringing someone onto the loan, run the numbers: (your gross monthly income + their gross monthly income) ÷ (all monthly debts + projected mortgage payment). If the result falls below your program’s DTI threshold, the co-borrower helps. If it stays the same or increases, adding them may not achieve your goal. Bottom line: do the math first, then decide. 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.

06/19/2026

Every investor building a rental portfolio hits the same wall: conventional loans demand income documentation, and tax-optimized returns on paper shrink your borrowing power. DSCR financing changes the game by removing personal income requirements — lenders only ask one question: does the rental income cover the mortgage? If rent divided by debt service is 1.0 or higher, the property qualifies on its own cash flow. No W-2s, no Schedule E AGI, no depreciation explanations — the deal underwrites itself. Expect higher rates and larger down payments, but for investors blocked by their tax structure, DSCR is the unlock. Ken Claude, SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer, explains how DSCR makes rental properties qualify by cash flow alone and when it’s the right move for your portfolio. Contact: 843-900-1254. Equal Housing Lender. Powered by C2 Financial Corporation. NMLS #2476547.

06/19/2026

Most buyers know mortgage interest is deductible — fewer know South Carolina buyers can turn part of that deduction into a federal tax credit through the SC Housing Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program. Unlike a deduction that lowers taxable income, an MCC credit reduces your actual tax bill dollar-for-dollar every year you occupy the home. On a $200,000 loan at current rates, the annual credit can be several thousand dollars depending on the MCC rate, and it applies for the life of the loan while you live in the house. You must apply through an SC Housing–approved lender before closing — it can’t be added later. If you’re buying in South Carolina and qualify, always evaluate the MCC alongside down payment assistance (DPA) options. For guidance, contact Ken Claude, SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer, Carolina Coastal Realty Group, Summit Lending Group, NMLS #2476547, 843-900-1254. Equal Housing Lender. Powered by C2 Financial Corporation.

06/19/2026

Paying off a collection before applying for a mortgage isn’t always the smart move. Whether you should pay depends on the loan program and how old the collection is. FHA often doesn’t require non-medical collections under certain balances to be paid; conventional loans may demand all collections cleared; VA tends to be flexible; USDA rules vary by lender. Beware: contacting or paying an old collection can restart the statute of limitations and may temporarily drop your credit score by showing recent activity. Before you pay anything, confirm program requirements and consult your loan officer. 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.

06/19/2026

Many potential buyers assume they earn too much for down payment assistance — but income limits are tied to area median income (AMI), not a fixed cap. In most SC markets, eligible ranges are about 80–120% of AMI, which in places like Summerville and Orangeburg can mean qualifying incomes well above $80,000. SC Housing’s Palmetto Home Advantage allows even higher ceilings. Income counted is gross (before taxes) for all borrowers; self‑employment income is averaged over two years from tax returns. Don’t self‑disqualify — have a lender run the actual numbers for your county to see if you qualify. Contact Ken Claude, SC Real Estate Broker‑in‑Charge & Licensed Loan Officer, Carolina Coastal Realty Group / Summit Lending Group, NMLS #2476547, 843‑900‑1254. Equal Housing Lender. Powered by C2 Financial Corporation.

06/18/2026

Buyers are often surprised which debts count toward Debt-to-Income (DTI) and which don’t. Quick rule: any installment loan with 10+ payments left—car, student, personal loans—gets included. All revolving minimums (credit cards) count regardless of balance. Co-signed accounts count even if someone else pays. Child support and alimony are included too. What doesn’t count: utilities, phone bills, insurance premiums, subscriptions, and medical bills not on your credit report. Practical impact: a co-signed loan for a sibling’s car can eat a big chunk of your approval power even if you never touch it. Before applying, pull your credit report and map every tradeline—know what the underwriter will see. 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.

06/18/2026

Most first-time buyers stop budgeting at closing — and that’s where real costs begin. Experts recommend setting aside 1–3% of your home’s price each year for maintenance and unexpected repairs. On a $250,000 home, that’s $2,500–$7,500 annually. Appliances fail, HVAC needs servicing, and roofs wear out, even on newer homes. The least-stressed buyers close with six months of mortgage payments in savings and avoid dipping into that buffer. If closing leaves you with no margin, your true cost of ownership already exceeds your plan. Don’t wait until after signing: build your reserve before you commit so the first year doesn’t become a financial emergency. 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.

06/18/2026

Changing jobs during a mortgage can make or break your closing — it all comes down to timing and transparency. In this quick video, Ken Claude explains why telling your lender before you start a new job is critical, how same-field moves are usually low risk, and why big career shifts trigger income-continuity reviews. Learn the difference in how underwriters treat hourly/salaried vs. commission pay, see examples of the worst-case surprise (disclosing days before closing) versus the manageable approach (immediate disclosure + offer letter), and get practical advice to avoid last-minute delays. If you’re switching jobs while buying a home, watch this to protect your closing and keep your mortgage on track. Contact Ken Claude for guidance.

06/18/2026

South Carolina homeowners: did you know your primary residence can qualified for two big tax savings? First, eligible homeowners who are 65+, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind can apply for a homestead exemption that removes the first $50,000 of fair market value from property tax assessments — lowering your annual bill. Second, all primary residences in SC get the 4% owner-occupant assessment rate (vs. 6% for second homes and rentals), which can meaningfully reduce taxes year after year. Neither benefit is automatic: you must apply with your county assessor and show proof of primary residence. Apply promptly after closing and watch filing deadlines — don’t miss out. For help navigating the process, contact Ken Claude, SC Real Estate Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer at Carolina Coastal Realty Group, LLC and Summit Lending Group, NMLS #2476547 — 843-900-1254. Equal Housing Lender. Powered by C2 Financial Corporation.

06/17/2026

Choosing between DSCR and conventional loans depends on your income and how many rentals you plan to hold. Conventional loans offer lower rates and smaller down payments but qualify based on your personal W-2 income and are effectively capped at 10 properties under Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. DSCR loans cost more and need higher down payments, but they qualify based on rental income, not your tax returns, and have no federal property-count cap—making them a portfolio-friendly option. Many investors use conventional financing for their first 2–3 deals, then transition to DSCR when tax returns limit qualification or they hit the conventional property cap. These products aren’t competitors but sequential tools in a growth strategy. For guidance on which path fits your goals, contact Ken Claude, SC Broker-in-Charge & Licensed Loan Officer, Carolina Coastal Realty Group & Summit Lending Group, NMLS #2476547, 843-900-1254. Equal Housing Lender. Powered by C2 Financial Corporation.

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500 N Pine Street
Summerville, SC
29483

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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