Author: Paul Hankins

Paul Hankins, founder of Brickwood Mortgage, is a South Carolina native, entrepreneur, and seasoned mortgage professional with more than 23 years of experience in residential lending, real estate investment, property management, and renovation projects in South Carolina.

Is a Home Inspection Required for a Conventional Loan?

A person in a neon yellow vest holds architectural blueprints. A small wooden house model and a magnifying glass rest on them.

When it comes to buying a home with a conventional loan, one of the most common questions that potential buyers have is whether a home inspection is required. While the answer is no— conventional loans do not mandate a home inspection—it’s essential to understand why having one can be a crucial part of the home-buying […]

Common Mortgage Process Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A concerned couple sits at a kitchen table, reviewing bills. The man holds his forehead, while the woman leans in supportively.

Mortgage processes can be complex, and even small mistakes can lead to significant issues down the road. Being aware of common pitfalls and knowing how to avoid them can help you secure the best possible mortgage terms and ensure a smoother home-buying experience. At BrickWood Mortgage, Inc. we understand these challenges and are here to […]

Benefits of Refinancing Your Home: When is the Right Time?

Stacks of gold coins, a set of keys, and a small model house sit on a wooden surface.

Refinancing a mortgage can be a powerful financial tool for homeowners, offering the potential to save money and achieve various financial goals. However, knowing when and why to refinance can make a significant difference in the benefits you receive. In this guide, we’ll explore the advantages of refinancing and help you determine the right time […]

How to Secure an FHA Loan for Mixed-Use Properties: A Step-By-Step Guide

A mortgage application form with a pen lies on a wooden table. Two miniature house models are placed above the form.

Obtaining an FHA loan for mixed-use properties can be a significant advantage for many investors. These loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), offer appealing terms and lower down payments. However, the process can be complex, especially if you’re new to mixed-use properties. Today, we’ll help you navigate the steps to secure an FHA […]

How a Mortgage Calculator Can Help You Budget for a New Home

Hands using a calculator on a table with a model house, rolled-up blueprints, and coins in the background.

Purchasing a new home is a major financial decision, and the process can be both thrilling and daunting. One useful tool to help manage this process is a mortgage calculator. By understanding and using a mortgage calculator, you can effectively plan your budget for a new home. Here, we explain the advantages of using a […]

Can You Sell A House with A Mortgage?

A smiling couple stands together in front of a house with a "For Sale" sign.

In the journey of homeownership, circumstances change, and the need to sell your home can arise even when you still have a mortgage. It’s a common question that puzzles many homeowners: Can you sell a house with a mortgage? The short answer is yes, you can. Selling a mortgaged property might seem daunting, but with […]

How Can You Reduce Your Total Loan Cost?

A man in a suit calculates with a calculator, surrounded by documents, a miniature house model, and a smartphone.

Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. Securing a mortgage loan is a significant part of that journey. But with the excitement of purchasing a new home, it’s easy to overlook the total cost of your loan over its lifetime. The good news is that there […]

Navigating the Home Loan Process: A Guide for First-Time Buyers in Grand Strand

A person calculates finances at a desk with a small house model, coins, a notepad, calculator, and laptop.

Buying a home for the first time can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. As a trusted mortgage broker in the Grand Strand area, BrickWood Mortgage, Inc. understands the challenges faced by first-time home buyers. With this in mind, we want to walk you through the home loan process and provide valuable insights for first-time […]

Smart Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

A paper house with a blue roof sits on financial graphs, alongside a compass.

Obtaining a mortgage is a significant financial decision, and finding a lower mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. At BrickWood Mortgage, Inc. we understand the importance of securing a lower mortgage rate for our clients. Today, we’re going to explore smart strategies that can help you secure […]

Tips for Saving Money on Your Mortgage

A woman in a denim shirt smiles while placing a coin into a piggy bank, symbolizing saving money.

Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and finding ways to save money on your mortgage can make a big difference in your financial well-being. At BrickWood Mortgage, Inc. a trusted mortgage broker in South Carolina, we understand the importance of maximizing savings. Here, we will provide valuable tips to help you save money on […]