Mortgage Loans

Whether you’re buying your first house or reducing your existing mortgage payment, we’re here for you.

Credit Union Mortgage Loans in South Carolina Tailored to Your Needs

Whatever your home buying needs are, SAFE has the best mix of home loan rates, personalized service, and expertise to make your mortgage process fast and easy.

  • Offer variety of mortgage products to purchase, build, refinance, or fix-up
  • In-house loan experts to offer personalized service every step of the way
  • Accelerated turnaround time to take you from application to closing in approximately 30 days or less

Current Mortgage Rates

30-Year Fixed
Annual Percentage Rate as low as
6.096%
APR*
10-Year Fixed
Annual Percentage Rate as low as
5.715%
APR*
30-Year Construction
Annual Percentage Rate as low as
7.15%
APR*

*APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Loans are subject to credit union membership, eligibility and verification of information provided on the application. Some restrictions apply. All loans subject to credit approval. For fixed-rate mortgages, Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) are not subject to increase after consummation. An example of a typical 30-year fixed rate mortgage with a down payment of 20% is as follows: a loan amount of $250,000 with a note rate of 6.625% with an APR of 6.667% would result in a monthly principal and interest payment of $1,600.78. The stated monthly payment amount does not include taxes or insurance costs. If an escrow account is required, your actual monthly payment will also include amounts for real estate taxes, homeowner's insurance premiums, and/or Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), therefore your payment amount will be higher than the example given. Terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without prior notice. For more information about buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, credit issues or reverse mortgages visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website.  

Mortgage FAQs

Buying, remodeling, refinancing, or building a home is a big decision. We’re here to help you learn about the process, research your options, and weigh your decision.

SAFE keeps the mortgage process simple and seamless. Start by applying online in our secure application portal where you'll fill out some basic information about yourself. You also can apply at your nearest SAFE branch. Once you're approved, you can start looking for your new home! A home appraisal Is required for a home purchase or refinance. SAFE's loan experts are here to provide guidance and next steps from approval to closing, so there's never any guessing.

SAFE's accelerated mortgage processing can get you to closing in as little as 30 days! 

First, ask yourself how much you can spend. Look at all your financial obligations to get a better picture of what you can put into a down payment as well as monthly payments.
 
You also want to consider the other costs of home-buying and ownership, like Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and property tax.  
 
Need a little help with the numbers? Use our handy mortgage calculators to determine if it’s time to buy, calculate your monthly mortgage payments, or decide between mortgage types. 

After you’ve gathered your financial information, you’re all set for the next step—talking to one of our loan officers. They can help you explore your loan options and answer any questions you may have.

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Refinancing can be a great option when your interest rate is above the current market rate. You may wish to refinance in order to: 

  • Lower your monthly mortgage payment 
  • Build equity 
  • Pay off your mortgage loan faster 
  • Get rid of mortgage insurance 
  • Switch from an adjustable to fixed-rate loan

However, when weighing the decision to refinance, it’s important to consider the impact of fees, prepayment penalties, or long-term costs. Those expenses could wipe out your potential savings.

Before you decide, take a look through our Digital Mortgage Center to see your options. You can also estimate costs using our mortgage refinance calculator. As always, you can talk to one of our loan officers who will help you weigh your options.  

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Applying for mortgage preapproval with SAFE is quick and easy. The application takes only about 15 minutes, and you can expect a quick response. 

By the way, no official documents (such as ID or proof of income) are required until after you’re pre-approved.

Apply Now

To get started, simply visit our secure application portal. You can first take a look at all your options when it comes to a mortgage at SAFE and learn all about the process. You'll find helpful information about things like:

  • The different types of of refinances (Existing Balance or Cash Out) 
  • Common mortgage terms
  • How to calculate your estimated monthly payment
  • An overview of the mortgage process
  • An introduction to SAFE's mortgage team

When you’re ready to apply, it’s quick and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete your application, and you can expect to quickly hear back from one of our Mortgage Loan Originators.

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Yes, unlike other lenders, SAFE allows you to cash out up to 95% of your home's equity to pay off other debt, or whatever you choose. 

When you’re ready to apply, it’s quick and easy. It takes only about 15 minutes to complete your application, and you can expect to quickly hear back from one of our Mortgage Loan Originators.

Just like there are benefits to banking with a credit union, there are benefits to borrowing from one, too. As a not-for-profit credit union, we can offer: 

  • Lower interest rates 
  • Fewer fees 
  • Friendly, personalized assistance from local loan officers 

Even when you apply online, a SAFE team member will connect with you to provide one-on-one service throughout the entire mortgage process. You won’t be passed around—your loan will be assigned to a specific loan officer who will guide you from start to finish. 

Not yet a SAFE member? You may qualify for membership based on your location or your membership in one of our partner organizations (including your employer). Learn more about joining safe on our Membership page.

You can make a quick one-time transfer or set up recurring payments within your Online Banking account. If you prefer you can pay at a branch or by phone when you use our telephone banking or call 1-800-763-8600, option 2. You also can mail your payment with the loan coupons that are Issued with your mortgage. However you choose, making a payment is easy!

Looking for your monthly mortgage balance? Your mortgage balance can be found within Online Banking, on your monthly mortgage statement, or by calling 1-800-763-8600

Interested in automatic payments? Automatic mortgage payments can be set up quickly and easily within your online banking account.

Mortgage Loan Types

Residential First Mortgage 

Fixed Rate Loans for 10-30 years for up to 100% loan to value (LTV) for purchases and 97% for refinances. Up to FNMA limits, currently $647,200 and Jumbo loans up to $750,000. 

Home Equity Loan 

Fixed rate loans for up to 15 years in amounts from $5,000 to $200,000. With a minimum loan of $15,000 and closing with a SAFE approved attorney, SAFE will pay a portion of your closing costs.

Freedom Loans 

Loans available for 7, 10, 15, & 25 years; must pay off existing first mortgage. Loan to value 75% or less. Limited closing costs on loans $50,000 or greater; maximum loan amount $647,200. 

Residential Second Home 

Fixed rate loans for 15 years for up to 80% financing in amounts from $25,000 to $647,200 limit. Must be located at least 50 miles from primary residence. 

Investment Property 

Fixed rate loans up to 15 years for 80% maximum LTV. Limited to two properties per member. 

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FREDDIE MAC CREDIT SMART®

Homebuyer Educational Course

If you're dreaming of homeownership, but not sure where to begin, the Freddie Mac® CreditSmart Homebuyer U course is for you! It's an online resource packed full of helpful information like how to budget and save, why your credit is important, understanding the mortgage process and more!

More Mortgage Resources

Finance Your Home

Apply for a Mortgage in South Carolina

Work with a leading local lender to finance your dream home. We’re dedicated to serving our seven-county region in South Carolina—Clarendon, Florence, Lee, Sumter, Lexington, Richland, and Kershaw counties.