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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

October 2018 Success Story

October 2018 Success Story

Meet Laura and Shaun Rosado! They recently purchased their home with the help of Origin SC. Check out this awesome success story:

Q. What was your first experience with Origin SC/how did you hear about us?
  •  I have friends and family who have worked with Origin SC for a number of years. So when it came time to buy our first home, there was only one choice that came to mind. Origin SC!   
Q. Was the “Origin Way” of buying a home effective?
  • Absolutely. Even though I have friends and family who have worked with Origin SC, I knew very little about the home ownership process. To say I needed a lot of hand holding would be an understatement. Buying a home has always felt like a daunting task, something too big to accomplish. Despite these fears, the Origin Team deftly guided me through the process and made sure I understood each and every step. Even when we had issues, or fears, the Origin Team continued to give us even - fair advice on how to proceed and made us feel comfortable during this journey into unknown waters. I absolutely think the Origin Way of helping first time home buyers is phenomenal and I cannot recommend it enough. 
Q. Did you work with Origin Lending? If so, how was your overall experience with your Lending advisor, Stephanie Reed? Was she friendly, knowledgeable and helpful?
  • Negative
Q. Did you benefit from the NFA fund? If so, how did the NFA fund help you successfully get into your home?
  • Negative
Q. Did you work with any of our financial coaches? If so, how was that experience?
  • Yes we did! Our coach took the time to carefully review our credit and finances to help shape a plan that would put us in the best position to buy a home. Even so, our coach never candy coated the truth. When we had a problem that needed to be fixed, she gave us the best course of action. When we were on task and in good shape, she gave us encouragement as well as hints and tips to keep the positive momentum going. It took some time, but I cannot argue with the results. We're in the best shape of our financial lives in quite some time and the result manifested in our ability to buy our dream home. 
Q. Did you work with Origin Realty? If so, how was that experience? Would you recommend them to others?
  • Absolutely. Origin Realty goes out of their way to make sure that you, the potential home owner, feel as comfortable as possible in the process of buying a home without softening the truth. They set up realistic expectations and they pursue every avenue possible to help you achieve your goal of buying a home. I simply cannot recommend them enough. 
Q. Do you have any additional comments or suggestions for our staff and the granting process?
  • Negative, you all did a phenomenal job and I think you're the best. 
Q. What would you say to a person that is thinking about buying a home?
  • Don't be afraid. I know the idea of buying a house can seem intimidating, especially if you don't have the best credit - but don't let that stop you. Origin SC can help you prepare your finances, give you effective tips on rebuilding your credit, and create a game plan on how to get you into a home of your own. It may take some time and some serious work on your end but you won't have to do it alone. They will walk with you every step of the way and make sure you feel confident in the choices you are making and they'll make sure to steer you away from decisions that may not be optimal for your situation. They give you the best advice for you to achieve your goals and frankly, they're the best resource you can have in your corner. Step up, take a chance, the only thing holding you back - is you. 
Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
  • Origin SC is the best and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to buy a home. 100% will use again. 

Thursday, November 1, 2018

October 2018 Newsletter

See what's new and exciting with Origin SC this month!


October 2018 Newsletter
Check out what's new and exciting at Origin SC this month!


Buying Your Home,
the Origin Way
Meet the Laura and Shaun Rosado! They recently purchased their first home with the help of Origin SC! Now their dreams of homeownership have come true! They are thoroughly enjoying all of the perks of homeownership, and so is their fur baby!

This could be YOU! Contact Origin SC today to start making your dreams of homeownership a reality. 
For Realty services, contact Debbie Kidd at 843-276-8744 or email dkidd@originsc.org
For Lending services, contact Stephanie Reed at 843-735-7810 or email sreed@originsc.org
For Financial Coaching and workshops, please visit our website www.originsc.org or contact Laura Jeffers at 843-735-7866 or email ljeffers@originsc.org



Attend an Origin SC Workshop

Nov. 3 - Intro to Homeownership - 10 AM-12 PM
Nov. 6 - Credit Improvement - 6-8 PM
Nov. 8 - Making Ends Meet - 6-8 PM
Nov. 15 - Intro to Homeownership - 6-8 PM
Nov. 17 - First Time Homebuyer - 9 AM-4 PM

*Please note, there are no workshops held during the month of December*

More dates, times, and locations available! To learn more or to register, please visit our website!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

"I am no longer a victim. I am a survivor."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please let Origin SC help.

Call 843-735-7802 or visit our Family Violence Intervention webpage to learn more about the services Origin SC has to offer.



The Last First Time Homebuyer Workshop of 2018!!!


Origin SC is hosting our homeownership workshop on November 17th. The workshop will be held at the Origin SC office at 4925 Lacross Road, North Charleston, SC 29406. The workshop is taught by HUD-certified housing and credit counselors. The cost of the workshop is usually $49 per household.

For this month only, we are holding our First Time Homebuyer Workshop for FREE!!!

This is an all-day course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All materials will be included, plus breakfast and lunch. This course will cover everything you need to know about becoming a first-time homebuyer. This workshop meets the education requirement for those seeking down payment assistance.

Topics that will be covered in the First Time Homebuyer Workshop include:
·     Which mortgage products are right for you;
·     Current market conditions;
·     Buying HUD-owned properties, foreclosures, and short sales;
·     Home warranties;
·     Lending options;
·     Tax credits;
·     Fees, credit scores, and budgeting;
·     How much home you can qualify for and afford;
·     Getting the most out of working with your realtor;
·     And more.

To register for FREE, use the Coupon Code: "THANKFUL"

This is the last First Time Homebuyer workshop of 2018!!! Reserve your spot while you still can! Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register for the workshop, please visit www.originsc.org/classes/first-time-homebuyer-workshop/ or call 843.735-7802.


Origin SC's Debt Management Program

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with credit card debt? You're not alone...

A client came to Origin SC with over $60,000 in credit card debt and was overwhelmed with making her minimum monthly payments which totaled around $1900, which caused her budget to have a $400 deficit monthly. Origin’s Debt Management Program reduced her monthly payments and interest rates, saving her over $400/month, 22 years of repayment, and $42,000 in interest fees! She now has a balanced budget and will be debt free within just 5 years.

To learn more about Origin SC's Debt Management Program, please call 843-735-7884 or visit the program's webpage by clicking the link below.



A Story of Survival
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read this story to learn the importance of early detection and regular exams from one of Origin SC's own, Laura Jeffers.


"I had my first and only screening in 2005. 
Every year after that my doctor stayed on me to have another, but, like most women, I just ignored it. 

In 2012, my doctor made the appointment for me and I decided it was best that I go and thank goodness I did. As a result of my mammogram, the doctor found a small mass. Even though self-checks are important, this one was undetectable by touch so I believe mammogram screenings are more important than anything. When it was found, I was only at a stage -0-, which means the cancer had not spread outside of the cell wall. I was not required to have chemo but did have a lumpectomy (which left me somewhat disfigured), and I went through 33 daily radiation treatments which leave your skin burned and your body exhausted.  
It has been six 1/2 years since my surgery, but, as a result of the radiation, I still get easily fatigued and was found to now have full blown osteoporosis leaving me susceptible to fractures which I have to take medication for a 5 year time period. I was truly blessed to have caught it so early. Early detection saved me from chemo and hopefully the chance that it will return. 

Had I waited just one more year, I could have been at stage 2-3 and would have had chemo. If I had waited and the cancer was discovered in the later stages, my chances of recovery would have decreased and the possibility of it returning would have increased.  

Case in point:  
My sister, who is 19 months younger than me, also put off going in for her mammogram. Once I was diagnosed, she decided it was best that she go. When she did, she found out that she too had breast cancer and was already at stage 2. She went through a double mastectomy, chemo, and was put on a medication for five years (which gives her serious side effects). Had she gone in just a year sooner, she may have been lucky like I was. Thankfully, she is cancer free today but her road has been and will be much more devastating than mine. 

I urge all women of [doctor-recommended] age, and even younger folks with a family history, to have screenings done on a regular basis. Visiting your doctor for a physical exam is important, but as I mentioned, mine was only found by the mammogram. Once you are diagnosed, your mind goes crazy and you begin think of the worst case scenario. I had good doctors and I did as a I was told by having ultrasounds, MRIs, other procedures and sticking to my follow up care. I have overcome cancer and can proudly say I am a survivor! 
Should you become diagnosed, my best advice is do as you are told, stay in touch with your doctors, and most importantly keep your faith strong and you will overcome and be a survivor too!"

-Laura Jeffers, Origin SC Bankruptcy Counselor/Intake Coordinator


Affordable DIY Fall Crafts

Looking for a fun, affordable activity to do with your family on a fall day? Why not make some festive fall crafts to decorate your home with! Check out this article for some fabulous DIY fall crafts.



So What's New with Credit Scores??
So what’s new with Credit Scores???

Soon you will be able to apply for an Ultra FICO score. This is how it works: you apply for credit with a lender the same way, but if your credit should be rejected, you can ask for an "Ultra-FICO" score. This grants permission to check your savings, checking, and/or money market account. If you manage these accounts well, having a average balance of at least $400 per month and no overdrafts, you could get a bump up of approximately 20 credit points. 

If you are looking to improve your credit score check out the services that Origin SC has to offer! We have free Credit Improvement workshops as well as one-on-one credit coaching with licensed credit coaches. Call 843-735-7802 or visit www.originsc.org 

[ORIGIN SC]
[4925 Lacross Road, North Charleston SC, 29406] - [843-735-7802] [www.originsc.org]