Blog | Archives for August 2025

Get Home Ready for the School Year: Renovation Loans for Family Spaces

By Kiley Belanga
August 28, 2025

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, many families are shifting gears. Beyond stocking up on school supplies and new clothes, have you considered if your home is truly ready for the academic demands and evolving needs of your family? For families seeking to optimize their living environment, Southern Trust Mortgage offers family-friendly mortgage renovation solutions designed to help. From dedicated study spaces to accommodating growing children, your home’s functionality can significantly impact a successful school year.

What do you do if your current home doesn’t quite meet your family’s evolving needs for the school year?

While some may consider beginning house hunting again for a home that checks all the boxes. Others may choose to take out a renovation loan to turn their current house into the home of their dreams.

Renovation Loans offer creative mortgage solutions to transform your current house, or even a fixer-upper purchase into the ultimate family-friendly learning environment. These loans are designed to finance improvements that enhance functionality, comfort, and ultimately, academic success.

Here’s a list of home additions and upgrades that not only increase property value but also directly encourage academic growth and improve overall family well-being:

Dedicated Study Spaces: Making Home(work) Happen:

The kitchen table might have worked for a while, but as children get older and academic demands increase, they often need a quiet, more organized study area. A dedicated study space minimizes distractions, improves focus, and fosters independent learning, making homework less of a chore

Solution: Easily build a custom study space, designated focus area in an existing room or consider converting an unused closet into a study nook with a renovation loan. These small additions can make a huge difference in productivity for your student.

You can expect to see a 71% Return in Investment (ROI) by repurposing a space that was previously not used or not finished. (NAR)

Accommodating Growth: Adding Bedrooms or Additional Space

Kids grow, and sometimes, so does the need for more personal space. If your children are sharing rooms and craving their own territory, or if you’re planning for future family expansion, an extra bedroom might be on your radar. This is key for privacy, sleep, and overall harmony during the busy school year.

Solution: Build an extra bedroom addition or reconfigure existing layouts to work better for your family’s evolving needs, creating comfortable and private retreats for everyone.

If your home is adding a third bedroom, you can expect to see an ROI between 80% and 100%, but if your home already has three or more bedrooms, adding an additional room will result in ROI falling between 60% and 70%. (Angi)

Improving Family Common Areas: Where Connection Happens

The school year often comes with busy schedules, extracurriculars, and varying energy levels. Comfortable, well thought-out common areas that separate schoolwork from social spaces can create a calm place to unwind, connect, and bond together after a long day.

Solution: Upgrade your family room to be more inviting and spacious, or explore creating an open-concept living space for better flow and connection. Doing a kitchen remodel could also be a great alternative, resulting in the greatest possible ROI and a space for family and friends to gather after a long day.

With a minor kitchen remodel, you can expect to see a 60% Return on Investment. (NAR)

Ready to determine your next steps to a school-year ready home?

Investing in your home isn’t just about property value; it’s also about investing in your family’s comfort, productivity, and academic success. Whether you’re dreaming of a dedicated study nook, adding an extra bedroom, or simply want to optimize your living spaces for the busy school year, Southern Trust’s renovation loans can turn those dreams into reality.

Contact a Southern Trust Mortgage loan officer today to determine your home financing options!

Blog | Archives for August 2025

How do School Zones Impact Your Home’s Value?

By Kiley Belanga
August 21, 2025

When you’re looking for a new home, you’re likely considering factors like the number of bedrooms, the size of the yard, and the convenience of the commute. However, there’s another significant factor that often plays a powerful, underlying role in a home’s value: the local school district. As of 2023, over 30% of buyers 33-42 say that the school district is a primary factor when purchasing a home. (2023 NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends)

While it’s essential to avoid making direct judgments or recommendations about specific schools, understanding the broader relationship between school districts and real estate can be invaluable for homebuyers. This insight is not only crucial for your family’s immediate needs but also for the future value of the home as a long-term investment.

Here’s a look at why schools have an impact on home values and what key elements to research when you’re in the market for a new home.

Resources and Facilities:
Beyond the teaching staff, different schools may offer a variety of courses, extracurriculars, or support staff that could create a unique learning environment. When looking at prospective locations, consider the facilities of the schools within the designated zone and public data on the area. You may also want to consider publicly available funding information on local schools. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a home’s value increases by $20 for every $1 spent on public schools in the community.

Proximity and Accessibility:
The convenience of living closer to a desired school can also positively impact a home’s value. Considering the ease of commute from home to school can save time and energy for parents and children alike, while also improving the demand for properties in the area. Homes within easy walking or short driving distance to highly-rated schools often command a premium.

Neighborhood Stability:
Proximity to schools is a correlating factor with maintaining a stable neighborhood and attracting residents looking for similar community values and long-term residency. This creates a sense of pride and community among neighbors, while also increasing the value of your home and those around you. Strong school communities often lead to lower crime rates and better-maintained public spaces.

Long-Term Trends:
Savvy homebuyers look past the most recent year’s data. Are there consistent trends in students’ academic performances, project development, or community support? Consider if things are on an upward trend and/or moving to further improvement.

Future Opportunities:
While many homeowners are typically not considering selling the home of their dreams before they purchase it, thhe future resale value is a key factor to consider when making that decision. Studies show that homes in areas with well-preforming school districts sell for up to 10-20% more than similar homes in average areas. Not only do homes hold a higher value, but they also tend to sell faster in more desirable areas, often 8 days faster, in fact, due to high demand!

When shopping for your dream home, especially if school zones are a priority, remember to look beyond the property itself. Diligently research the area and school zone to truly understand how they may impact your home’s value in both the short and long term. Your local real estate agent and Southern Trust Mortgage loan officer can also be invaluable sources of knowledge and information about specific local areas and home financing options when buying your home.

Source: https://www.nar.realtor/schools-the-homebuying-decision

Blog | Archives for August 2025

Help Students Start the Year Off Right by Supporting Local Back-to-School Supply Drives

By Kiley Belanga
August 14, 2025

As students begin to gear up for the new year, back-to-school supply drives are more crucial than ever. These initiatives provide the essential tools that countless students need to be set for success, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in the classroom.

Research from United Way shows that 16 million students, or one in four, in the United States lack access to basic school supplies. This stark statistic highlights the importance of back-to-school supply drives to help bridge this gap nationwide.

Want to join in giving back? Here is a list of the highest demand supplies that you could add to your next shopping trip:

Writing Utensils (Pencils, Pens, Colored Pencils, Highlighters)
Paper Products (Loose Leaf Paper, Spiral Notebooks, Composition Notebooks, Index Cards, Construction Paper)
Organization (Pocket Folders, 3-Ring Binders)
Craft (Glue Sticks, Tape, Crayons, Dry Erase Markers, Erasers)
Hygiene (Tissues, Hand Sanitizer, Sanitizing Wipes)

*If donating to a specific event or school, please refer to their need list.

At Southern Trust, we are committed to giving back to the community and making a positive impact. In 2024, thanks to the contributions from our team, community, and agent partners, we were able to raise $7,000 and provide supplies for 6 schools across Hampton Roads. We understand the need extends far beyond one region. In 2025, we are expanding our reach to help more local schools across our lending footprint.

Click here to find out which event is closest to you!

If you cannot participate in one of our local school supply drives, consider giving back directly to your local schools, communities, or organizations hosting school supply drives of their own.

Blog | Archives for August 2025

Back to School for Homebuyers: What to Ask Before Buying a Home

By Kiley Belanga
August 7, 2025

Just as students prepare for a new school year, first-time homebuyers are also gathering their own ‘supplies’ to navigate the exciting journey of purchasing a new home. As you begin your homeownership journey, you might be asking yourself, ‘where do I get started?’ along with a million other home buying questions. At Southern Trust Mortgage, we empower our clients with the information and guidance needed for a seamless home buying process, especially for those new to the market.

Ready to start your journey to homeownership? Here are some essential questions to ask yourself before starting this major financial milestone.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

Understanding your home buying budget and how much home you can truly afford is crucial before diving into apps like Zillow, Trulia, or Redfin. To set yourself up for success and avoid frustration, the best first step is to work with a Mortgage Loan Officer to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This essential step clarifies how much home you can afford, setting realistic expectations. Plus, you’ll gain a trusted partner who can answer all your first-time home buyer questions and smoothly guide you through the entire home buying process.

How Much of a Down Payment Do I Need to Buy a House?

While a 20% down payment has its perks, like no need for monthly mortgage insurance, many buyers successfully purchase their home with low down payments options especially with the help of local, state & federal programs catered to first time homebuyers. It’s crucial to understand that your down payment amount directly impacts the size of your mortgage loan and, consequently, your monthly mortgage payments. To gain a better understanding of what your payments could look like, consider using a mortgage calculator early in the process to explore different scenarios.

What Are the Hidden Costs When Buying a Home?

Every homebuyer’s financial situation is unique, which is why meeting with a Mortgage Loan Officer is key. Aside from your down payment, there are often “hidden costs” that many first-time homebuyers overlook. A knowledgeable mortgage professional will clarify these fees, but you should anticipate expenses such as closing costs, home inspection fees, title fees, and various real estate taxes and fees. Being aware of these additional home buying costs early in the process will help you avoid unexpected financial surprises and ensure a smoother, stress-free experience.

As you start the homebuying process, you may find that you have more questions than answers. That’s why partnering with experienced mortgage and real estate professionals who prioritize your needs will provide the guidance and confidence you need to find your ideal home.

Ready to get started? Click here to get connected with a member of our team for a no-obligation mortgage consultation.

Blog | Archives for August 2025

STM Gives Back – Back to School Supply Drive

By Kiley Belanga
August 5, 2025

Team Trust is hosting our 3rd Annual School Supply Drive.

Southern Trust Mortgage is deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Last year, thanks to the contributions from our team, community, and agent partners, we were able to raise $7,000 and provide supplies for 6 schools across Hampton Roads.

This year, we are expanding our reach to help more local schools across in our lending footprint:

Deale, MD
Thursday, August 14
4:00 PM
Boathouse
604 Cabana Boulevard, Deal, MD 20751
Complimentary drink and supplies for attending teachers!

Fayetteville, NC
Tuesday, August 19
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mellow Mushroom
301 N McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Donate our Fayetteville, NC Amazon Wishlist!

Richmond, VA
Credit Essentials + School Supply Drive
Tuesday, August 19
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Gather | Midlothian
14321 Winter Breeze Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113

Virginia Beach, VA
Wednesday, August 20
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Chicks Oyster Bar
2143 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

You can get involved in a variety of ways:

Join us at one of our local events and bring supplies requested for that school district
Buy items off our Amazon wishlist

Why give back?

One in four students in the United States lack the necessary supplies needed to start the school year. We are committed to raising awareness and reducing the statistics to ensure more students and teachers within our communities are prepared for another successful year.