Blog | Page 3

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 | Page 3

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 | Page 3

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 | Page 3

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 | Page 3

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.

Blog | Page 3

Lesson Plans and Loan Plans: How to Compare Loan Options

By Wendy Lewis
July 30, 2025

Teachers spend hours building lesson plans, all with the goal of delivering incredible insight on important topics to young minds ready to learn. Teachers also need to focus on their own education, especially when making big decisions like buying a home.

Southern Trust Mortgage aims to be a resource for teachers in the community who want to own a home and just need the tools to make it happen. Our Educator Advantage program provides teachers with a $400 lender credit that keeps more money in their pockets.

For teachers wondering about the affordability and accessibility of homes today, the good news is that there are often more programs and resources available than you realize. Let’s explore some important tools and resources that can help you.

Comparing Loan Options

Numerous loan types exist today. Fixed rate, adjustable rate, and numerous term lengths create competitive, and even low, monthly payments. Before jumping into any loan program, though, it’s critical to compare options. Some of the most important factors to compare when choosing a loan include:

Interest rate: The Percentage of Interest you will pay monthly over the life of the loan. The monthly payment that goes toward the interest reduces as the years go, eventually paying more toward the principal each month than interest.
Loan length: Longer terms help reduce monthly payments, but may extend the cost of buying a home. Typical loan terms are 30, 20, 15 & 10 Years.
Fixed or adjustable rates: Fixed rates stay the same throughout the lifetime of the loan, creating financial stability because you know your payment, but adjustable rate loans could offer some lower monthly cost during the initial ARM period.
Borrowing power: Factors like your income and debt play a role in how much a lender can offer to you.
Closing costs: Closing costs are paid at closing and cover the different expenses required to complete the loan process. Your agent can often help you negotiate with the seller for paid closing costs.

At Southern Trust Mortgage, our lending team works directly with you to compare options, find the most affordable loan, and aid in securing the best interest rates available. With professional support, it’s easier to find loan terms that better suit your individual needs. Learn about Homebuying today!

Connecting Teachers With Savings Opportunities

Teachers can obtain a loan that fits their needs through Southern Trust Mortgage. Speak to your lender about:

Down payment assistance programs within your community
Teacher-specific saving opportunities (including our Educator Advantage program)
Community-specific savings options

As a teacher, you deserve an opportunity to own a home and build your life in the community. With the Educator Advantage and the wide range of lending options available to you from Southern Trust Mortgage, learn more about homebuying today.

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How Homeownership Benefits Communities, Families, and Individuals

By Wendy Lewis
July 2, 2025

How Homeownership Benefits Communities, Families, and Individuals

Why buy a house? Most people see buying a home as a personal decision, one that impacts their future and perhaps that of their families. That is true, but ownership goes further. It also impacts communities.

When making the decision to buy a home, always focus on the individual value and benefits it can offer. Yet, on the grand scale, it’s worth taking a closer look at why owning your home is helping to support a healthy community.

Homeownership Supports Community Stability

Research conducted by Habitat for Humanity has found that individuals with residential stability experience increased life satisfaction, engage more frequently with their community, and achieve better educational outcomes for their children. It also helps boost physical and mental health.

Owning a home, the organization found, was associated with a decreased risk of residential instability. The organization found that renters move about five times as often as those who buy a home. They only stay in their residence about one-quarter of the time that homeowners do.

What Does Owning a Home Do?

Owning a home can create a marked improvement in the quality of life of individuals. It creates a sense of financial freedom, builds financial stability for families, and contributes to long-term generational benefits. Consider a larger view. Owning a home can lead to the following community benefits:

Improved economic growth: Communities with higher percentages of homeowners have a more stable economic landscape. It aids in contributing to higher property values, which helps attract new businesses to the area. That creates local investment.
Better civic engagement: Homeowners are more committed to their community. That means they are more likely to get involved in the schools, community volunteer programs, and the local political scene. That ensures the community’s decisions, growth, and change focus on what’s most important to those who live there.
Better outcomes: Communities with a higher number of owners than renters often have lower crime rates, better public assistance numbers, and enhanced property maintenance and improvement over time, according to data from the National Realtors Association.

Supporting Homeownership Means Educating and Starting the Conversation

Exploring the benefits of homeownership to communities, families, and individuals demonstrates the value of investing. Having the right partner to help fund that economic objective and achieve that long-term growth is more complex.

At Southern Trust Mortgage, our team is here to help you make the best decisions for your future. We work with consumers, real estate agents, and others to support the goal of growing healthy communities one mortgage at a time. Contact us to learn more.

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The Move from Renter to Buyer: What Makes It Happen?

By Wendy Lewis
July 2, 2025

How does someone make the decision to go from renting a home to buying? It’s often a personal decision based on a combination of factors. Yet, sometimes, it’s beneficial to take the time to consider the value of making the move to buy. Could it be possible? Is that the decision best suited for your future?

Renting might feel like the safer bet right now, but it could be holding you back. On average, homeowners have nearly 40 times the net worth of renters. Why? Every mortgage payment they make builds their wealth. Your rent? It just builds your landlord’s.

Net Worth

To build confidence in the process and benefits of buying a home, it’s essential to take a closer look at some of the core factors that impact many renters’ decisions. Consider the factors that influence a renter’s decision to become a buyer.

Financial Readiness
Consistent Income
Lifestyle Choices
Market Conditions

Before you make the decision to buy a home or to keep renting, take a closer look at what buying could mean for you as soon as you move into the home. With the help of your Southern Trust Loan Officer, it is possible to crunch the numbers and find out exactly which opportunities can make a difference in your decision.

With the right information, data, and careful consideration of all the options available, it may be wise to move into homeownership instead of a larger rental.

Turn to Southern Trust Mortgage now. Schedule a time to speak with our team about home loans that meet your needs. Contact us now to learn more.

Blog | Page 3

What Is the True Value of Owning a Home?

By Wendy Lewis
July 2, 2025

What Is the True Value of Owning a Home?

Deciding to buy a home means different things to various buyers. For some, the dream of homeownership fosters the need to buy as soon as possible. For others, it takes longer to make that decision, whether due to lifestyle or financial reasons.

But what happens when a buyer is on the fence? You could buy a home now, but should you? To make that decision, consider some of the most important reasons why buyers report wanting to buy a home, as noted by the National Association of Realtors.

Value Increase

Home values historically increase over the long term. From the end of 2000 to the end of 2023, for example, the median home price in the U.S. rose from $172,900 to $417,700. While a variety of factors contributed to that, and periods of home value drops can occur, over the long term, real estate is a good investment for many. Over time, you could sell your home for more than you paid for it.

Owning a home helps you save on your taxes. The U.S. Tax Code allows homeowners to deduct a substantial portion of their mortgage interest for the year from their taxable income. That means you’re reducing the amount of taxes you pay each year by owning a home.

Equity Affordability

Another core reason to own a home is equity, the portion of a home’s value that is owned by the owner free and clear. With each payment, equity increases, resulting in a substantial value over time. If there is a need to renovate or tap into funds for other reasons, that equity often offers a considerably lower interest rate than most personal loans.

A Loan Helps Build Credit

Buying a home with a mortgage helps build the owner’s credit score. Over time, this means better borrowing power due to consistent, on-time payments. Real people benefit from these benefits.

Savings Opportunity

As one of the largest assets that many people own throughout their lifetime, their home can become a valuable savings tool for the future. As mortgage payments are paid down and the debt owed, equity grows, creating a significant asset that you could sell to fund retirement down the road.

Looking for Guidance on Homeownership?

Home buying offers benefits. However, it is critical for both homebuyers to weigh those benefits against the costs and limitations that can sometimes apply. Having a lender that’s resourceful, transparent, and ready to support the unique needs of each buyer is a must.

At Southern Trust Mortgage, we remain your dedicated team to help fund the purchase of a home. Whether you are not sure about homeownership right now or you need help for a client who needs support in securing their first home loan, we are here to guide you.

Contact Southern Trust Mortgage now for a free, no-obligation quote and the support you need when buying your next home.

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What Homebuyers Need to Make the Decision to Invest

By Wendy Lewis
July 2, 2025

Realtors Support Those Who Want to Own a Home: What Homebuyers Need to Make the Decision to Invest

Homeownership has long been a financial objective for many people. With so much uncertainty in the economy and the world in general, it’s critical for potential buyers to have authentic insight to help them decide whether to buy now or wait a bit.

Statistics on Homeownership

Data released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicate that homeownership remains a desirable goal for many people. Approximately 29% of all homebuyers are Millennials, those between the ages of 26 and 34, while Gen Xers, those aged 45 to 59, comprise about 24% of buyers. Those between the ages of 60 and 69 made up 26% of buyers. Overall, the homeownership rate in the U.S. stood at approximately 65.1% as of the first quarter of 2025.

When it comes to making a purchase, potential homebuyers seek affordable loans. About 74% of all homebuyers finance their home purchase, with younger borrowers relying on their savings to meet down payment requirements. In recent years, high rental rates in many areas have delayed the possibility of buying a home for younger borrowers, according to NAR data.

Numerous Loan Options and Tools Make It Possible to Buy a Home

Information is the key to making an informed decision about buying a home. Many people wonder if they earn enough to afford a home. Others struggle with knowing how much of a home fits their budget. There are also questions about the accessibility of loans.

Real estate agents are the backbone of educating future homebuyers. They offer insight into home buying trends, home values, and negotiation strategies. Yet, they are also a solid resource for choosing a lender.

The Value of Homeownership to Today’s Generation

Homeownership offers a range of benefits for individuals at all stages of life. It offers far more than just the ability to decide what color to paint the walls. Some of the core benefits include:

Equity-building power: Each payment reduces a portion of the borrowed funds, creating equity. Owners can tap into that equity to secure low-interest loans.
Potential value appreciation: Typically, home values increase over time, creating wealth for borrowers as that occurs. This can lead to financial gains if the buyer decides to sell later.
Stability: Owning your home provides stability. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment does not change for years, making knowing you can afford your home possible.

Connect with Homebuyers: Finding Lending Opportunities

For lenders and buyers alike, having an affordable lender to turn to for mortgage support is critically important. Speak to Southern Trust Mortgage now to learn more about how we have helped thousands of families buy with confidence.